Kati Hernandez, Los Angeles based Cuban dance instructor

Kati Hernández is a distinguished Cuban-born choreographer, educator, and cultural ambassador based in Los Angeles, renowned for her profound contributions to Afro-Cuban dance and music. Her work seamlessly blends artistic expression with cultural preservation, making her a pivotal figure in the global dance community.Salsa Rueda Festival+5Kati Hernandez Cuban+5BCDF+5

🌍 Early Life and Artistic Journey

Born and raised in Cuba, Kati was immersed in Afro-Cuban traditions from a young age. She began her formal dance training at the age of nine and later earned a master's degree in modern dance from the prestigious Artes school in Havana. Her early career included performances with renowned Cuban artists such as Bobby Carcases, Chucho Valdés, and Mercedita Valdés, and she toured internationally with groups like Manolito Sibonet y Su Trabuco .LA Phil+3Alliance for California Traditional Arts+3Kati Hernandez Cuban+3Salsa Rueda Festival

💃 Artistic Leadership and Community Engagement

In Los Angeles, Kati has established herself as a central figure in the dance community. She is the founder and artistic director of the Kimbambula Cuban Dance and Music Ensemble and co-founder of Kimbambula Productions, both platforms dedicated to promoting Cuban culture through events like "Essence of Cuba" and "The Cuban Social" .International Festival of Arts and Ideas+3BCDF+3LA Phil+3

Her signature program, Oricha Dance Therapy, is a transformative dance experience that uses Afro-Cuban rhythms and movements to foster empowerment and healing. This program has been featured in various cultural institutions, including the LA Phil and the Getty Museum .International Festival of Arts and Ideas+7Kati Hernandez Cuban+7LA Phil+7Kati Hernandez Cuban+3LA Phil+3LA Phil+3

Kati's commitment to cultural education extends to academia, where she has taught at institutions such as CalArts, UC Irvine, and Pomona College. She also leads workshops and intensives at major Cuban dance festivals across the United States .Kati Hernandez Cuban

🏆 Recognition and Media Presence

In 2023, Kati was honored with the Community Leader of Excellence Award, recognizing her artistry and leadership in the cultural community . Her work has garnered national attention, including features in Spotify's Latinx Heritage Month campaign and the American Heart Association's "Get Down with Your Blood Pressure" PSA .BCDF+3LA Phil+3LA Phil+3Kati Hernandez Cuban+1Kati Hernandez Cuban+1

📍 Connect and Experience

Kati continues to inspire and educate through her online platform, Kati Cuban Dance, offering classes in Afro-Cuban dance, salsa, and Oricha Dance Therapy. For those in Los Angeles, she holds in-person sessions at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, providing a vibrant space for cultural exchange and artistic growth .Alliance for California Traditional Arts+6Kati Hernandez Cuban+6Kati Hernandez Cuban+6Kati Hernandez Cuban+1Kati Hernandez Cuban+1

Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a newcomer, Kati's classes offer an authentic and enriching experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of Afro-Cuban heritage.