We’re looking forward to introducing you to Favian Herrera Jr.. Check out our conversation below.
Favian, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I am chasing a world where we address social injustice and not look through them. Utilizing my creative perspective to shed light on, create conversations and cultivate a community that is able to create changes that benefit the future of our community. A world where we don’t walk away when things don’t happen in the time we anticipate, but happen in the time it’s meant to be.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Favian Herrera Jr., a choreographer, educator, performer, and arts advocate with over two decades of experience shaping the dance landscape. My journey began in Dallas, where I trained at Raul Quintanilla Middle School and Booker T. Washington HSPVA under influential mentors like Kyle Richards and Lily Cabatu Weiss. From there, I honed my craft alongside legends such as Dwight Rhoden, Desmond Richardson, and Ruth Andrien, blending technical precision with raw artistic expression.
I thrive at the intersection of culture, innovation, and storytelling. As resident choreographer for the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico and collaborator with groups like Grupo Pakal Mayan Performing Arts, I’ve fused traditional folkloric dance with contemporary flair. My projects span wildly diverse realms: directing Bollywood tours with stars like Govinda, choreographing for the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra, and creating commercial campaigns for brands like TXU Energy and Captain Morgan. Awards from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts underscore my commitment to artistic excellence.
I’m passionate about education and community. As a teaching artist with Big Thought and Junior Players, I’ve mentored youth in under-resourced communities, while my role as an Arts Consultant for Human Rights Dallas ties art to advocacy. Academically, I hold degrees from Dallas College and Abilene Christian University (Summa Cum Laude), and I’m currently pursuing an MBA with plans to earn a JD, aiming to merge legal insight with arts leadership. Through Herrera Dance Project, I’m dedicated to amplifying Dallas-Fort Worth’s cultural vibrancy. Whether producing multidisciplinary events like the DFW Art Awards or collaborating with symphonies and theaters, my goal is to push boundaries and inspire dialogue. Dance, for me, is more than movement—it’s a catalyst for connection, education, and social change.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Being onstage performing taught me a valuable lesson about the responsibility I had as an artist/performer. What we do onstage for that short period of time can resonate with people and change how they see the world. I began to realize that who I was as a performer wasn’t who I was as a person. the confidence I had, the passion I had, translated through everything I did onstage. There is power in storytelling, captivating your audience, and their investment in your performance. Dance taps into the emotional components of the human spirit and when understood through its abstract nature it can be one of the most beautiful things to witness.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Keep pushing. the road is going to be hard, but you’re going to reach the goals you’ve dreamed of. The process is grueling, there will be plenty of mistakes, but many more successes. Open your mind to others perspectives, be a better listener, you will discover purpose in your work. Take in the process and live through the experiences, surround yourself with good people and value your god given talents.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Utilizing dance as a vessel of promoting Human Rights and shedding light on themes of social injustice. I’am committed in utilizing the art of dance to stimulate thought and bringing people together of various walks of life. I am committed to doing everything I can to tell these stories just as they are and allowing our audiences to dive into how we can problem solve as a collaborative. The stories of those impacted by the many injustices in our country must always be remembered, resolution though comes by action, and through the work of Herrera Dance Project, I hope that it serves as an extension of those impacted, that they too become a part of our extended family.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe I am doing what I was put on this Earth to do. I have lost a lot, I have gained a lot, and I have learned even more during the process. Evolving with age, time, and my career allow me to continue understanding a deeper meaning to that purpose. The performing arts is an industry that will stand the test of time while still being an under appreciated labor force in our society. I’ve grown the realize the purpose is more than any person and that the rewards will come with persistence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.herrreradanceproject.com
- Instagram: favherrera1986
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/favian-herrera-jr-304151122
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/favherrera1986
Image Credits
Niccolai-Belfi, Judianne Frampton, and Herrera Dance Project
