FROM A YOUNG AGE Christy Hernandez found an ineffable joy in the expression of dance.
From jazz to tap, it spoke to her and flowed through her. And even if she lacked the vocabulary to describe it, she knew intuitively it was something special, spiritual, even sacred.
It’s what led her into professional dancing and choreography and to create the nonprofit Dance 4 Joy Ministries in 2007. It also brought her to Christ Cathedral Academy, where she is in her third year teaching the afterschool liturgical dance class to kindergarteners through fourth-graders.
CHRISTY HERNANDEZ DEMONSTRATES HOW TO USE THE RIBBON. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
As she spread flags and ribbons the children will wave during their first lesson, Hernandez meets Nicole Salazar and her daughter, Olivia.
“We’re very excited,” Nicole Salazar said of enrolling her daughter. Although Olivia has taken dance in the past, her mom looks forward to a class that can bridge the joyous abandon of dance and the spirit of Catholic education.
“Olivia is learning the faith and I think she’ll make the connections,” she added.
OLIVIA SALAZAR SHOWS HER DANCE MOVES WITH HER MOTHER, NICOLE.
A precocious five-year-old with nonstop energy, Olivia arrives ready in her black leotard and slippers. She is brimming with energy and enthusiasm. Alternately trying to rein in and release the child’s energy, Hernandez loves it.
“I was exactly like Olivia,” she said. “I want to be here for all the Olivias.”
SPIRITUAL ROOTS
When Hernandez founded Dance 4 Joy Ministries, she began her mission by teaching from her home. Today, Dance 4 Joy trains upwards of 250 students a week at five studios, as well as in workshops, camps and outreach projects. Classes are offered in ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, tap and sacred dancing.
The Catholic connection, Hernandez said, came about through a relationship with Sts. Simon & Jude Catholic Church in Huntington Beach, which has a long history promoting the sacred arts. In 2015, Hernandez was invited for the first time to dance in a Pentecost procession there. She has also taught dance at St. Anthony Mary Claret Catholic Church in Anaheim.
On Friday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m., Dance 4 Joy will host its Transformation Gala at the Calvary Chapel Refuge, 7800 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach. Individual reserved seating is free, and tables can be sponsored. Information is available at dance4joy.org