Katrina Hutchison, Owner
Katrina is a Pain Free Performance Specialist and has been teaching dance and fitness classes since she was 11 years old. In April 2018, she finally made the decision to quit her full-time job as a soil scientist and pursue her passion in fitness, dance, and adventure.
She started dancing in 1996 and has taught dance since 1997. She is classically trained in ballet (Cecchetti, Vagnova, and French methods), jazz, tap, modern (including Graham, Horton, and Cunningham methods), lyrical, contemporary, character, hip-hop, and musical theatre.
Katrina attended the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Clear Lake, Texas where she graduated through all eight levels of the graded division, was pedagogy certified at the Bay Area Performing Arts Center and graduated from the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas. Throughout her college tenure, she taught dance and performed with various dance companies. Before receiving a B.S. in Bioenvironmental Sciences and an M.S. in Soil Science from Texas A&M University, she was a devoted dancer and performer.
She has competed in power lifting competitions, (setting state records) as well as running, mountain biking, and Spartan obstacle course races (frequently placing in the top 5). She lives in Lead, SD and loves anything outdoors (hiking, running, mountain biking, fishing, gardening, XC skiing, snowshoeing, jeeping, riding motorcycles, backpacking, and camping).
Amara the Explorer, The Real Boss
Amara is the true boss of Explore Fitness and Adventures. She is a Pyrenees/Aussie mix that Katrina rescued in 2021. She will greet you everytime you come to the studio and loves to lay in the middle of the room during dance classes. She is always ready to join ANY adventure. She loves to bike, hike, camp, ski, snowshoe, run, swim, SUP, chase deer, chew on sticks, roll in poop, and smell everything.
Group Dance & Fitness Instructors
Debbie Minter, Zumba Intructor
Debbie relocated to Lead from the Denver area about two years ago and is excited to bring Zumba Fitness to the Black Hills. She has been a Master Rated Figure Skating Coach for many years, and performs in theatre whenever possible. Helping people stay active and fit no matter their age or fitness level is a passion of hers. She is licensed in Zumba and Zumba Toning and holds a Primary Group Exercise Certification from the Athletics and Fitness Association of America, (AFAA). Come try a class and see how much fun exercise can be!
Chelsie Bauer, Yoga Instructor
Chelsie was born and raised in Deadwood and is proud to call the Black Hills her forever home. She loves to teach yoga to all ages and skill sets. Yoga has been a vital part of her life since she was 19. Becoming a certified yoga instructor is something she has dreamed of for years. In October 2019 she finally made that goal a reality by completing her 200-hour YTT certification at Sol Yoga in Rapid City.
To Chelsie yoga isn't just about fitness, but about finding one's center in a very un-centered world. She enjoys teaching because it's a great way to share knowledge, connect with community, and become inspired by the wonderful variety of students that come through the door. Yoga is a great tool to tone your body as well as your mind.