Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Hernandez.
Carlos, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I actually started dancing right after graduating high school. I joined a co-ed dance team here in Dallas called FLS Dance Crew, where we performed at quinceañeras and local events. That’s really where my dance journey began. Through that team, I even had the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles and perform on the show Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento, which was an amazing experience early on.
After about a year, I stepped away from dancing—but not because I fell out of love with it. I’ve always loved dance. At that time, I was focused on building stability and working full-time. As artists, we all understand that passion doesn’t always pay the bills right away, so I had to prioritize my career.
A few years later, around the age of 22 or 23, I made the decision to come back to dance—but this time with intention and a stronger mindset.
I decided to audition for the Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue. I auditioned in 2014 and didn’t make it my first year, but I didn’t let that stop me. I kept training, taking classes, and investing in myself. The following year, I came back stronger, re-auditioned, and made the team. I danced with Rhythm & Blue for five seasons, became a captain for two years, and finished as an All-Star my final season.
After that, I shifted my focus again toward my career in the medical field as a phlebotomist—not because I stopped loving dance, but because I needed balance and stability.
Then another opportunity came up—the Dallas Mavericks D-Town Crew was forming their first co-ed team. I went for it, made the team my first year, and was part of their inaugural season. It ended up being one of the best experiences of my dance career.
After that season, I stepped away from professional teams, but I never stepped away from dance. That’s when I started teaching consistently, and that’s where everything changed for me.
I fell in love with dance in a new way through teaching. It became about giving back, sharing everything I had learned, and helping others grow—not just as dancers, but in their confidence too.
Something I tell my students all the time is to give themselves grace and be patient with themselves, especially if dance is new to them. As adults, not everyone has had the same opportunities or timeline with dance. Some people are just starting, some have been dancing for years, and some can train more often than others. That’s why I always remind them not to compare their journey to anyone else’s. We’re all on different paths, and that’s okay.
For many of us, dance is something we now choose to do on our own time, on top of work and life responsibilities. So I always encourage them to enjoy the process, embrace the challenges, and really fall in love with the growth that comes with it.
Since then, I’ve stayed consistent—not only teaching but also continuing to train and remain a student myself. That consistency helped me build a community here in Dallas that I’m incredibly grateful for. My students are loyal, committed, and supportive, and I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
Right now, I balance both worlds. I still work full-time as a phlebotomist in an oncology clinic while continuing to pursue dance. Between creating choreography, rehearsals, working with quinceañeras, collaborating with local artists, and performing at events, dance is a huge part of my life.
Currently, I teach adult dance classes here in Dallas—beginner classes on Saturdays for anyone who wants to start, and open-level classes on Thursdays for those who want to keep growing and challenge themselves.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. There have been a lot of ups and downs along the way.
One of the biggest challenges early on was rejection. When I first auditioned for the Dallas Cowboys Rhythm & Blue in 2014 and didn’t make it, that was tough. It made me question myself, but it also pushed me to train harder and come back stronger the next year.
Another big challenge has been balance. I’ve always had to maintain a full-time job in the medical field while pursuing dance. As much as I love dance, it’s not always something that provides immediate financial stability, so I had to learn how to manage both. That meant long days, staying disciplined, and sometimes sacrificing rest or personal time to keep growing in both areas.
There were also moments where I stepped away from dance—not because I lost the passion, but because life required me to focus on stability and my career. Coming back each time took courage, especially when you feel like you’re starting over or trying to catch up.
And even now, as a teacher, there are challenges. Building a community, maintaining consistency, filling classes, and making sure I’m constantly creating and showing up for my students—it takes a lot of work behind the scenes.
But every challenge has shaped me. It taught me resilience, patience, and discipline. And it’s also why I relate so much to my students. I understand what it feels like to start later, to doubt yourself, and to balance real life with a passion.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth—but I wouldn’t change it. Every obstacle has been part of the journey that got me to where I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What I do now is teach dance and build a community around it. I run adult dance classes here in Dallas through my brand, BCC and Company. I offer beginner classes on Saturdays for people who are just starting their dance journey, and open-level classes on Thursdays for those who want to be challenged and continue growing.
I specialize in Latin fusion, hip-hop, and performance-based choreography. A big focus in my classes is not just learning steps, but how to perform—how to add texture, confidence, and really connect to the movement. I want my students to feel like they’re not just taking a class, but actually growing as dancers and performers.
I’m also known for creating a very welcoming and supportive environment. A lot of my students are adults who are either starting for the first time or coming back to dance after years, so I make it a priority to create a space where they feel comfortable, challenged, and encouraged at the same time.
Outside of classes, I choreograph for quinceañeras, work with local artists, and perform at events when opportunities come up. I’m always thinking about how to stay creative—whether that’s putting together concept videos, creating special performances, or finding new ways to challenge myself as an artist.
Recently, I started working on my hat merch—Dallas Dance hats—which represent the community that my students and I are building together. Seeing the support from my students and the turnout has meant a lot to me. I created them not just as merch, but as a way for people to feel like they’re part of something—to represent the Dallas dance community and to remind us to keep showing up for each other and supporting one another. That’s something I’m really proud of.
I’m also always thinking about ways to give back while continuing to grow my business. I have a lot of ideas and plans that I want to keep building on. I’m a big believer that God has a path for all of us, and I trust that everything I’m doing now is leading somewhere greater.
What I’m most proud of overall is the community I’ve built. My students are incredibly loyal, supportive, and committed, and seeing their growth—not just in dance, but in their confidence—is the most rewarding part of what I do.
What sets me apart is my story and my approach. I didn’t grow up studio-trained, and I started later than most, so I understand what it feels like to walk into a class and feel out of place. Because of that, I teach with a lot of empathy and intention. I always remind my students to give themselves grace, be patient, and not compare their journey to anyone else’s.
At the same time, I still train and push myself. I’m not just teaching—I’m still a student. So I bring both perspectives into my classes: someone who’s performed at a high level, but also someone who’s still learning and growing every day.
That combination is really what defines my work.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to trust your own journey and not compare yourself to others.
I started dancing later than most, and for a long time it was easy to feel like I was behind or trying to catch up. But over time, I realized that everybody’s path looks different. Some people have been dancing since they were kids, some people have more time to train, and others are just starting—and none of that takes away from your own growth.
I’ve also learned the importance of consistency and patience. Growth doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from showing up, even when it’s hard, even when you don’t feel ready, and even when life gets busy.
Another big lesson for me has been understanding that your hard work will always pay off one way or another. It might not happen exactly when you expect it, but if you stay consistent and keep putting in the work, opportunities will come.
I’ve also learned that doing things alone will only get you so far—but doing things with a community will take you even further. There are so many people out there who genuinely want to see you succeed and become the best version of yourself. Building real connections and surrounding yourself with supportive people makes a huge difference.
And for me personally, I’ve learned that it’s okay to balance passion with responsibility. I’ve always loved dance, but I also had to build a stable career. I used to feel like I had to choose one or the other, but I’ve learned that you can do both—you just have to be disciplined and intentional.
Now, as a teacher, the biggest lesson I carry with me is giving yourself grace. That’s something I constantly remind my students—be patient with yourself, don’t compare your journey, and learn to enjoy the process, even the challenges. Because that’s where the real growth happens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BCCANDCOMPANY.COM
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlos_hndz90
Image Credits
INSTAGRAM @RHILEEPHOTOG @THEJERRYCANTU
