Catrina Choate-Heretoiu is a master ballet teacher and somatic educator who assists students in achieving excellence in a stress-free manner. She received her primary ballet training with the Cecchetti Method of classical ballet and later with the prestigious School of American Ballet in New York City. She danced professionally with Miami City Ballet, Carolina Ballet, and Miami Contemporary Dance Company. Ms. Heretoiu performed many Balanchine Ballets including Agon, Concerto Barocco, The Four Temperaments, Jewels, and Serenade. As a teacher, she has staged many productions such as The Nutcracker, Les Sylphides, Coppelia, and she has choreographed many original contemporary ballets. She has also successfully coached students for the Youth America Grand Prix Competition. 

Ms. Catrina holds a B.A. degree in English Literature from Florida International University and an MFA degree in Dance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she also served as a full-time faculty member with the Dance Department after her graduation. Ms. Heretoiu is a certified somatic practitioner of the Feldenkrais Method and has structured specific Awareness Through Movement lessons for dancers to help the physical rehabilitation process and to increase an understanding of body awareness.

She recently worked for Madison Ballet, the professional company of Madison, WI, where she taught company class and all levels at the school. She also developed a successful ballet program for Active Older Adults called Ballet for Seniors and it was awarded the Balance Stamp of Approval in Dane County because of its effectiveness for strengthening stability for seniors and helping to improve balance and mobility. 

Ms. Catrina is the founder of SomaStudies, an in person and online school that is dedicated to helping people in pain and assisting performing artists achieve their physical goals so they may withstand and thrive in their career of choice. Ballet has always been a joy and passion for Catrina and she believes it is for anyone at any level, whether working towards a professional career or for pure enjoyment and learning! Dance is meant to be shared and loved. Please join Catrina to discover a special way into ballet!