Keren Hapuc Hernandez Pava isn’t just a teacher, she’s a dance devotee with a rich 15-year career. She has ignited a passion for dance in students of all ages and abilities, guiding them through ballet, contemporary, lyrical, theatrical jazz, and Latin rhythms. 

Her dance journey began at 5, where she first dipped her toes into Hebrew and gospel styles. By 16, she fully immersed herself in ballet, honing her skills under renowned instructors like Rumen Rashev, Carolina Sanchez Díez, Nadia Bautista, Alice Arja, Marco Sanchez, and Fernanda Moraes – both in Colombia and internationally. 

For seven transformative years, Keren left her mark on Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, her hometown, by spearheading her own dance academy, Ballet y Música Royalty2 (BMR2). There, she established a groundbreaking inclusion program, bringing the joy of ballet to children with special needs. This dedication to fostering a love for dance in all resonated deeply within the community. 

In 2018, Keren’s passion for dance took her to São Paulo, Brazil, where she delved into a rich tapestry of movement. She not only honed her ballet skills but also embraced local dance forms, expanding her artistic horizons. Her pursuit of knowledge extended beyond performance, as she earned a certificate in Marie Walton-Mahon’s PBT program. This focus on pedagogy further equipped her to inspire and empower others. True to her inclusive spirit, Keren once again found opportunities to work with children and adults of all abilities. Notably, she served as a personal coach and choreographer for a visually impaired girl, a testament to her unwavering commitment to creating a space where dance transcends limitations. 

Fueled by the transformative power of dance, Keren embarked on a new chapter in Popayán, Cauca, following the pandemic. There, she doubled down on her passion, simultaneously thriving as a dance and English teacher at two esteemed local schools. Her impact resonated deeply as she nurtured a love of ballet in even the youngest learners, the preschoolers. 

Keren’s artistic vision didn’t stop at the classroom door. Fresh off her inspiring work at Long Lake Camp of the Arts in NY, where she served as dance teacher and choreographer for captivating musicals like Spelling Bee, Little Shop of Horrors, and Mamma Mia!, she brought that same energy to Popayán. This culminated in an incredible feat: choreographing and artistically directing the school’s first-ever Broadway-inspired musical for elementary and high school students. 

Keren’s classes are a vibrant blend of fun, challenge, and creativity. She deploys a diverse teaching toolkit to ensure everyone learns effectively, with a focus on proper technique, musicality, and artistic expression. 

A citizen of the world, Keren’s cultural experiences have fostered fluency in English, Portuguese, and French. Currently, she’s expanding her horizons by learning Italian and Turkish, all while nearing completion of her Master’s in Creative Education at CESUMA University in Mexico. 

For Keren, dance is more than just steps – it’s a journey of passion, growth, and a love for inspiring others.