Kristie is from Overland Park, Kansas, and has been dancing and tumbling since she was 3 years old. She tumbled competitively at a young age, but decided to take up competitive dance when she was 10. She danced at Above the Barre Dance Academy in Olathe, KS and is trained in ballet, modern, jazz, lyrical, tap, and contemporary. She has had experience teaching ages 2-18. After high school, Kristie continued on her dancing career by being an instructional staff member for the National Dance Alliance in the summer of 2015. She came to K-State and was a member of the Classy Cat's dance team for her freshman and sophomore years. At K-State, she is currently studying Elementary Education with a focus in Special Education. Kristie is very excited for the opportunity Bates has given her and she looks forward to her time here!