Last Updated on August 9, 2024
Anita Mannings is not just another name in the sprawling metropolis of London’s performing arts scene – she is a force to be reckoned with. A dancer, singer, actor, choreographer, and dance educator, Mannings embodies a rare blend of talent and entrepreneurial acumen. Her training journey is international and impeccable, commencing with distinction from Bodywork Company in Cambridge to furthering her skills at the renowned Broadway Dance Center in New York City.
In a realm where competition is fierce, Anita Manning’s remarkable achievements stand as a testament to her extraordinary talent and dedication. Her journey in the performing arts has seen her take on diverse and challenging roles: from being a principal dancer and choreographer at Siblu Villages in France to a lead performer for Chaplins Pantos. Perhaps most notably, her precocious talent shone brightly when she performed with the St. Petersburg Ballet Company at the London Coliseum at the tender age of 14.
Anita’s distinctiveness lies not only in her captivating on-stage presence but also in her significant offstage contributions. As a One Dance UK validated choreographer, she has left an indelible mark with her work on “Fluid In Flight” at The Milton Keynes Theatre and the creation of the sold-out show “On Paper,” which thoughtfully illuminates the struggles of hidden illnesses.
Her story is one of passion, perseverance, and unparalleled artistry. We invite you to delve into Anita Manning’s inspiring success story, a journey that transcends the boundaries of the performing arts and touches the heart of artistic expression.
Shaping choreographic identity and impact through “On Paper”
“When the idea to curate my own project took shape, I recognized I didn’t have to passively await opportunities; I could create my own,” Anita Mannings reflects on the inception of “On Paper.” This project marked a turning point at the age of 23, where her choreography transcended traditional bounds to address societal issues, specifically casting light on functional neurological disorder (FND). Balancing a 30-hour workweek, Anita employed innovative methods to manage her time and resources. “I used ‘The 12 Week Year’ to time block and overcome the hurdles, ensuring I was thoroughly organized,” she shares, highlighting the disciplined approach that underpinned the project’s success.
Mannings’ journey with “On Paper” was both an emotional and logistical challenge, involving meticulous advertising and intensive rehearsals. The result was a sold-out show that not only captivated audiences but also served as a beacon of hope for those silently suffering from hidden health conditions. This project, more than any other, shaped Anita’s choreographic identity, reinforcing her belief in her creative sovereignty. “Having people share how they were moved or inspired by the show made it incredibly rewarding,” Anita fondly recalls.
The show evolved from a performance into a testament of her artistic independence and her ability to deeply resonate with audiences on a personal level. On Paper” stands as a victory for Mannings’ originality and a testament to her capacity to create impactful art independently, marking a significant milestone in her choreographic career.
Image credit: Rog Palmer
A New York state of mind
The scholarships offered to Mannings, such as the $20,000 for AMDA and $500 for Broadway Dance Center, proved to be crucial catalysts in her professional voyage. “These scholarships enabled me to immerse myself in a different learning environment – the United States, specifically NYC, which has a much more encouraging and positive atmosphere,” Anita recounts. The transition from European to American training broadened her artistic perspective and strengthened her performance confidence. Mannings added house dance and hip-hop to her already expansive dance repertoire, noting, “Training in the US opened up so many doors for me; it gave me an edge and helped me stand out at auditions.”
The diversity and warmth of the classes Anita attended at Broadway Dance Center were unlike anything she had experienced. They emboldened her to experiment, hone her skills in a supportive setting, and laid the cornerstone for enduring success in a challenging industry.
How the Choreographer’s Award paved the way
The conferral of the Choreographer’s Award to Anita Mannings was a defining moment in her nascent career. This prestigious accolade, bestowed upon her as she graduated with flying colors, served as a tangible affirmation of her creative prowess and her potential to leave an indelible mark on the world of dance. “Receiving the Choreographer’s Award wasn’t just about being recognized; it was a moment of realization that my work had a distinctive voice worthy of being celebrated,” Mannings recounts with reflective appreciation.
The award, bestowed upon a select few who demonstrate originality and excellence in dance composition, heralds a recipient as a significant emerging talent in the field of choreography. For Anita, being the recipient meant that her innovative choreographic narratives, which embody emotional connection and storytelling, were not just appreciated but held up as exemplary. “It solidified my confidence in my creative abilities and encouraged me to diversify my career into choreography as well as performance,” Anita explains.
Armed with this accolade, Anita’s career trajectory diversified, weaving a rich tapestry of choreographic accomplishments. The Choreographer’s Award was an enabler that transformed the career aspirations of a promising graduate into the artistic certainties of a professional. Mannings’s mentorship roles and the creative freedoms she now enjoys echo the very tenets the award signifies – innovation, expression, and a profound understanding of movement as a language.
Embracing versatility and overcoming industry challenges
Navigating the performing arts’ fluctuating seas can be a complex journey of self-discovery and adaptation. For Anita Mannings, the quest was to carve out a distinctive identity in an environment saturated with ambition and talent. “Finding my place was a mix of embracing different styles and understanding the market,” Anita shares. Her initial forays into the industry involved a rigorous period of exploration across various dance forms, from the elegance of ballet to the unbridled energy of hip-hop. However, this journey wasn’t merely about diversification – it was about distilling her essence as a performer and recognizing where her strengths could shine brightest.
In discovering theater-jazz, Anita found an artistic medium that resonated with her personal ethos and abilities – a fusion of her dramatic flair and precise movement. “In theater-jazz, every action tells a part of a story, and finding the fluidity and expressiveness within that has been the most rewarding part of my journey,” Mannings explains. This genre became a canvas for her innovative choreography and allowed her to hone a style that stands out in a competitive field.
The camaraderie and mentorship offered at House of Jazz played no small part in this development. Here, Anita found a tribe of artists and educators who provided crucial support and insights as she navigated the intricacies of the industry. “You’re not just learning steps; you’re learning about life, resilience, and the art of storytelling through motion,” she says of her experience with the House of Jazz community.
“It’s important to find your community,” Anita insists. “It fortifies your resolve and polishes your craft in ways that solo ventures cannot.” This sentiment encapsulates the dual value of mentorship: the technical refinement of one’s artistry and the nurturing of one’s spirit. The House of Jazz has provided a sanctuary for Anita, where the trials faced are shared, and successes are celebrated communally, enriching her journey both as an artist and individual.
“This experience has been about more than just dance; it’s about how we cultivate our gifts and present them to the world,” she affirms.
Image credit: Hetty Pearson
Anchoring authenticity in creation
“Create your own work,” advises Mannings earnestly – a mantra that has underpinned her illustrious journey through the volatile landscape of the performing arts. This credo of self-determination has germinated from Anita’s conviction in the potency of creative self-reliance, an empowerment pillar that fortifies an artist’s individuality amidst the industry’s tempestuous tides. She champions this mode of autonomy not simply as an avenue for personal growth but advocates for its potential to shield the artist’s spirit against the ebb and flow of professional uncertainties.
Such self-initiated ventures are fertile grounds for integrity and innovation, allowing one to delve unreservedly into the depths of their creative intellect. Anita recalls, “Creating ‘On Paper’ not only affirmed my capabilities as a creator but also reiterated my role as a community influencer through the medium of dance.” Her embodiment of these recitals of self-expression and connectivity materialized into a powerful force that propelled “On Paper” into an emblematic showcase, harnessing art’s capacity for societal impact – a fearless amalgam of creative vulnerability and social commentary.
Mannings’s success with “On Paper” accentuated the significance of creativity and posited art as an avenue for sincere self-expression—a perspective that is occasionally rendered invisible by the industry’s commercial veneer. This ethos is deeply embedded in Anita’s professional doctrine as she continues to be a vociferous proponent for the humanity and elation that are quintessential to the arts. “The art we create should not be solely about the pursuit of commercial success but should resonate with, reflect, and enrich the human experience,” Anita articulates with the poise of a sage.
It is in this nurturing of personal projects where artists like Mannings find the vault to store their purest passions. “It’s about celebrating the art itself, the process of creation, and not just the final product,” Anita suggests, drawing attention to the creative journey’s intrinsic joys.
Advice for aspiring performers
Anita’s parting wisdom to burgeoning artists is a dialogue of self-acceptance and intrinsic value. “Don’t be afraid to be yourself,” she asserts. Mannings encourages young artists to identify and enhance their unique skills, urging them to undertake their own projects to discover what matters most to them as creators.
Her approach extends beyond the stage, as she emphasizes the importance of finding pleasure outside of one’s artistic life. From cooking to caring for dogs, she invites artists to seek joy in diverse experiences, intimating that life’s richness is not measured solely by professional achievements but by moments of genuine happiness and love. Encouraging balance and holistic fulfillment, Mannings’s advice attests to the depth of her experience and the sincerity of her aspirations for others in the field.
Across her journey, Anita Mannings has artfully navigated the labyrinth of the performing arts world, gathering not just accolades along the way, but profound insights and philosophies that both ground her and allow her to soar. She exemplifies not only extraordinary talent but an equally formidable spirit – a beacon for emerging artists and a testament to the power of initiative and creativity in the performing arts.
