Today we’d like to introduce you to Lem Manalo.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Lem Manalo, a dancer, and designer based out of Chula Vista. I’ve been a dancer for over 10 years now, performing, competing, and teaching all over the California dance circuit. I started dancing as a break dancer at my local rec center in Chula Vista. I fell in love with the movement and passion, but, more importantly, the community. I mainly battled alongside my bboy crew in the early 2010s, but as I grew older and entered high school, I centered my love for dance into hip-hop dance teams.
Once I joined my high school’s dance teams, Kinections and Otay Ranch All Male, my passion and obsession for dance grew. We would spend months on building sets to a medley of our favorite songs that we would perform at our school’s pep rallies and even dance competitions in North County. I met my closest friends’ mentors on those teams, but as I became more hungry for growth, I went on the search for a setting that was more competitive. That’s where I found the team that I spent most of my time on, iLL Habits.
During my time on iLL Habits, I was introduced to a whole new world of dance. We traveled all over California, competing at the highest level of dance and even winning 1st place at some of those competitions! I loved every second of my time on iLL Habits, but when the time came for graduation, I sadly had to leave.
Fortunately, I planned for my journey after junior-level dance teams. To keep the already long story short, I chased my dream of being on my favorite professional dance team, The Company, which was based out of Daly City, CA in the Bay Area.
I packed my bags and move to the Bay Area, where I attended San Francisco State University. I went there for 4 years and graduated with a B.S in Visual Communication Design! During my time in the Bay Area, I actually had the honor of being a part of The Company from 2017-2021! I truly found myself as a dancer and person on this team. I danced in music videos, assisted in the choreography process for famous K-Pop groups, won 1st at international dance competitions, and even shot a short dance film with this team!
Unfortunately, with the Covid pandemic, I had to part ways with The Company and relocate back to San Diego to be with my family. I took a good 2-year break from dancing during this time and pursued my other passion, Design. Previous to the pandemic, I was working as a freelance designer, but I was still new to the craft and not landing any consistent projects. It wasn’t until the pandemic that I redirected my passion and energy into design and dance took a backseat. I started to land big projects, gigs with well-known clients, contracts with Silicon Valley B2B Companies, and I even started a clothing brand with my best friend called a PUPILVISION.
That leads us to today; I am still a professional graphic designer, but now pursuing higher education in the UI/UX industry. I am also still dancing! After my 2-year break, I reconnected with old friends and communities here in San Diego and before I knew it, I was directing a junior team called Syde FX and dancing with an exhibition team called Gwown Ups!
In the past couple of months, I helped my junior team qualify at the USA Hip Hop International Dance competition, brought them to the World Hip Hop International Dance competition, and performed across Southern California with my exhibition team.
My journey has definitely been a long one, but I am nowhere near finished. I am constantly still learning more about my crafts and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey has been everything but a smooth road. I constantly found myself defeated and lost.
Before getting onto The Company, I actually failed my first audition! My whole perception of myself crumbled and I had to pick myself up with the help of my friends and family.
During my time in the Bay Area, I often missed my life in San Diego. My heart was in 2 places at once and it was extremely difficult being present in the tasks at hand.
In regards to design, I always, even to this day, have imposter syndrome. I find myself comparing my work to other very good and well-established designers, never thinking my work is good enough.
These struggles and challenges never really go away, but with them, I learned countless lessons that help me every day. Just to name a few, I learned to ask for help when I need it, believe in myself and my work, and find time to take breaks.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am currently a dancer and designer. I used to dance professionally in the Bay Area, but now currently I direct a junior dance team and dance with an exhibition dance team here in San Diego.
In regards to my professional career, I am the lead designer for premier dance school, Westlake School for the Performing Arts in Daly City, CA, contract graphic designer for B2B company, Gong.io in San Francisco, CA, as well as contract graphic designer for world-renowned Filipino Mexican fusion restaurant, Senor Sisig based in the Bay Area. I also do work as a freelancer for local businesses and organizations here in San Diego.
I believe what sets me apart from others is my passion and unique skillset that transfers well into each other. I constantly utilize my experience in dance into design and vice versa, design into dance. I know how to lead, as well as be a great team player. I try to see the bigger picture in projects, and I do my best in helping everyone achieve that goal!
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the diversity in this city. From the cultures to the subcultures, there are so many communities and organizations in San Diego that are so rich in passion, stories, and experiences that you can’t find anywhere else.
I can’t find anything wrong about this city. San Diego is and always will be my favorite city to visit and live in! The people are great, the weather is amazing, and the food is unmatched.
Contact Info:
- Website: lemmanalo.com
- Instagram: @uellem
