Pioneering People episode: Karen Berry on turning her passion for dance into a career
- 4 years ago
Karen Berry has had a 33-year career in dance, as a performer, researcher, choreographer and teacher.
Among other things, she is a teacher training manager at the Royal Ballet School in London and has designed courses for both the Royal Academy of Dance and the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
In 1987, Karen set up what was then known as Karen Berry’s School of Dance after completing a residency at Dundee Rep school. When asked what gave her the courage to set up at such a young age she says, “I think that’s the naivety of youth. I had no understanding of what I was getting into and actually now if I look back I can't believe the decisions I made.”
In 2002, Karen changed her business name to Danscentre and acquired a building to establish a permanent base for her business where she expanded her offerings to contemporary, ballet, modern, tap and even qualifications in dance. In 2008, she took the decision to form a business partnership with former pupil and dancer, Michelle Whyte, now a co-principal of the school.
Among other things, she is a teacher training manager at the Royal Ballet School in London and has designed courses for both the Royal Academy of Dance and the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
In 1987, Karen set up what was then known as Karen Berry’s School of Dance after completing a residency at Dundee Rep school. When asked what gave her the courage to set up at such a young age she says, “I think that’s the naivety of youth. I had no understanding of what I was getting into and actually now if I look back I can't believe the decisions I made.”
In 2002, Karen changed her business name to Danscentre and acquired a building to establish a permanent base for her business where she expanded her offerings to contemporary, ballet, modern, tap and even qualifications in dance. In 2008, she took the decision to form a business partnership with former pupil and dancer, Michelle Whyte, now a co-principal of the school.