Kristi Tornga grew up in Traverse City, Michigan. She received her early training at the Interlochen Arts Academy before earning her B.F.A. in dance and choreography at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts).  Kristi has also studied at the American Dance Festival, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and with the Mark Morris Dance Group, and the Paul Taylor Dance Company. Since moving to New York in 2010 she has performed for TAKE Dance, Mazzini Dance Collective, Jessica Gaynor Dance, and the Paul Taylor Dance Company.