Katherine Jiménez

Katherine Jimenez. Courtesy of Ailey Extension
Please Credit Photo: Katherine Jimenez. Courtesy of Ailey Extension.
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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 Professional Performing Arts School (PPAS). 

Performing nationally and internationally, Katherine has shared the stage in venues like New York 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. After years of training and performing, Katherine became the first NY Style Mambo instructor at AILEY with Ailey Extension and PPAS.  

Katherine was a featured dancer for the 2021 film In the Heights. Katherine has appeared in The New York Times and Latina Magazine and has had appearances on CUNY TV, The Sherri Show, Cheddar News with Shannon LaNier, PIX11 with Magee Hickey, Vanessa Freeman, and Dan Mannarino, and WNJU (Telemundo 47) with Sandra Escallon and Odalys Molina. Katherine proudly worked on the collaboration between Noggin and AILEY on the series Ailey Dance Squad where she helped display the world of Latin Fusion techniques. In collaboration with Columbia University, Katherine has brought the rhythm and joy of dance to the senior citizens of New York with their Aim High Event and Health Brain Fair. 

Representation is Katherine’s most significant driving force and Katherine prides herself on breaking down complex patterns so everyone can understand them. Katherine teaches traditional techniques with contemporary styles and encourages everyone to the dance floor. 

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Ailey Extension Dance in Times Square - Mambo with Katherine Jimenez By Grace Landefeld
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Ailey Extension Dance in Times Square - Mambo with Katherine Jimenez By Grace Landefeld
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Katherine Jimenez. Courtesy of Ailey Extension
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Ailey Extension Dance in Times Square - Mambo with Katherine Jimenez By Grace Landefeld
Ailey Extension Dance in Times Square - Mambo with Katherine Jimenez By Grace Landefeld
Katherine Jimenez. Courtesy of Ailey Extension

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

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Blavity - Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Company Members On Expanding Its Legacy With Afro-Latino And Afro-Caribbean Dance

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s holiday season is underway at New York City Center through Jan. 4. This season marks more than just another year of the artistic phenomenon that uses dance as a catalyst for spiritual and cultural expression. It also marks the dawn of a new chapter under the guidance of Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack, whose inaugural season embraces both the company’s foundational Black roots and its evolving commitment to diversity, now including the Afro-Latino diaspora.

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El Diario - Latin rhythms are part of the new season of Alvin Ailey

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre kicked off its annual season at New York City Center, the first under the leadership of Alicia Graf Mack, which will run from this week until January 2026. And while this historically African American company has always been a symbol of excellence in modern dance, its present is deeply marked by the presence and talent of Latino artists who find here a home for their identity and their movement. Among them are Afro-Brazilian dancer Leonardo Brito and AILEY Extension mambo instructor Katherine Jiménez, two voices that represent the cultural and spiritual expansion of Alvin Ailey's legacy.