From Cuba, Kati Hernandez brings her explosive, joyous energy to the American stage and classroom. In her hometown of Los Angeles Kati has served as lead choreographer for Afro-Cuban jam sessions at the Ford Theatre where she has also co-hosted dance workshops with the acclaimed Afro-Cuban rock band, Síntesis. More recently, Kati was artistic director for the joint production “Cuba Antes y Ahora,” a series of dance and music workshops with visiting Cuban artists at Grand Park and the Getty Museum – Kati. She also presented her Dance company KimBamBula at the Skirball Museum. Also had choreographed and performed in musical videos. Including “Un poquito de amor every day” with world renown Colin Hay and San Miguel Perez.
With boundless energy and knowledge. Kati guests teach dance classes and lectures at colleges, universities and dance studios around the country. She continues to tour, bringing her Afro-Cuban dynamite to national folkloric and Salsa dance conferences. Her reverential propagation of the roots of Cuban culture motivated her to create her national acclaimed dance program Oricha dance Therapy. Bringing empowerment and healing through the reach Afro-Cuban dance diaspora. That joins Afro-Timba, part of her pioneering repertoire, a dance fitness program that she co -founded and actively tours.
Kati flows between public and academic venues. She has worked with dance and music departments like UCIrvine, University of Oregon, Pomona College where she choreographed and performed the dance installation “Fire” that was directed by Judith Davis. Kati also choreographed a piece for Santa Monica College’s dance company Global Motion. Additionally, Kati has participated in the Esalen Institute’s summer festival where she performed a tribute piece for the legendary Afro-Cuban master percussionist Francisco Aguabella; it was also here that she workshopped and birthed her popular Oricha dance therapy program.
Kati is known for her uniquely uplifting and intuitive teaching techniques, her vibrant energy and sabor on the dance floor. Her unforgettable work is a true illustration of her heritage and an endless celebration of Cuban dance and music.