Meet Eleanee Jimenez

We were lucky to catch up with Eleanee Jimenez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Eleanee, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience, for me, comes from a blend of personal experiences, community, and inner drive. Growing up in a close-knit Latino family, I learned the importance of strength, determination, and pride in my roots. My mother was my first role model, showing me what it meant to face adversity with grace and courage. She pushed me to pursue my passions, and when I started dance, I discovered a world that would test and shape me in countless ways. Dance taught me discipline, persistence, and the ability to overcome obstacles—both physical and mental.

Dance has also been my escape, my safe haven, especially during the intense years of adolescence. Like many teens, I went through stages of self-discovery and confusion, often feeling out of place or overwhelmed by expectations. When things felt darkest, I could always find my way back to dance. The studio became a refuge, a place where I could leave everything else behind and just be myself. Moving to the beat, I found clarity and strength that helped me navigate those uncertain times. Dance has been more than an art for me; it’s been a lifeline, helping me reconnect with myself and emerge stronger, no matter what.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I own my own dance studio, Afinké Dance Company, and what excites me most is the incredible community we’ve built. The people are truly the heartbeat of Afinké, and being part of each dancer’s unique journey is something I cherish deeply. What makes us special is how we support and inspire one another, with everyone bringing something valuable to our space. We’re constantly evolving the brand—introducing new talent and instructors, expanding our offerings, and creating fresh opportunities for growth. This November, we celebrate our 9-year anniversary, and we have big plans ahead, including more diverse classes, workshops, and pop-up events that bring even more excitement and artistry to our community.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, adaptability, and community-building. Resilience helped me push through tough times and stay focused on the bigger picture, even when things didn’t go as planned. Adaptability allowed me to embrace change, whether that meant shifting my own dance style or pivoting the studio’s direction to better serve our dancers. Community-building has been invaluable in fostering a welcoming, supportive environment at Afinké Dance Company where everyone feels they belong.

For those early in their journey, I’d say focus on building resilience by embracing setbacks as learning opportunities. Adaptability will keep you open to new experiences and lessons—try different styles, challenge yourself to move outside your comfort zone, and stay curious. Lastly, community-building takes genuine connection; remember, success isn’t just about what you achieve alone, but also what you create alongside others. Each of these qualities will help you grow both as an artist and as a person.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

My ideal client is someone who comes in with an open heart. They’re not afraid to challenge themselves and understand that progress takes time, so they approach their journey with patience and persistence. Respect for the community is key—they value the energy, diversity, and dedication that each person brings to the studio. A willingness to support others, celebrate their achievements, and embrace different styles and instructors makes someone an ideal client. Whether a beginner or experienced dancer, an ideal client is driven, curious, and eager to be part of the Afinké family.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://afinkedance.com
• Instagram: @afinkedancecompany
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afinkedancecompany

Image Credits

AxsPhotography