Tristi is a native of Carson City, Nevada, where she began her early training at Pinkerton Dance Academy, under the direction of Fern Pinkerton. Later she went on to train with Barbra Monibi, and then moved to California at 15 to study with Maria Vegh, Ruth Petrinovic, Jocelyn Volmar and Margaret Swarthout, Melinda Bach, among others, at the Marin Ballet School and Company in California.

Her career has spanned over 30 years as a professional dancer and teacher. She was formerly a Principal dancer with the Washington Ballet and Richmond Ballet, as well as a soloist with the Atlanta Ballet and a member of the Milwaukee Ballet Company. She has also performed across the nation as a guest artist.

In 1997, she was awarded OYA, Outstanding Young Women of America. She has taught many different levels and styles of dance including Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Tap, Jazz, Creative Movement, and dance exercise classes.

She is the Artistic Director for a new non-profit PDM Productions, Inc which will begin their 3rd season and provides performance opportunities for those in Richmond and the surrounding counties. She has directed the Ballet “The Nutcracker Sweet” for 6 seasons, now under the new non-profit organization, PDM Productions, Inc.
 
She is married to Norvell Robinson. They have three beautiful children who are constant reminders of humility, love, joy and happiness.