We recently connected with Victor Hernandez and have shared our conversation below.
VICTOR, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from a lifetime of proving to myself that I am more than the doubts, comparisons, and judgments thrown my way. My imagination was always in question—was I insane, or was I simply seeing possibilities others couldn’t? I’ve been told I’d amount to nothing by people who once claimed to love me, and I’ve been measured against others as if my own path wasn’t enough.
Yet, every challenge, every doubt, and every heartbreak only fueled my determination. I’ve built something that isn’t just about me—it’s about those who believe in the power of persistence, those who refuse to be boxed in, and those who dream just as wildly as I do.
As a leader, I carry the weight of experience with empathy. I know what it’s like to be underestimated, to feel like an outlier, and to fight for a place in a world that often demands conformity. But I also know that resilience isn’t just about enduring; it’s about transforming every setback into a stepping stone. My journey has never been conventional, but that’s exactly why it’s worth it.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At Spirits N Motion 3.0, we don’t just dance—we tell stories, build community, and create unforgettable experiences through movement. Our mission is to bring the richness of Latin dance to stages worldwide, blending tradition with innovation while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
What excites us most about what we do is the connection—the energy shared between dancers, musicians, and audiences. Every performance is a chance to bring people together, to celebrate culture, and to inspire through our artistry. Whether we’re teaching at Piel Canela Dance School, mentoring the next generation of dancers, or performing on some of the world’s biggest stages, we pour our hearts into every moment.
This past year has been a whirlwind of success and growth. We were honored to perform Latin Luminaries at Lincoln Center, a powerful tribute to our culture and history, created and hosted by the incredible Rhina Valentin. We also brought our passion to television, performing on BronxNet’s “Open” with Rhina Valentin, making Latin dance accessible to even more people. On top of that, we had the privilege of performing twice with the legendary Bobby Sanabria and his amazing band, proving once again the magic that happens when live music and dance collide.
With over 180 shows completed, we’ve pushed ourselves further than ever before. And now, we can proudly say we’ve added World Championship titles to our name—an achievement that reflects years of dedication, sacrifice, and relentless hard work.
But we’re just getting started. Bigger stages, tougher competitions, and new opportunities are on the horizon. We’re training harder, expanding our reach, and making sure that every moment we step onto the floor is one that people will remember.
To our supporters, students, and everyone who’s been part of this journey—thank you. Your belief fuels our fire, and we can’t wait to show you what’s next.
Spirits N Motion 3.0 isn’t just a dance company—it’s a legacy in motion.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three key qualities that have had the most impact on my journey are:
1. Resilience & Adaptability
Why it was impactful: In both dance and leadership, challenges constantly arise—injuries, setbacks, team changes, and unexpected circumstances. Being able to push through, adjust, and continue improving despite obstacles has been crucial.
Advice: Develop a strong mindset by embracing challenges as learning experiences. Seek mentorship from those who have been through similar struggles, and never let a temporary failure define your long-term goals.
2. Technical Excellence & Continuous Learning
Why it was impactful: Mastery of movement, technique, and performance quality separates good dancers from great ones. The same applies to leadership—understanding the mechanics of teaching, choreography, and event planning has been essential.
Advice: Always be a student. Take classes outside your comfort zone, refine your fundamentals, and never assume you’ve learned everything. Training in ballet, Afro-Cuban, and multiple styles has enhanced my versatility and performance quality.
3. Strong Leadership & Relationship Building
Why it was impactful: Building and maintaining a high-performing team requires leadership, clear communication, and fostering trust. Connections with mentors, allies, and community members have also opened doors that skill alone couldn’t.
Advice: Develop leadership by taking initiative in small ways—supporting your peers, learning how to motivate others, and taking responsibility for your own growth. Cultivate genuine relationships, because your network will be as important as your talent.
For those early in their journey, I’d emphasize consistency, humility, and a willingness to work harder than everyone else. If you can show up every day ready to push yourself, embrace feedback, and stay disciplined, you’ll separate yourself from the rest. Opportunities come to those who are prepared and persistent—make sure you’re one of them.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my family did for me—especially my mom, who raised us—was never giving up on me, even when I veered off course. My mom, my grandparents, my aunts, my uncles, and even my father, despite not always being present, all left their mark on my journey. And my godmother, with her influence and wisdom from working alongside New York State governors, showed me the power of discipline, resilience, and purpose.
My mother bore the heaviest weight, navigating the impossible challenges of raising a child who often strayed. A single mother with dreams for her children, she fought battles I didn’t always see—late nights worrying, sacrifices she never spoke of, and moments when exhaustion might have won if not for her sheer will to keep going. She tried to course-correct my path, even when I resisted, even when I fell.
My father, though not always around, had a military background that shaped a part of me. His discipline, his structure, his ability to push through hardship—it left an imprint. Whether I realized it then or not, his influence echoed in my own resilience, in my ability to stand up when life knocked me down.
My godmother showed me a different kind of power—the strength of intellect, the ability to move through rooms of influence, the importance of knowing one’s worth. She exposed me to a world beyond my own, a world where ambition and hard work could open doors.
And my grandparents, my aunts, and my uncles—they were the village. They filled in the gaps, offering wisdom, guidance, and sometimes the tough love I needed to hear. They reminded me of my roots, of where I came from, and of the legacy I had a responsibility to carry forward.
But when the world felt too heavy, when reality was too much, I found my way through imagination. Through creativity, through movement, through dreams that seemed like an escape but became the foundation of who I am. My mind built the bridges that my feet would later walk across.
I stand today not just as an individual but as the result of every sacrifice, every lesson, and every ounce of love that was poured into me. For that, I am forever grateful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/spiritsnmotion
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/dance4pmx
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
