Hero
dela cruz
Actor, Singer, Dancer, Choreographer
ABOUT hero...
"If you think you can do better, then do better. Don't compete with anyone; just yourself"
-Bob Fosse
Originally from Manila, Philippines, I am an artist based in New York City. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from Drake University in December 2021 graduating with high honors and Magna Cum Laude.
Ever since a little tyke, I have always had a passion in performing. Considering myself a "dancer first", I grew up as a street hip hop dancer in the Philippines. Although, I never stepped foot in a dance studio until college, I taught myself to dance by watching movie series like Bring It On and Step Up . As my passion for dance grew, I learned that I also love creating storytelling through movements. I started choreographing for my high school show choir and theatre (while also acting in the shows) as early as my sophomore year. My senior year, I fully choreographed Disney's Beauty and the Beast, while also playing the role of Gaston. After learning that choreography was not just a hobby, I started doing more choreography work for stage musicals, speech competitions, show choir competition, and dance studios.
As a kid, I loved imitating everything I saw in movies, soap operas and telenovelas. While going to school in the Philippines, I loved working as a talent for television shows and commercials for fun. Learning that theatre might be something for me after seeing the national tour of Bring It On The Musical, I auditioned for my very first theatre production in high school, Little Shop of Horrors. I loved the idea of singing, dancing and acting all at the same time. Still not sure if I wanted to choose perfoming as a career path, I attended the New York University Tisch School of the Arts Summer High School Program on full scholarship, and knew that it was definitely what I wanted to do for as long as I want and as long as I can. The rest is history.
Aside from performing, I love running, weightlifting, swimming, and surfing Disney Plus. I am a trained MMA fighter. I can't wait for what the future has in store, as the future is an endless road. Thank you to my inspirations: mom, Mr. A, family, and friends.
