Katarina, "Kitty The Dancer" Mestas grew up in a religious community where dance expression was closely monitored. Consequently, dancing freely happened behind closed doors and became a hidden escape from the confines of religious indoctrination. Dance proved to be a haven of self-discovery for Katarina and they continued to pursue dance despite being told that it was non-essential.

 

After entering a high school that offered dance classes centered around social justice and equity, Mestas grew to understand the essential purpose of dance as a form of storytelling and expression. Mestas delved into Hula, Hip Hop, and Cuban Salsa and became a member of the Step Dance team. 

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When attending community college, Mestas pursued their gift even further as a performer. Mestas continued as a professor's aide, studio volunteer, hair/makeup artist, social media manager, photographer, and videographer for their community college's dance crew all while building their own fitness following in order to spread the joy of dance in their community. Simultaneously, Mestas then became part of the "Steam Heat" jazz crew which focused on honing choreography inspired by Bob Fosse. Mestas had the privilege of performing at the San Francisco Herbst Theater for an Asian film festival as well as at the community college's Spring and Winter Concerts. 

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During COVID, Mestas decided to pursue their love of musical theatre by joining a yearlong online academy working with Broadway vocal, acting, and dancing coaches. The Hello Broadway Online Academy challenged students to create their virtual performance. Mestas decided to create a live online one-woman show called "Kitacular Spectacular" showcasing their love for musical theatre icons like Liza Minelli and Chita Rivera. 

 

Mestas' focus is to choreograph work with the intention of shedding light on individual and societal struggles to liberate audiences’ minds and promote free thinking. In Spring of 2023, Mestas will hold a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Dance from the University of Washington (UW) with an emphasis in choreography and currently works as a dance fitness instructor at the UW.