Karen founded Karen Blackburn Dance Academy with the belief that every child should have access to high-quality dance training in a supportive environment where they can develop confidence, creativity and a genuine love of dance.She began dancing at The Phyllis & Hilda Skinns Ballet School in Hull before continuing her training with Louise Browne through the York Scholars Programme. By the age of twelve, Karen had been named British Junior Ballet Champion. She was also a Silver Medallist at the All England Dance Finals (Sunshine Festival) and Runner-up at the IDTA Miss Dance of Great Britain competition.Karen trained at the Urdang Academy of Ballet & Performing Arts, receiving broad training in ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, acting and musical theatre. She went on to perform throughout the UK and internationally before moving into choreography.As a freelance choreographer, Karen choreographed the first-ever summer season show at Alton Towers. Her work has also included commercial projects for Dansez, Euro Disney and Adidas, alongside award-winning choreography for dance schools and youth theatre companies across the UK.Today, alongside leading KBDA, Karen is a Royal Ballet School Affiliate Teacher, an RAD Musical Theatre Examiner, a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance and Rambert Grades, and a qualified Progressing Ballet Technique teacher.Karen is also actively involved in the wider dance profession. She is Dance Chair of the British & International Federation of Festivals (BIFF) Adjudicators' Council, an adjudicator for BIFF festivals, a Certified Acrobatic Arts Adjudicator, and a former member of the Artistic Committee for All England Dance.Karen holds an MA in Dance Research for Professional Practitioners. Her work continues to be shaped by one simple belief: every dancer deserves to feel challenged, supported and valued, whatever their goals.