My name is Katarina Salafia, and as far back as I can remember, dance and childcare have been the heart of my life.

I began dancing at just two years old at my grandmother's dance studio in Massachusetts. Under her guidance, I trained in tap, jazz, ballet, and hip-hop while learning not only the art of dance, but also the importance of creativity, patience, and inspiring confidence in children. As I grew older I became her teaching assistant, and by the age of 16 was leading all of the children's programs. I truly learned from one of the best. My grandmother trained in New York City and continued her education with renowned choreographers throughout her career. We participated in developmental dance workshops together throughout the years, which is something I always cherished. She poured her passion, knowledge, and love of teaching into every student, and I was fortunate enough to have those lessons passed down to me. Her studio wasn't just a place to dance—it was our family, and it became my second home. Dance remained a central part of my life until the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, my grandmother made the difficult decision to retire at the age of 82, after 55 years of being a studio owner. While it marked the end of an incredible chapter, it also gave me the opportunity to pursue a lifelong dream of moving to Florida, and I knew it was time to begin building something of my own.

Alongside dance, I've noticed that every role in my career I've taken has involved supporting, teaching, or caring for children in some way. I started working in childcare at 16 years old and have since gained experience in daycare centers, private nannying, agency placements, special events, and schools. In addition to childcare, I have a therapeutic social work background pertaining to children in the foster care system. Over the past 15+ years I've had the privilege of working with children from many different backgrounds and in many different settings, and every experience has reinforced what I've always known—helping children grow, learn, and smile is exactly where I'm meant to be, and that working with children isn't just something I do—it's truly my passion.

Definition Dance & Play Studio is a lifelong dream. I pride myself on being warm, personable, and energetic. I love creating a positive, welcoming environment where children feel comfortable, confident, and excited to participate. Whether I'm leading a dance class, facilitating an activity, or simply spending time with them, I bring enthusiasm, creativity, and a fun-loving spirit that helps every child feel included and encouraged. Every class, every program, and every experience is created with the same love, dedication, and passion that my grandmother instilled in me all those years ago. Whether they're taking their very first dance class, singing along to music, or simply exploring through movement and play, I want every child to leave with confidence, happy memories, and a smile on their face. It is my greatest hope that Definition Dance & Play Studio becomes a place where children build confidence, friendships, unforgettable memories, and a lifelong love of movement.