A Family's Leap

The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School Is Built on Politics, Determination and Family

After escaping Cuba for America, Ariel Serrano and Wilmian Hernandez started a ballet school. Now their son Francisco is a star at The Royal Ballet in London.

09/08/2025 By Carrie Seidman

On Pointe

Royal Ballet Soloist Francisco Serrano Returns to Sarasota for a Gala Performance on July 19

Serrano is the son of Sarasota Cuban Ballet School founders Ariel Serrano and Wilmian Hernandez—native Cubans and former dancers who defected to the U.S. in 1993 and whose school now draws students from around the world.

07/11/2025 By Carrie Seidman

Sarasota Magazine

Courtesy Royal Ballet

The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School Is Built on Politics, Determination and Family

Royal Ballet Soloist Francisco Serrano Returns to Sarasota for a Gala Performance on July 19