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.