Jhon Molina shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Jhon, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Something that has always filled me with pride is witnessing the growth of my students. Seeing them bring to the stage everything they have learned in class is a deeply rewarding experience. I also feel truly fulfilled as a teacher when I see those who were once my students succeed; many of them are now internationally recognized artists. I must also mention that, after so many years, those outstanding dancers have given me the beautiful opportunity to share the stage with them in various performances and flamenco tablao nights, enjoying the art together.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jhon Molina, better known in my home country, Venezuela, as ‘El Niño’. I have been involved in dance for over 35 years, with more than 30 years dedicated specifically to Flamenco. I am a teacher, choreographer, integral dancer, and professional bailaor, currently focused on Flamenco dance, which originates from the south of Spain. This art form captivated me many years ago, and since then, I have felt a deep passion for it. I was also a teacher of various dances for many years, although I am not actively teaching them at the moment.
Currently, I am developing my own company and dance academy in the Plano area, in North Texas, called Flamenco Passion Company and Academy. On the academic side, in our classes for different levels and age groups, I teach my students the various Flamenco styles (palos), the history of this art form, choreographic techniques, and—most importantly—how to feel the dance in order to truly express to the audience what is being conveyed in each performance.
As for the company, we perform throughout the North DFW area—at theaters, festivals, restaurants, and more—where we bring the professionalism and quality with which we approach this art, while also putting into practice what is learned in class.
What makes Flamenco Passion unique and special is the intense and dedicated work focused on authentic Flamenco.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me everything about work is my mother. She has been, and still is, my guide when it comes to professional commitment and the responsibility it requires. At the same time, I’ve been fortunate that, from a very young age, I have worked in and lived off what I’m most passionate about—dance. Through it, I’ve come to understand the importance of discipline, consistency, professionalism, and ongoing training to ensure success in my daily work. All of this has been the result of my dedication to a profession that allowed me to grow and make a living from it until I emigrated to the United States.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
It’s no secret that emigrating is not easy. The first few months—or even years—can be really challenging, and you often find yourself wondering whether to give up or keep going, and I personally faced both of those moments. Fortunately, I can say that I chose to move forward, and I’m truly grateful for every decision I made along the way, including some people who encouraged me to keep going. I’m especially thankful to this country, because it has given me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. One example of that is being able to continue developing one of my greatest passions—Flamenco dance—and sharing it with the community.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I truly believe that people—regardless of what we do, what our ideals are, or what our interests may be—should always be genuine, authentic, and true to who we are, both in our personal lives and in the public sphere. So, my answer is yes: my public self is my real self. And today, more than ever, I feel like I’m living the best version of myself.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
On a personal level, I would like people to remember me fondly—as a good friend, son, and colleague—cherishing the best moments we shared. On a professional level, I hope to be remembered as a good teacher: someone honest, loyal to my profession and to my students, someone they learned from or felt inspired by in their dance journey. In short, I want to leave a positive mark on the people around me, so they can remember me with a smile.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.flamencopassiontx.org
- Instagram: @flamencopassiontx
- Facebook: Flamenco Passion
- Youtube: Flamenco Passion TX
Image Credits
No credits at this time, the pictures are from our families and relatives
