Catarina grew up dancing in Rhode Island, where she trained and competed nationally in a variety of styles for 10+ years. Through spending her summers at intensives where she developed her creativity, she fell in love with creating pieces of her own. 

Catarina was a member of the Rutgers University Dance Team. While pursuing a degree in Psychology, she competed in UDA Division 1A Pom and Jazz, performed at basketball and football games, took several dance classes within Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts, and earned a gold medal at the 2018 ICU World Championships as a member of the US National Pom Team. Catarina was also an instructor and judge for Universal Dance Association.

Her versatile upbringing combined with her time in the dance team world has resulted in her expressive yet polished style of performing and choreographing. She has spent the past few years both dancing and working in Human Resources in NYC. Catarina is looking forward to returning as a 6th time choreographer with DanceWorks New York City for Season 23!