Teacher of the Month: Nico Hernandez

This month, we’re delighted to feature Nico, a professional belly dancer from Calgary, Alberta; whose journey in the dance began when she was a young mother at 23 years old. Nico’s start has evolved into a deeply fulfilling career in both performing and teaching, allowing her to blend passion and discipline as she navigates both roles with dedication. Here, she shares her unique perspective on the dance, her teaching philosophy, and advice for those drawn to belly dance.

 Steps in Dance

When Nico began dancing 23, it was simply for fun, she was a young mother looking for a way to keep her body and mind active. With no particular plan to turn dance into a career, her first experiences were joyful and spontaneous. But as she grew, belly dance became more than just a hobby—it was her calling.

"Starting so late was more about play and expression,” Nico reflects. “I didn’t imagine it would one day become my work.” This natural start, she believes, created a foundation of love for the art, which has been the heart of her growth and commitment.

Celebrated Moments

Nico’s career includes many significant milestones, yet one of her recent projects stands out. Collaborating on a project with a popular singer gave her a chance to delve into storytelling through movement in a new way, showing her artistry in a fresh light. The collaboration challenged her to interpret music uniquely, and the outcome was a powerful blend of dance and song that captured audiences.

“Getting to merge my movements with music that resonates was thrilling,” she says. “It’s these projects that remind me of the beauty in what we do as dancers.”

The Teaching Path

As Nico’s career evolved, teaching became an integral part of her journey where she shares her vast range of experiences that she brings to the studio, aiming to create an open and inspiring environment for her students. Nico encourages a collaborative approach, with open communication being one of her most valued strategies.

“Teaching lets me connect with students on a personal level,” she explains. “I love sharing what I’ve learned and watching them grow.”

Her teaching is closely tied to her performing career, as she believes both roles feed into each other. The lessons learned from the stage enrich her instruction, allowing her to give students real-world insights into the demands of professional dance.

Balancing Performance with Teaching

For Nico, balancing her dual roles of performer and teacher is one of the biggest challenges she faces. The two roles require different energy and commitment, yet Nico sees them as complementary parts of her career. She tackles the demands by maintaining a structured schedule, ensuring she dedicates time to her own practice as well as to her students.

“It’s a constant balancing act, but every part of it is rewarding. Performing and teaching are equally important to me,” she says, reflecting on the joy and fulfillment she finds in both.

Word of Wisdom

For those thinking about a career in both performing and teaching, Nico offers candid advice: a genuine love for both aspects is essential. Dance, in her view, is as much about giving to others as it is about personal growth, especially when teaching is involved.

“If you’re only in it for yourself, it’ll be hard to make an impact,” she advises. “It’s about sharing, engaging, and evoking emotion—whether on stage or in the classroom.”