Kristin Zagorski Exudes Passion Inside the Studio and Out

From Thanksgiving season 2003 in Nashville to February 2024 in Northern Virginia, with over 20 deployments in between, Kristin and Steve Zagorski’s 20 years married began with this affectionate question:

“What, you weren’t good enough for a full Ironman?”

Steve had been wearing a t-shirt from a half-Ironman triathlon he had completed while at the Naval Academy. Out at a bar with their separate sets of friends, Steve and Kristin began eavesdropping on each other’s conversations following this unorthodox introduction. Eventually, they started chatting, and this love at first sarcasm evolved into marriage the following year.

Now, the couple is celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary as they cherish their time raising their three children – Aidan, Garet and Ciara – together. “Kristin likes to laugh as a family,” Steve said, “And she still loves to snuggle with all her ‘babies,’ even if they sometimes feel like they are too old for it.

Kristin owns her own Irish dancing school, Kristin Butke Irish Dance, and is currently also a judge of Irish dance. She has taken the Bronze medal at the Irish Dancing World Championship and was a lead dancer in Lord of the Dance and Feet of Flames, performing in both Europe and Las Vegas, NV.

Multiple teams and individuals she has coached have won at the regional and national level. Her son, Garet, whom she also teaches, is a World Champion Irish dancer as well.

“I love Kristin’s passion,” confessed Steve. “She pours her heart and soul into everything she does, whether that be raising our kids or teaching Irish dance.” Steve recalled the first time he watched Kristin dance, mesmerized by the skill of movement, wondering how “feet move that fast and how do they jump without using their arms?”

Kristin’s passion and drive extends beyond dance. Having watched Steve complete a triathlon in San Diego, CA, Kristin decided to do the same. Steve was impressed, but not surprised, when he later saw Kristin improve from not being able to swim 100 meters without stopping to swimming a quarter mile in the ocean.

“Of course she worked and finished a triathlon, ocean swim and all,” Steve said. Away from the multitudes of demands of her dance school, Kristin unwinds by watching television shows like NCIS, Hawaii Five-0 and Law and Order, mixing in solitaire and playing games with her family.

As a couple, Steve and Kristin fit just right. “We complement each other well and are comfortable together,” said Steve. “Our strengths tie together and our weaknesses cancel each other out. I am one-hundred percent comfortable being who I am with Kristin. No hiding any flaws and faults.”

Steve enjoys surprising Kristin with his culinary innovations. He has always admired Kristin’s ability to push him toward more. “Kristin helps drive me to excel in everything I do,” Steve said. “It isn’t because she expects me to be the best, but like she wants for our children, she wants me (and everyone she works with) to give their best.”

The pair take an annual trip to West Virginia together to reconnect. “It is quiet and peaceful, and a great way to spend time together as a couple, getting to be close as a couple again,” Steve explained. Other special experiences like cruise trips and travels to places like Alaska and Ireland sit fondly in Steve’s mind. “I enjoy thinking of all the memories we’ve made together and how many more are still to come.” 

What also stands out about Kristin is her remarkable ability to encourage others to reach their potential. Guided by the principle that effort is more important than outcome, Kristin is both an excellent teacher and mother.

“She bends over backwards to help others achieve their goals, but still expects them to work towards them on their own, not just in class,” said Steve, noting that this applies two-fold for members of their family.

Steve harbors a great deal of gratitude for Kristin and what she has meant to his life. “Thank you for all the small details you take care of that no one else thinks about, that no one else says thank you for,” Steve said. “Thank you for the support you have provided me and our family as we have pursued our goals. No one is perfect, but you are perfect for me.”