Meet Jesus Luviano

We were lucky to catch up with Jesus Luviano recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jesus, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience is deeply rooted in my upbringing in Los Cuachalalates, a small community in Huetamo, Michoacán, Mexico. The values instilled in me by my family and community have shaped who I am today. Growing up in a rural town, I witnessed the unwavering dedication of my parents, both farmers who faced immense challenges with limited resources. When my father’s health deteriorated, my mother stepped up to support our family, demonstrating incredible strength and determination.

Although we struggled with material shortages, the love and support from my mother’s family and my late grandmother were constants in my life. Their unconditional love and spiritual guidance have been instrumental in shaping my identity. Because of them, I strive to be a voice not only for myself but for those who often go unheard, especially those overlooked due to a lack of opportunities.

Living without modern technology allowed me to appreciate the simple joys of life in a nurturing environment. The values of hard work and community that surrounded me fostered my strength. My parents’ sacrifices to ensure my education instilled in me the importance of perseverance.

Navigating educational barriers, adapting to urban life, and overcoming feelings of marginalization as a minority fueled my drive to pursue my dreams. Joining a dance group at school provided an essential outlet for self-expression and a sense of belonging during challenging times.

Immigrating to the United States introduced new challenges, including language barriers and cultural adjustments, but each obstacle reinforced my commitment to my goals. My involvement in school, a dance academy, and community projects not only sharpened my leadership skills but also ignited my passion for education and empowering others.

Ultimately, my resilience reflects the support of my family and those who believed in me. I carry their spirit with me—a spirit defined by love, hard work, and unwavering support. I remind myself that every setback is an opportunity for growth and every challenge a chance to prove my determination.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Jesus Luviano is a visionary Mexican-American producer, choreographer, and former professional dancer whose influence spans the worlds of fashion, television, music, and dance. Known globally for his innovative productions, he has become a leader in integrating Latin culture into high-profile global platforms, forging impactful partnerships with brands like Dolce & Gabbana and organizations such as the Metropolitan Fashion Week and Cirque du Soleil.
Born in Huetamo, Michoacán, Mexico, Jesus grew up with a deep appreciation for perseverance and creativity, instilled by his hardworking parents. From an early age, he showed a remarkable aptitude for the arts. His dance education began with folkloric dance under the mentorship of José Demecio Baltasar Núñez, who shaped both his technique and his dedication to cultural expression. By 14, Jesus moved to Fresno, California, to continue his artistic journey, where he quickly became a community leader and an accomplished choreographer, raising over $20,000 in scholarships and drawing national attention.

His passion for the performing arts led him to prestigious institutions like the Shirley Winters Ballet and California State University, Fresno, where he refined his expertise in ballet, modern, jazz, and more. A member of renowned dance companies, including the Sacramento Ballet and Alonzo King Lines, Jesus also performed in major ballet productions such as Sleeping Beauty and Edgar Degas, alongside some of the world’s most celebrated dancers.
While his foundation is in dance, Jesus’s true calling emerged in 2013 with Rock The Runway, a groundbreaking fashion event that combined his skills in choreography and event production. His work quickly caught the attention of the fashion world, leading to collaborations with high-profile brands and designers, including Alfredo Sánchez and Adan Terriquez. These events, along with his partnerships with Metropolitan Fashion Week and Art Hearts Fashion, solidified Jesus as an influential figure in the industry. His ability to fuse Latin cultural elements into the global fashion stage earned him widespread acclaim.

Jesus’s versatility as a producer was further demonstrated when he joined The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where he played an essential role in producing segments for top celebrities and political figures, including Hillary Clinton and Will Smith. His experience in television production added a new layer to his growing reputation as an expert in large-scale events and entertainment.

As the Manager of the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, Jesus has orchestrated concerts for international superstars like Christina Aguilera, Billie Eilish, and Juice WRLD, proving his capability to manage high-profile events with global audiences.

Throughout his career, Jesus has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, striving to elevate Latin voices in mainstream entertainment. His ability to bridge cultural gaps and create impactful events has earned him recognition as a trailblazer in multiple industries.

Today, Jesus Luviano continues to inspire future generations with his visionary approach to production and his unwavering commitment to challenging the status quo. A true global icon, his influence is felt across fashion, television, music, and the performing arts, making him a pivotal figure shaping the future of entertainment worldwide.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Perseverance: Growing up, my parents taught me the importance of working hard and pushing through challenges, even when things seem impossible. This mindset has been essential throughout my career, from my early days as a dancer to my work in fashion and television. There have been many obstacles along the way, but it’s the ability to keep going, despite setbacks, that has truly defined my path. My advice to those early in their journey is to embrace the challenges as learning experiences and to never give up, no matter how difficult things may seem. Resilience is key to success.

Cultural Integration: My Mexican heritage has always been a major influence in my work, especially in the fashion industry. Being able to integrate my Latin roots into global platforms has set me apart and allowed me to offer something unique. It’s a skill that has helped me build relationships and create opportunities in spaces where diverse perspectives are not always prioritized. For those starting out, I’d encourage them to embrace their own cultural backgrounds. There’s strength in diversity, and when you bring your authentic self to the table, it can open doors that you never imagined.

Adaptability: Whether moving from dance to event production or transitioning into television, my ability to adapt to different industries and environments has been a critical factor in my success. The entertainment world is constantly evolving, and being able to pivot and learn new skills has allowed me to stay relevant. My advice for those early in their journey is to be open to learning new things and stepping outside your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to try different roles, learn new technologies, or explore new fields. The more flexible you are, the more opportunities will open up for you.

Ultimately, my journey has been shaped by these qualities. My advice to anyone starting out is to stay focused on developing perseverance, embrace your unique cultural voice, and always be ready to adapt. The combination of these will help you not only survive but thrive in whatever industry you’re passionate about.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m always excited to collaborate with creative professionals in the fashion industry, including fashion designers with unique collections, sponsors, stylists who craft bold looks, models with diverse backgrounds, makeup artists, hair stylists, publicists, talent bookers and managers, influencers, lighting designers, set designers, and fashion enthusiasts who share a passion for trends and storytelling—let’s connect! Reach out via IG: @JLuvi and let’s create something amazing together!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @JLuvi
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jluviano

Image Credits

MarLaw Photography