Gabriel Eduardo Jimenez Montes

Teaching Artist

Gabriel Eduardo Jimenez Montes, a native of Puerto Rico, has been immersed in the rich cultural tapestry of his homeland since childhood. From the vibrant rhythms of Bomba & Plena to the infectious energy of salsa, merengue, and bachata, Gabriel’s passion for dance was ignited at an early age. After earning his BA in Dramatic Arts from the University of Puerto Rico in 2015, Gabriel pursued further artistic development at the California Institute of Arts, where he obtained his Master of Fine Arts in Acting/Theater. During his time at CalArts, Gabriel’s interdisciplinary approach led him to collaborate with the music and dance departments on various projects, enriching his artistic perspective. Gabriel’s artistic journey has been shaped by collaborations with esteemed choreographers such as Julie Bour, Gema Galiana, DaEun Jung, Jay Carlon, among others. His training encompasses a fusion of physical theater, contemporary dance, and the vibrant rhythms of his Puerto Rican heritage. Noteworthy among Gabriel’s most recent accomplishments is the exhibition of his dance performance choreographed by DaEun Jung at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Seoul, Korea. In addition to his pursuits in dance and theater, Gabriel is the driving force behind Plenazo Tribe, a musical project where he serves as producer, percussionist, and vocalist. Their electrifying performances, held every last Friday of the month at Mofongos in North Hollywood, showcase Gabriel’s versatility as a performer. Beyond his artistic endeavors, Gabriel is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of artists, boasting over a decade of experience teaching and mentoring children. His journey as a dancer, musician, and actor epitomizes his commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement, earning him the flyer distinction of a true triple threat in the performing arts world.