Gregory Hines did it. Savion Glover does it, and on Friday night, December 12, 2025, at Give Hope Studios in East L.A. Leo Manzari did it in the second half of the premiere of his show, “Kick in the Door”—honored the dancers who have come before and paved the way. Manzari paid tribute to Gregory Hines, Jimmy Slyde and most notably, one of his mentors, Maurice Hines, who featured him in Maurice Hines is Tappin’ Thru Life. In a night filled with live music, rap, tap, and projected video and images, Manzari confirmed his place as an artist with his feet shuffling firmly on the ground and his future aimed straight for the stars.
Give Hope Studios was transformed into a jazz club, and the space was packed with tables, chairs and standing room only. At the edges of the stage were some of the coolest musicians, each as talented as Manzari: music director Vancil Cooper on drums, Larry Cox on keys, Andrew Schindler on guitar, Rumeal Eggleston on bass, Joshua Childress on saxophone and flute, Kenneth Brown on trumpet and Jason Anderson accompanying Manzari on vocals and also singing some soulful R&B tunes on his own.
Leo Manzari’s “Kick in the Door” – Photo by Ben Hayslett.
The entire performance was written and choreographed by Manzari, who enlisted four tap dancers who each played to their strengths: associate choreographer John Mays, Bella Silva,
Rio Gomez and Frankie Peji. When the four, or five including Manzari, danced together, they were in unison, bursting with energy and captivating to watch. Sometimes Manzari sang covers of popular tunes while dancing, and other times Manzari performed his own songs, while dancing.
Leo Manzari’s “Kick in the Door” – Photo by Ben Hayslett.
This was an intimate performance. Manzari spoke often of his family: about his parents, his sister and his brother, who he has performed with as the Manzari Brothers. He wrote a song about 7 Letter Words, including elevate, sympathy and forgive, that his mom had taught him. He talked and sang about his father leaving him and the hole it left inside. He told how he learned to tap as a way to cope and heal, alone in his room watching YouTube videos.
Leo Manzari’s “Kick in the Door” – Photo by Ben Hayslett.
When Manzari tapped, the audience could feel his story: his pain, his passion, his triumphs. He has an effortless way of dancing, making each step look easy but awesome. He complimented Gregory on his style and on making tap look fun. He said Maurice taught him to be a true showman. His conversation with the audience was personal. He shared how Gregory and Maurice were in Las Vegas performing as kids and were invited to a hotel by Tallulah Bankhead to swim, and after they got out, the staff drained the pool. He explained how stories like these, of resilience and hardship, make him grateful and honored to do what he does so well: tap dance.
Leo Manzari’s “Kick in the Door” – Photo by Ben Hayslett.
Manzari has done well for himself so far: He was a featured guest star on “So You Think You Can Dance,” ABC’s “The View,” PBS’ Kennedy Center’s 50th Anniversary and Dorrance Dance’s “The Nutcracker Suite.” What he appears to be most proud of, however, is his music, which he writes and records and can be streamed on all major music streaming platforms. It has been utilized in the campaigns of McDonald’s, Ray-Ban, and the end sequence for the NFL’s docuseries “Zero Star: The Cam Ward Story.”
With full transparency, I am related to the Hines family, and for me personally, this show was magical. Manzari channels the spirit of both Gregory and Maurice—not just in his smooth yet precise dance style but also in his graciousness, charisma and warmth that can be felt by every single audience member.
For more information about Leo Manzari, please visit his website.
Written by Jessica Koslow for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Leo Manzari’s “Kick in the Door” – Photo by Ben Hayslett.
