Head Coach of the Penn State Lionettes » Jesse Hernandez
A trailblazer exemplifying authenticity and creating a life doing what he loves.
For this week’s edition of MTP we are exclusively featuring…
Jesse Hernandez » Head Coach of the Penn State Lionettes
1. Walk us through your dance journey and how it led you to where you are today.
My dance journey began at the age of two. My mother was a dance instructor so I was always in class with her. I loved being there with her. As I continued to train in a studio through elementary, middle and high school, I auditioned for my high school team my junior year where I was the first male athlete on the dance team ever.
After graduating high school I ran a dance studio for 6 years while being on UDA staff and coaching a local high school dance team in Louisiana.
In 2018, I decided to audition for the New Orleans Saints Saintsations. I became the first male NFL cheerleader to perform on the field during a game.
I continued my NFL career for 3 years and am now currently coaching the nationally ranked Penn State Lionettes.
2. How many jobs do you currently have and how has your passion for dance contributed to those roles?
I currently have two official jobs being the Head Coach of the Penn State Lionettes dance team and working for Universal Dance Association.
I also do choreography for teams for nationals season and will teach master classes whenever I can!
3. Did you always see yourself becoming a professional in the industry? Whether it be dancing on a team or coaching a team.
Dance has always been my passion. I am lucky enough to have made coaching/dancing into my career.
While it can be challenging at times to have a consistent income, it has pushed me to always make sure I am on top of what I need to get done and I get to have fun while doing my job. Dance will always be a big part of who I am. I am so honored to be where I am in this industry that changes daily!
4. If the version of you right now could give advice to the version of you 6 to 7 years ago, what would you tell yourself?
Advice I would give to younger Jesse 6 years ago would be don’t give up or water down who you are because other people can’t “handle” you. Be true to you and plow forward in life. You got this!
I thank dance for a lot of my opportunities in life. I’ve met my lifelong friends from dance who I know will always be my family in life.
I’m so lucky to have the opportunity to be a role model for young men dancers to continue to be who they are and do what they love no matter what the feedback from the general public will be. I’m here for them and to support them through their journey!
HUGE thank you to Jesse for taking time out of his busy schedule to share with the MTP fam! I hope this interview inspires you to be a trailblazer, create a life doing what you’re passionate about, and to be authentically YOU!
“Don’t give up or water down who you are because other people can’t “handle” you. Be true to you and plow forward in life. You got this!”
🗣️ Say it louder for the people in the back, Jesse. 🗣️
This week’s interview piggy-backs off of last week’s topic: “TURN DANCE INTO A CAREER?”
Read and click on the link below for more in case you missed it! ;)
