Brando Hermoso «Monroe»

Professional Dancer, Instructor, and Entrepreneur

Monroe was born in Vargas state, Venezuela (Brandon de Jesús Hermoso Hernández, June 23, 1997) and is a prominent professional dancer, instructor, and cultural creator specializing in Waacking, a dance style born in Los Angeles clubs in the 1970s that celebrates expression, theatricality, and rhythmic speed. Based in the United States, Monroe has consolidated a unique artistic identity that fuses the high energy of freestyle battles, performing arts training, and an entrepreneurial vision focused on expanding dance culture.

✦ Artistic Profile and Style

Monroe's movement is defined by its technical precision, musicality, and a powerful stage presence influenced by ballroom dance and his Latin roots. His approach to Waacking combines the ferocity of classic freestyle with deep theatricality, a result of his continuous training in related disciplines such as acting fundamentals, solo vocal performance, and musical theater. This versatility allows him to transform each battle and choreography into a complete visual narrative.

✦ Career and Professional Experience

Battles, Competitions, and Stages

Monroe is an active and respected figure in the competitive urban dance circuit, accumulating experience in renowned events and high-profile showcases:

• Prestigious Events: Participant in global impact events such as Summer Dance Forever in Amsterdam, Waacking World Greece

• Community and Freestyle Battles: Prominent competitor in specialized circuit events, including the Fabulous Waacking Battle (community linked to key figures in the scene such as Princess Lockerooo) and consistent pursuits in formats such as Waack To The Future.

• Showcases and Exhibitions: Performer on cutting-edge choreographic exhibition platforms, notably his recent presentation at the DNOTS x The Intermission showcase.

Teaching and Education

As an instructor, Monroe is dedicated to the preservation and evolution of Waacking. In May 2026, he poured his teaching methodology into a digital editorial project: the creation and authorship of the educational workbook titled:

"What you need to know and how to start if you want to learn Waacking dance" (Lo que necesitas saber y cómo empezar si quieres aprender la danza Waacking), a key resource designed to guide new generations of dancers in their first technical and historical steps within the style.

✦ Entrepreneurship and Brand Vision: Monroe Dance Store

Beyond the stage, Brandon has integrated his passion for dance with e-commerce and digital branding. He is the founder and director of Monroe Dance Store (monroe-dance.store), a platform and urban clothing brand designed specifically by and for the dance community.

Controlling the entire digital ecosystem (from Shopify and TikTok Shop development to custom label design and on-demand production), the store reflects the aesthetic of dance culture through themed apparel and exclusive merchandise, becoming an extension of his creative portfolio.

✦ Impact and Global Projection

With a journey that includes training, presentations, and cultural exploration in art hubs — with a history of mobility spanning cities like New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, as well as international experiences in European cities like Barcelona and Zaragoza, and Latin American cities like Bogotá — Monroe continues to expand his reach. His current focus combines the creation of editorial fashion and dance content, participation in freestyle battles, and the management of his global brand.