Mónica Giaimo

Mónica was born in Cartagena, Colombia, where she began her magical and transformative career in dance with Ballet, Colombian folkloric dance, and gymnastics at age 4. After moving with her family to the USA at fifteen, she joined her high school’s dance company where she learned Jazz and Contemporary, and choreographed Latin American inspired pieces for her fellow company members.

Mónica pursued a B.A in Dance and a B.A. in French at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she studied Modern dance and Improv under Mim Rosen, Alcine Wiltz, Alvin Mayes, and Alexander Gish. She performed in fellow student works and danced for MFA candidates Autumn Mist Belk and Malcolm Shute. She also founded, directed, choreographed, and performed with the university’s Latino Student Union’s first ever dance group, which focused on bringing Latin American dance and culture to audiences and communities on and off campus. It was around this time that she started teaching Salsa and Merengue workshops, Afro-Caribbean dance, and Zumba.

Mónica re-joined the world of dance at New York City’s Dance New Amsterdam after a 2-year hiatus. During her time in the city, she learned Simonson technique and danced and performed for Benny Simon.

In 2014 Mónica danced with Frederick’s Equinox Dance Company as a guest performer for their spring show. She later joined the company for their 2015-2016 season, where she performed works by Ray C. Shaw, Jeanna Riscigno, Bria Comer, and Aly Cardinalli. At this time, she started teaching Modern and Improv at To the Pointe Studio of Dance in Point of Rocks.

Most recently, Mónica performed in Amanda Comi’s Seedling.Sappling.Snag, which had its debut at MAD Dance’s Intentional Terrarium festival and Art Installation. Mónica currently dances and teaches at Elixir Dance and Fitness and Revolution Modern Dance.