Katherine Jimenez

Katherine Jiménez is an international dance performer, instructor, choreographer, and entrepreneur. Born in New York City, Katherine began her dance training with The Ailey School Junior Division at a young age. She had the opportunity to continue her training, start teaching, and graduate from The Ailey School and the Professional Performing Arts High School. The Ailey School granted Katherine the luxury of training in many different techniques. They allowed constant mentorship from prominent teachers, choreographers, and dancers worldwide. Combined with her love for Mambo and Latin dance Techniques, Katherine became a central dance figure — training under renowned masters of NY Style Mambo.

Performing nationally and internationally, Katherine has shared the stage in arenas like City Center, The United Palace, and Lincoln Center with artists such as Tony Vega, Johnny Pacheco, Andy Montanez, Marvin Santiago, Willie Colon, Charanga America, and many others. In addition to teaching, choreographing, and performing, Katherine has also been a judge for the World Salsa Summit, helping other dancers perfect their craft.

Katherine holds a master’s degree in Dance Education from NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. She is on a mission to make tools for mental, emotional, and physical health accessible for all, through dance and movement. Katherine created KJon2.com, her streaming platform where she actively aims to support and inspire people of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds across the globe.

After years of training and performing, Katherine has been recognized as the first NY Style Mambo instructor at The Ailey School through the Ailey Extension and The Professional Performing Arts High School. She is conducting workshops for Alvin Ailey’s Arts in Education Teaching Artists. She is featured on different occasions by PIX11, by Magee Hickey, and with Vanessa Freeman and Dan Mannarino, who showcased Katherine in a discussion on The Origins of Mambo and her experience as a featured dancer for the film In the Heights. Katherine has also appeared in The New York Times, The Sherri Show, Cheddar News with Shannon LaNier, Latina Magazine, and Cuny TV, interviewed by Diana Vargas. These opportunities have allowed for the broadcasting of Mambo and the Latin Community. Catching the eye of Telemundo, 47 Katherine was interviewed by Sandra Escallon and Odalys Molina. The Ailey Moves Campaign highlighted Katherine’s classes to the City Center community and City Hall in Manhattan. Katherine is recognized not only for highlighting her dancing, styles, and the rich history she stands by but also for her first single, titled Mantequilla by Katherine Jiménez, which is now available on all streaming platforms.

Representation is Katherine’s most significant driving force. So, when Noggin and Ailey teamed up to work on "Ailey Dance Squad," it was an easy choice to participate and help display the world of Latin Fusion techniques.

In collaboration with Columbia University, Katherine has also brought the rhythm and joy of dance to the Senior Citizens of New York. The Aim High Event and Health Brain Fair are just some of the events where you can find this artist.

Katherine prides herself on breaking down complex patterns so everyone can understand them. At the same time, she is teaching traditional techniques with contemporary styles and encouraging everyone to the dance floor. Katherine continues to spread the joy of movement wherever she goes. It is her driving force. Now, with the help of the Extension's Ailey Experience Tour, you can catch Katherine traveling to many different cities.

Featured News Releases

Ailey Extension Celebrates Black History Month With The Launch Of Ailey Legacy On-Demand Series And Themed Workshops

(NEW YORK) February 2, 2022 – In celebration of Black History Month, Ailey Extension is launching Ailey Legacy On-Demand, a series of on-demand workshops taught by the stars of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and presenting a variety of workshops and classes that highlight Black contributions to the world of dance. Each day in February students of all experience levels can explore street styles such as hip-hop and Afro’Dance, dive into Afro-Latin techniques from Cuba and Brazil, and immerse themselves in traditional West African dance with Ailey’s elite instructors either in-studio at the Joan Weill Center for Dance – NYC’s largest building dedicated to dance – or virtually from wherever they are located.

Ailey All Access Series Of Digital Performance Broadcasts January 31-June 20 Headlines Slate Of Free Ailey Virtual Offerings

New York, NY – January 20, 2022 – The Ailey organization committed to furthering the pioneering vision of its founder Alvin Ailey continues to find ways to build community, inspire, and celebrate the indomitable human spirit through dance with a new slate of digital programing in conjunction with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s national tour marking Artistic Director Robert Battle’s 10th anniversary and 50 years of Cry. Upcoming offerings include: Ailey All Access, a returning online initiative featuring a series of performance broadcasts January 31 – June 20; a virtual educational performance experience will introduce young audiences to the magic of Ailey; Ailey Extension's dance and fitness classes program invites fans around the world to join in the dance with new workshops; and viewers are encouraged to explore the life and work of a brilliant and enigmatic genius through feature-length documentary portrait, AILEY.

Ailey Extension Celebrates National Dance Day On September 18 By Reopening Studios For Public To Enjoy Weekend Hybrid And In-Studio Only Classes For First Time Since March 2020

New York, NY – September 2, 2021 – Ailey Extension will celebrate National Dance Day by welcoming New York City area dancers back to the studios to experience the vibrant energy of its “real classes for real people” in person starting Saturday, September 18. For the first time since March 2020, New Yorkers of all experience levels and backgrounds are invited to join in the dance at the Joan Weill Center for Dance – NYC’s largest building dedicated to dance – with their favorite instructors, inspiring guest artists and esteemed musicians. An updated schedule of classes allows fully vaccinated New Yorkers ages 12+ to gather in small groups on Saturdays and Sundays. Virtual class options remain available seven days a week for those 16+ who cannot join in-studio and for children ages 5-11 under the Kids & Teens Sunday Dance Series.

Featured Press Coverage