EPCHS Senior Chloe Hernandez is Dancing Her Way to the Future

Chloe Hernandez has not yet graduated from Evergreen Park Community High School, but she knows exactly what she plans to do. With nearly six years’ experience, dance and ballet have become her passion.

To date, Chloe has taken Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Modern, Tap, and Repertoire. She loves performing onstage and has already had some amazing opportunities. In December 2016, she was cast as the Sugar Plum Fairy while taking classes at Mongan Dance Academy in Evergreen Park. In addition, she has studied dance at Joffrey Ballet for the past four years, and recently started to take additional ballet/pointe classes at Dance Gallery in Beverly. “I was very fortunate to audition and be cast as cavalry and cavalry/dragon the past three years for Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker,” said Chloe. “It was amazing to be onstage with world-renowned professional dancers.” She also had the opportunity to take a summer class with the Rockettes.

Dance classes take up a lot of Chloe’s time and she has had to sacrifice time with friends, sports, and school activities because of her dance schedules. She takes classes during the week and every Saturday and Sunday. She is evaluated each semester at Joffrey Ballet. “Before I started dance, my mom said I have to be involved in something,” Chloe said. “Sports did not interest me at the time, so I studied violin for three years. I really did not like violin so I quit and decided to take dance classes. You can say that dance runs in my family because most of my family members are very artistic.”

Chloe’s mom, Nadia Kivenas, takes ballet each week at Joffrey Ballet. She said, “I figured I have to take Chloe to class anyway and I love it.” Ms. Kivenas has encouraged Chloe every step of the way. “Do what makes you happy,” she told Chloe. “I don’t want to see you stuck in a job you hate.”

Chloe plans to attend Harold Washington College because they recently partnered with the Joffrey Ballet (last year) for an Associate in Arts with Dance Concentration. According to the curriculum, most of her coursework/classes will be taken at Joffrey Academy. Chloe has not yet decided where she will attend school for her Bachelor’s degree. “I’m glad I decided to pursue dance because it is my dream. I was inspired by other dancers and if I work hard, I can achieve my goals,” said Chloe. “I hope you are able to see me perform onstage one day!”