In 2016, Liethis Hechavarria’s world changed when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Though her mother faced the illness with resilience, witnessing the struggle firsthand altered Hechavarria’s perspective. A lifelong dancer, she realized that dance alone was no longer enough—she wanted to heal, too.
Blending Tradition with Empowerment
Drawing from the Yoruba religious traditions of her native Cuba, Hechavarria created a class called Orisha Femininity Flow. “It’s for anyone who feels like a woman,” she explains. Her goal is to empower women, helping them embrace their strength while learning to navigate life’s inevitable challenges.
The Spirit of the Orisha
In Yoruba legend, the Orisha are forces of nature in spirit form, sent by the supreme being Oludomare to guide humanity. In Hechavarria’s class, women learn to channel their inner Orisha, using movement and laughter as a means of connection and self-expression.
A Legacy of Dance
Hechavarria immigrated to New York at the age of 13 with her mother, Danis “La Mora” Pérez, a world-renowned dancer. Shortly after their arrival, Pérez founded the Oyu Oro Afro-Cuban Experimental Dance Ensemble, dedicated to educating audiences on African dance traditions and captivating them with vibrant performances.
Adapting to Change
This year was meant to be a celebration—Pérez had survived cancer, Oyu Oro was marking its 15th anniversary, and Hechavarria’s classes were thriving as she returned to finish her Dance Performance degree. However, COVID-19 forced a shift, as live performances and in-person classes came to a halt.
Resilience in Motion
True to the forces of nature, Hechavarria adapted. The year’s final performances took a different form: an outdoor Femininity Flow class, an online rumba lesson, and an unofficial anniversary show for Oyu Oro. Through it all, Hechavarria proved that dance, like life, is about movement—no matter the obstacles.