Kate Mai-Loretz has been dancing for over 25 years.  She originally studied under Lorraine Judd in Seymour, CT where she trained in all areas of dance, and she continued her studies of dance into college where she was specially trained in classical ballet, Broadway jazz and modern. Kate has taken Master classes with Wade Robson, Brian Friedman, Earl Mosley, Karen Thorton, Rennie Harris, David Parsons, Susan Shields of Barishnikov's modern dance company, and the Pilobolus Dance Movement group. She has studied tap with Dianne Walker, ballet with Kate Lydon of American Ballet Theatre and modern with Brian Simerson of the Momix Company.

Prior to opening CT Dance Force, Kate taught all areas of dance for Rhythm Dance Studio in Cheshire, Marcia Murphy's School of Dance in Wolcott, Goldstar Dance in Shelton and Lorraine Judd Dance Center in Seymour. Kate has been awarded numerous "excellence in dance" awards, and her performance credits include such shows as Carousel, Crazy for You, Broadway Review at the Strand Theatre, The Wiz, and Runaways. Kate's choreography has been seen in The Wizard of Oz, and her directorial and technical theatre credits include The Wizard of Oz, Hello Dolly and Godspell.
In addition to dance, Kate has also taught pre-school within the local area, working with children ages 3-4.  
Kate holds a BA in Humanities from Albertus Magnus College and has taken classes towards an Associates Degree in Dance from Naugatuck Valley Community College. She maintains her dance credentials through Dance Masters of America workshops, holds membership in the CT Dance Alliance.

Kate's favorite subjects to teach are ballet, lyrical and rhythm tap.

"It's better to be a first-rate version of yourself, than a second-rate version of someone else." Judy Garland

Kristopher Loretz has been dancing now for over 30 years. Kris originally studied under Debbie Sichol in Southbridge, Massachusetts where he was trained in all areas of dance. He has also received professional theatre and voice training as well. Kris has studied dance under master teachers Wade Robson, Brian Friedman, Joe Tremaine, Rhee & Rene Gold, Doug Caldwell, Tony Coppola, Karen Thorton, Rennie Harris, David Parsons and the Pilobolus Dance group.
In 1995 Kris came to New Haven, Connecticut where he continued his performing art studies at Act 2 Theatre while in college.

Prior to opening CT Dance Force, Kris taught Master classes at many studios throughout New England including, Rhythm Dance Studio in Cheshire, Marcia Murphy's School of Dance in Wolcott, Caroline's Dance Center in Berlin, and New England Ballet School in Orange, as well as teaching theatre and dance workshops at the Hyde Leadership School in New Haven. Kris also was the assistant coach for the competitive team at Goldstar Gymnastics in Shelton for three years.

Kris has had starring and supporting roles in over 20 off-off Broadway and community productions, including South Pacific, The King and I, Guys and Dolls, Cabaret, A Chorus Line, Pippin, The Wiz, Joseph... Technicolor Dreamcoat, Godspell and West Side Story. He spent four years touring with the Dance Prism Ballet's Nutcracker and in 1988 was invited to dance on tour in Russia and Denmark. Kris also was the Assistant Director of Education and Outreach at the Shubert Theatre New Haven from 1998-99.
In competition Kris has won over 35 platinum, gold and silver medals, and he has choreographed over 20 platinum and gold winning numbers. His most exciting dance experiences to date would be performing in the 1999 Outback Bowl Half-time show with Backstreet Boy Kevin Richardson, touring the former Soviet Union and meeting ballet superstar Rudolph Nureyev.
Kris holds a BA in Performing Arts from Albertus Magnus College, maintains his dance credentials through D.M.A. workshops, holds membership in the CT Dance Alliance and the United States Gymnastics Association, and has also been safety certified through the USGA.
His favorite subjects to teach are lyrical and musical theatre.

Ashley Pabst Ashley Pabst fell in love with Zumba during her very first class. She knew from that very moment she wanted to become a Zumba instructor so she can share her new passion with others. Ashley's ultimate goal is to show how Zumba can be a blast but still a high intensity, full body workout. She is very excited to share her love for Zumba and prove that it is not only a workout but it is fun, exhilarating and everybody can do it! Ashley also has a passion for dance, she is a dance instructor and is currently majoring in Dance at Naugatuck Valley Community College. She has trained in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, contemporary and pointe. Ashley is looking forward to finish her Dance degree and begin furthering her education in business so she can share her love and passion for dance and Zumba Fitness to others at her own studio!