About Kati Hernandez Cuban Dance
Empowering and Healing through the rich Afro-Cuban Dance Diaspora.
Kati Hernandez, Cuban Choreographer, dancer, educator. Provides a pioneering Online Cuban dance, music and art program. A joyful endless celebration of Cuban Culture as a reflection of resilience, empowerment and healing. Committed to preserve and promote Afro-Cuban culture worldwide. Generating cross-cultural communities. Kati’s contagious uplifting energy and finesse style of teaching leads the way to a comprehensive Cuban dance and music journey suitable for a variety of skill levels. Her signature nationwide acclaimed program Orisha Dance Therapy is a language of expression through movements and rhythms of the rich Afro-Cuban Dance diaspora. It combines the magic and flavor of Cuban Rumba and the graceful dance and sound of traditional Cuban Son along with the funky sound of Timba and Groovy Cuban Salsa. As a facilitator, Kati exposes her students to an outstanding line up of world-renowned Cuban artists that generously share their vast knowledge during each friendly, fun Zoom class. Each class is created with a lot of passion. Bringing a program deeply rooted in Afro-Cuban Culture, inspired by you!
Are you ready to spice up your dance? Contact us today to learn more about the program.
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Covid-Price
You may be hurting during this difficult time.
Please use this coupon for $5 discount when you book an individual class:
Covid-price-2021
*Coupon does not apply to the following classes: Soca 2 Timba, ConClave, Afro-Cuban Song Workshop
AFRO-CUBAN
Orisha Dance Therapy
" Kati’s signature dance program "
* Included in Dance pass
A language of expression, a reflection of resilience, empowerment and healing in community!
Oricha Dance Therapy
Sunday 11:35 AM Pacific Time
All levels welcome
Oricha dance therapy goes beyond physical movement - it is a way to celebrate life! This class brings empowerment and healing through the Afro-Cuban dance diaspora, with the objective of preserving this rich tradition, brought to Cuba during the 17th century. Students will learn a wide range of dances from different ethnic groups (Yoruba, Ararà, Congo, Franco Haitian). Through choreography this class stimulates awareness of the intimate relationship between rhythms, sacred songs, and dance. Our weekly themes are enhanced by implementing non-traditional forms of therapy such as pilates, Qigong, Chromotherapy, and the healing power of sound and the voice, which are infused into the warm-up and cool-down to cultivate balance of mind, body, and spirit. Awaken the self-body power, the collective power, and the spiritual power with dances of the Afro-Cuban diaspora. Oricha Dance Therapy is a practice rooted in Cuban culture and inspired by you!
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With our transition back into live classes, please be aware of the following changes to our Afro-Cuban Song Workshop, and Oricha Dance Therapy:
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The Afro-Cuban Song Class will be from 11 - 11:30 AM. This will be subject to change depending on the guest artist and schedule, so please check the website, and subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates.
*For those looking to learn more, Jesus Diaz's Wednesday percussion class will now feature songs as well, so I welcome you to join!
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Oricha Dance Therapy will be from 11:35 AM - 12:45 PM. The duration is subject to change.​
Special Orisha Therapy Sessions
The Guest Artists
Wednesdays, 06/02—06/23 3:15PM PST Afro-Cuban Songs & Percussion
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* Included in the Afro-Cuban Songs/ Percussion and Unlimited Passes.
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* Not included in the Dance Pass.
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* Covid discount cannot be used.
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Sunday,TBA, 11:00 AM PST
Afro-Cuban Songs & Patakis Workshop
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* Included in the Afro-Cuban Songs/ Percussion and Unlimited Passes.
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* Not included in the Dance Pass.
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* Covid discount cannot be used.
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Tuesday = Rumba
( Three levels of classes )
* Included in Dance pass
Are you ready to spice up your dance?
Join us!
Indulge yourself with the magic and grace of Cuban Rumba dance, the heartbeat of the streets of Cuba.
Are you ready to spice up your dance? For those looking to hone their Cuban Rumba dance technique, or take their Rumba dance skills outside of the box and to the next level, Kati will take you on a comprehensive dance and music journey! Beginning with a warm up that focuses on Afro-Cuban body isolation exercises and musicality drills, students will be exposed to the various styles of rumba: rumba Guaguanco, rumba Yambu and rumba Columbia, while the intimate relationship between body movements, steps and the clave is highlighted. These classes weave musical and historical information to help you understand the close relationship between the rhythms, dance, and cultural aspects of this Cuban secular dance. Detailed music information will also be given to help expand your knowledge on the nuances that make this complex music and dance so full of grace and flavor. Kati teaches with passion and encouragement to help you achieve your dance goals and expand your knowledge of Cuban culture.
Cuban Rumba for Novice
Tuesday 4:30pm Pacific Time
Rumba for Novice Pass ($80), an 8-week course*, is available.
Join Cuban choreographer and educator Kati Hernandez in an 8-week course designed for the TRUE BEGINNER DANCER. You can expect a step by step introduction to Cuban Rumba with a comprehensive course syllabus, RUMBA FOR NOVICES, that starts with 4 basic steps of Rumba: footwork, posture, body movement, and musicality drills. You will cultivate the INTENTION and nuances of movements to help you develop a more authentic form of expression on the dance floor.
Rumba with Kati - Fundamentals
(Suitable to all levels)
Tuesday 7:00pm Pacific Time
Enhance your Rumba foundation! A comprehensive course dance for those new to Cuban Rumba or looking into honing their Cuban Rumba dance technique. Students will be exposed to the various styles of rumba—Guaguanco, Yambu and Columbia. Weaving Afro-Cuban body isolations and musicality drills. Guiding you to develop your improvisation dance skills taking you out of just choreography and into the real-life application of this dance form!
Cuban Rumba - Intermediate / Advanced
Tuesday 8:15pm Pacific Time
Taking your Rumba to the next level!
Kati has created a framework to help you strengthen your Rumba dance skills and advance technically and artistically. A class is geared to those who already know Kati’s Rumba syllabus 5 basic steps.
There are 5 Tuesdays in June, so the extra Tuesday will be a make up day for the cancelled Classes on Tuesday, May 11th.
Percussion & Song Track
* Included in Percussion Track pass
Wednesday: ZOOM in on Afro - Cuban Dance technique.
Three levels of classes.
* Included in Dance pass
Building a Strong Foundation:
Intro to Afro-Cuban Dance.
Wednesday 4:30pm Pacific Time
Focusing on Afro-Cuban dance technique. With a warm up emphasizing body isolation exercises and drills, students will be introduced to basic steps from the far-reaches of the Afro-Cuban dance diaspora. Movements are carefully broken down, and musical and historical information is woven in for a deeper understanding. If you are new to Afro-Cuban dance, or would like to hone your skills in this style, this is the class for you!
Back 2 Basics Afro-Cuban Dance Technique: Fundamentals
Wednesday 7:00pm Pacific Time
Grounding ourselves in the foundations of Afro-Cuban dance, this class is designed for those new to Afro-Cuban dance, or who would like to hone their Afro-Cuban Dance technique. Covering dances of the Afro-Cuban diaspora (Yoruba, Ararà, Congo, Franco-Haitian), this class emphasizes recognizing rhythms, body isolations, and constant repetition of drills to help students internalize and gradually progress with a qualitative practice. Movements are carefully broken down, and musical and historical information is woven in for a deeper understanding.
Afro-Cuban Dance Intensive
Arará tradition
06/02 - 06/23
Wednesday 8:15pm Pacific Time
A 4-week Afro-Cuban dance immersion.
KimBambula
Cuban Dance Ensemble Track.
SOCA 2 Timba
* Included in Dance pass
*Not applicable for Covid discount
This track offers a variety of fun, enriching classes curated by Kati, taught by main dancers of KimBambula.
Kati’s Cuban dance Ensemble.
Soca 2 Timba with Shana Christopher (Open to all levels)
Thursday 7:00pm Pacific Time
Fete like a Trini and free yourself a lo Cubano to the ensnaring sounds of soca and timba!
This class fuses dances from Cuba and Trinidad to the rhythms of soca and timba, two forms of music that meld and celebrate the diverse identities that shape their countries. As we continue to delve into the roots and traditions of Cuban culture, we are expanding our exploration into how those same roots evolved in other Caribbean countries, and how they can inform and intermix with one another. Though these two islands have their own unique cultures, their sounds and movements are expressions of the same concepts: dissension, perseverance, and celebration! Let’s add some West Indian spice to that juicy Cuban flavor! Oil yuh waist and get ready to sweat!
Saturday's Cuban Groove!
* Included in Dance pass
ConCLAVE - Musicality 4 Dancers
Featuring ALBERTO SALAS.
Saturday 12:45pm Pacific Time
Building the bridge to dancing inside Cuban music as opposed to drifting on top of it. A class that unifies and supports Cuban arts communities around the globe.
Cuban choreographer and educator, Kati Hernandez, hosts and curates an informal, yet insightful, session on musicality for dancers. With the empathic mission to inspire and educate a worldwide online community of social dancers of all levels, dance professionals and Cuban culture lovers from all backgrounds.To help enhance their practice by elevating their knowledge and understanding of Cuban music. This friendly gathering of students, Kati's friends, experts of Cuban music and mentors. Exposes participants to an outstanding line up of world-renowned musicians, composers, and music masters. Who generously share their vast knowledge, projects, and inspiring personal live anecdotes.
ConCLAVE comes together to support and promote the work of our musicians and music educators during these harsh times.
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Find out all Guest Musicians We've Had.
Cuban Ladies' Styling
with a different approach
(For All Levels. All dance backgrounds.)
Saturday 2:00pm Pacific Time
NO CLASS on 6/12
Tailored to the Students’ Needs. Spice up your style with a dose of Cuban flavor. Exude confidence while writing your story through movements!
Kati's signature Ladies' styling program exposes participants to her profound dance concepts and unique approach to music. This class takes students through a "loop" of movements: from the funky streets full of Cuban flavor, to organic and playful social dance, to the refined quality of the stage. Supported by unique drills packed with musicality information, each session answers students' questions previously sent by email through a small impromptu choreography. Kati guides and inspires students to have a more authentic, fluid dance communication with their partner on the dance floor and an unforced conversation with the music. This essential dance tool-kit will help students improve and grow technically and artistically. Students are encouraged to email their questions to Kati@cubandanceonline.com
Ajiaco “Kati’s Cuban Dance Stew”
- Your Saturday Morning Cuban Groove!
Cuban traditional mambo.
- The main ingredient of the stew
for the month of June!
Saturday 11:30AM Pacific Time
- Cuban Salsa Suelta fusion. (All levels, no partner required)
Start off your Saturday with... UNA BULLA!!! Get ready to shake it and get down a lo Cubano ( the Cuban way)
This class is a tasty melting-pot of traditional and contemporary Cuban dances and rhythms blended together for a dose of morning fun, all under a weekly theme. Timba music, traditional Cuban dances, and Afro-Cuban body movements will be supported by a generous dose of information about Cuban music. You not only will be having fun but filling up your brain and expanding your repertoire of Cuban dances. Kati covers well known traditional, popular cuban dances at the same time! Get ready to lift your spirit, sweat, learn and Start off your Saturday with some laughter while Kati occasionally shares her life anecdotes during the golden era of timba, and decodes some those double entendre in Cuban music!