Meet the Team
Inspiring the next generation through the joy of dance
Karen Blackburn
MA RAD (RTS)
Founder/Creative Director/Principal/Teacher
Karen received her early dance education at The Phyllis & Hilda Skinns Ballet School in Hull and furthered her training with Louise Browne as part of the York Scholars programme. By age twelve, Karen was named the British Junior Ballet Champion. She was also a silver medalist at the All England Dance Finals (Sunshine Festival) and runner-up at the IDTA Miss Dance of Great Britain competition.
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Karen pursued advanced training at the Urdang Academy of Ballet & Performing Arts, where she honed her skills in both classical and contemporary dance. This led to a successful performing career, during which she toured nationally and internationally before transitioning into choreography. As a freelance artist, Karen was responsible for creating the first-ever summer season show at Alton Towers. Her commercial choreography includes collaborations with prominent brands like Dansez, Euro Disney, and Adidas. In addition, she has created award-winning pieces for several UK dance schools and youth theatre companies.
Karen’s commitment to dance education is evident in her role as a Royal Ballet School Affiliate Teacher and her registrations with the Royal Academy of Dance, Rambert Grades, and Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT). She is also deeply involved in the competitive dance scene as an adjudicator with the British and International Federation of Festivals (BIFF) and Dance Chair of the Adjudicator's Council. Additionally, she serves as a member of the Artistic Committee for All England Dance (AED) and is a Certified Adjudicator for Acrobatic Arts.
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Karen passionately advocates holistic, student-centred dance training, emphasising creativity and individuality in her teaching. Her approach aims to build self-esteem and empower young dancers. Her academic achievements include an MA in Dance Research for Professional Practitioners, further highlighting her dedication to the field of dance.
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Jo Kilminster
AISTD
ISTD Modern & Tap Teacher
Modern & Tap Teacher
Jo received her training at the prestigious Laine Theatre Arts in Epsom, where she earned her ISTD Tap & Modern (AISTD) teaching qualification as well as a Diploma in Dance and Musical Theatre. Since completing her studies, she has built a career as a freelance teacher and choreographer, working with leading establishments across the UK. In addition to her regular teaching, Jo has led workshops and summer schools, sharing her expertise with aspiring dancers nationwide.
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Throughout her teaching and choreographing career, Jo's students have consistently excelled in examinations and prestigious competitions such as All England Dance, the Janet Cram Awards, and the Marjorie Davies Tap Awards.
Many of her students have gone on to attend vocational theatre colleges and have forged successful careers in the performing arts, including roles in the West End, touring theatres both domestically and internationally, and in television and film projects
Maria Gregory
BA (Hons) Musical Theatre (1st)
Rambert Grades & Musical Theatre Teacher, RAD & ATAP Ballet Assistant Teacher
As a young student, Maria demonstrated remarkable talent and dedication to dance, becoming a London Senior Ballet Associate, a Central School of Ballet Associate, and a Royal Ballet School Junior Associate. She achieved Distinctions in RAD Ballet Advanced 2, ISTD Modern Advanced 2, and ISTD Tap Advanced 2, showcasing her versatility across multiple dance disciplines. Maria graduated from the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London with a First-Class Honours BA degree in Musical Theatre and is an Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance (ARAD).
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Maria earned numerous accolades throughout her training, including a gold medal at the All England Dance National Finals and the Ruth French Musicality Award with the Royal Academy of Dance. She was also an ISTD Janet Cram Awards Finalist for five consecutive years, from 2010 to 2014. As a qualified Rambert Grades Teacher, Maria continues to share her expertise and assists in the KBDA Royal Ballet Affiliate Training and Assessment Classes Programme (ATAP).
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In addition to her extensive dance training, Maria has gained acting experience in theatre. She portrayed Posy Fossil in Ballet Shoes with the London Children’s Ballet at the Peacock Theatre in London and was part of the Juvenile Ensemble in Pasha Kovalev—Life Through Dance in Woking.
Acting training and theatre credits include Posy Fossil, Ballet Shoes (London Children’s Ballet, Peacock Theatre, London), Juvenile Ensemble, Pasha Kovalev – Life Through Dance Maria also served as Dance Captain and Swing in Happy Birthday Peter Rabbit by Lakes Story Ltd Productions.
Hannah Moseley
BA (Hons)
Early Years & Acro Teacher
Hannah began her dance journey at a young age with ballet. At eight years old, she joined the Karen Blackburn Dance Academy (KBDA), where she developed her skills across various dance styles. As a teenager, she actively contributed to the academy, volunteering as a student helper for the Saturday Mini Jewel Dance Foundation and Acro classes.
Throughout her time at KBDA, Hannah won numerous awards as part of the competition team for solos, duets, and group performances, including lead roles in several KBDA Showcases. In 2021, Hannah left for university, where she pursued a bachelor’s degree with honours in Childhood and Youth Studies, graduating in 2024 with a 2:1. She continued her dance journey during her university years as part of the Winchester Wolves, the university’s competitive dance team.
With over five years of experience working with children of all ages, Hannah is strongly committed to supporting and empowering young people, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds. During her university studies, she specialised in mental health and emotional well-being, focusing on children with special educational needs and disabilities. As a neurodivergent individual, this area is especially important to her, and she is passionate about promoting accessibility and inclusivity within the academy.
Daniel Corthorn
Boys Dance Programme & All Genres Teacher
Dan trained at The Royal Ballet School and Laine Theatre Arts.
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While in training, Dan was awarded the Phyllis Bedells Bursary (2013) and Solo Seal (2016) from The Royal Academy Of Dance.
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Before Joining NEBT, he danced in Cats The Musical at Dubai Opera House with Michael Clark Company for their Australian and European tour to a simple rock ‘n’ roll song, which was also filmed for BBC4, and performed as a dancer in ABBA VOYAGE.
Daniel was lucky enough in 2019 to choreograph and perform at London Fashion Week for Malan Breton’s Fashion Show. He also has his own DanceWear brand, ‘DANSWEAR,’ to offer more variety to male dancers.
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Daniel has been with NEBT for the 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023 seasons and was part of Genesis's creation process.
James Hall
MA PGCE (Hons) ATCL (Musical Theatre)
Musical Theatre Teacher
James specialises in musical theatre and the teaching of singing and performance techniques. His thorough approach means that he creates a relaxed yet professional atmosphere for students, musicians, casts and creative teams and challenges them to explore a range of strategies and tools to get the best out of their voice and performance. He ensures students maintain their individuality, creative musicality and performance integrity.
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As well as fundamental singing techniques, James also focuses on interpretation and acting through song to enhance the performance of songs for all styles. James offers assistance with audition preparation and applications for vocational colleges and professional courses. Previous pupils have gone on to study at Arts Educational School, Mountview, Guildford School of Acting, London Studio Centre, ALRA, The Urdang Academy, Italia Conti, The Oxford School of Drama, The Brit School, University of Chichester, and others have gone on to perform professionally around the country and in West End shows.
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James’ skills and experience as an MD include accompanying rehearsals, sight reading, leading vocal warm-ups and workshops, playing keys in orchestra pits, conducting ensembles, Keyboard and Mainstage programming, creating arrangements and composing award-winning music.
Roberta McClelland
BA (Hons) LRAD RAD RTS
RAD Ballet Exams, Classical Coaching and Guest Workshops
Roberta trained with the Gillian Cartwright Schools of Dance on the Isle of Wight, was a Senior Associate of the Royal Ballet School and was a finalist for Young Dancer of the Year in 1999.
She trained professionally at the English National Ballet School London before continuing her study at the Royal Academy of Dance, where she graduated in 2005 with a 1st class degree in the Art and Teaching of Ballet from Durham University.
Miss Roberta is now a freelance ballet teacher at The Karen Blackburn Dance Academy. She is an appointed distance learning tutor on the RAD CBTS and DDTS programmes for trainee teachers and conducts courses on behalf of the RAD CPD and training departments throughout the UK and abroad.
Miss Roberta has previously tutored on the RAD BABE, PDTC, PDPTC and LRAD courses and freelance teaching at Arts Educational School and Urdang Academy in London. Miss Roberta is also an examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance
Deborah Ward
MA FHEA AISTD
Contemporary Dance Guest Teacher & Choreographer
Upon graduating from Elmhurst Ballet School, Deborah continued her academic studies, gaining a BA Hons Communication Studies – Dance from the University of Leeds and an MA in Dance Studies at De Montfort University and then received a scholarship to pursue her contemporary dance training at the Jose Limón Institute in New York. Deborah is currently a PhD candidate at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and is researching contemporary narrative ballet works through a feminist narratological lens.
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As a dance educator, Deborah has taught internationally at conservatoires in Taiwan, Slovakia, Lithuania, and America. With a focus on Contemporary Ballet and Limón-based technique, she has taught across the UK for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and as a guest lecturer at Edge Hill University, Elmhurst Ballet School, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Rambert School for Ballet and Contemporary Dance.
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As a choreographer, Deborah has presented works internationally in both educational and professional settings. Youth Dance projects have taken her work to the Commonwealth Youth Dance Festival and UDance Regional and National Platforms.
Her touring dance company, Ballet Folk, has a narrative focus and is embedded in folk traditions and music, with recent premieres staged at Cambridge Folk Festival and Counter Pointe in New York.
Sally Brenner
AISTD (Dip)
Greek Teacher & Choreographer
Sally Brenner graduated from the prestigious Arts Educational Schools in London and holds full qualifications to teach ISTD classical ballet and ISTD classical Greek. Following her graduation, she embarked on a successful professional dance career in Germany, where she performed for 14 years.
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Sally has extensive teaching experience, specialising in classical Greek dance. She has taught at notable events such as the Ruby Ginner Awards, ISTD Greek Workshops, and the BRIT School. Her passion for choreographing classical Greek dance is evident through her students' remarkable achievements. Her pupils have consistently excelled, winning at the All England Finals, ISTD Classical Greek Festival finals, and the Ruby Ginner Awards. They have also successfully completed ISTD Greek exams up to and including the Advanced 1 level.
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Sally continues to share her expertise by teaching Greek technique classes and choreographing for festivals, fostering the next generation of classical Greek dancers.
Marsha George
Silver Swans Adult Ballet, Tap & Modern Guest Teacher
Marsha trained at the Northern Ballet School in Manchester, mastering RAD Ballet and ISTD Ballet, Tap, and Modern. She appeared in BBC and ITV shows and performed in the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games. Upon graduating, she was cast in the UK and international tours of Saturday Night Fever, performing in Korea, Taipei, and Daegu, followed by a role in the UK tour of Mary Poppins.
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Marsha completed the Royal Academy of Dance’s Professional Dancers Teaching Diploma with Distinction and was invited to join the RAD faculty, where she taught RAD Ballet, Adult Ballet, and Song and Dance, as well as RAD Summer Schools in Dartington, Singapore, and London. She also gained her ISTD DDI Tap qualification.
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Her teaching career extended to the U.S., where she worked with RAD USA, launched the Silver Swans program, collaborated with the Denver school district, and taught at an award-winning dance studio, preparing students for competitions and recitals. She was awarded a prestigious scholarship to the American Ballet Theatre’s Project Plié teaching program in New York.
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Passionate about teaching, Marsha is dedicated to nurturing students of all levels, helping them reach their full potential while working alongside distinguished teachers.