Joseph Hernandez

Joseph A. Hernandez, a Chicago native, was first introduced to dance through his high school dance program. He continued his education at Western Michigan University, where he graduated magna cum laude with a BFA in Dance. In addition to his degree, he also trained with the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, Luna Negra Dance Theater, River North Dance Chicago, and Gus Giordano Dance School. While still in college, Joseph had the opportunities to perform with River North Dance Chicago as an apprentice, and Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers as a guest artist.

Upon graduation, Joseph joined ODC/Dance in San Francisco where he danced for two seasons, touring nationally and internationally. Additionally, he worked with Opera Parallèle and Concept o4 in San Francisco, and Kate Weare Company where he had the opportunity to perform in their tenth anniversary season at BAM. After moving to New York City in 2015, Joseph freelanced with DamageDance and Dušan Týnek Dance Theatre before joining The Metropolitan Opera Ballet. During his time off contract, Joseph continued his training with Alonzo King LINES Ballet and Springboard Danse Montréal. After leaving New York City in 2017, Joseph has been contracted with LED Boise, Amy Seiwert’s Imagery, Lyric Opera of Chicago, LA Opera, and the Broadway production of West Side Story. Over the years, he has had the privilege of dancing works by Gerald Arpino, Lauren Edson, Alex Ketley, KT Nelson, David Parsons, Jerome Robbins, Amy Seiwert, Kate Weare, Johannes Wieland, and Robyn Mineko Williams among others.

As an educator, Joseph embraces teaching beginning to professional level dancers at intensives, company classes, and master classes nationwide. Joseph draws from his diverse performance career, integrating release technique, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary ballet. His class is mindfully athletic and lush with an emphasis on individuality, technical exploration, mindful risk-taking, and the motivation to challenge one’s own limiting values. Joseph has been on faculty at Hubbard Street Dance Center, The Chicago High School for the Arts, COMMON Conservatory, Marin Dance Theatre, and taught company class for Amy Seiwert’s Imagery, LED Boise, and DanceWorks Chicago.