Teaching
Philosophy of Teaching
Karen’s philosophy is quite simple, “If you are willing to learn you will improve. The most important rule of all is that ‘Practice makes perfect’. I insist on all students dedicating a large proportion of their training to practice. As it is only here that I believe the true dancer is found. The role of a teacher/coach is to help point a dancer in a direction. It is then up to the dancer to take that journey and find their own style of dance which will move them closer to their goals. Every champion brings something new to our business, no champion will ever be a copy of what has been before.”
Teaching – Advanced Competitive Couples
Karen sees couples come through the doors from every corner of the world. All with dreams of being a world champion. Couples working with her here are expected to be highly educated in the field of dance and are looking to move their dancing forward to greater heights. A lot of time will be spent dealing with technical aspects which will enhance the quality of a dancer’s performance. There is also the importance of improving performance skills, visually and mentally. Fitness and stamina will be addressed and where necessary guidance offered on grooming for that extra competitive edge!
Adjudicating
With Karen having gained some of the highest titles throughout the world it is an honour, therefore, to be asked to adjudicate at the most prestigious events in the year including:
- World Championships
- Open British Championships
- British National Championships
- International Championships
- United Kingdom Open to the World Championships
- European Championships
Karen is highly qualified in both Ballroom and Latin American to Championship level by the ISTD and IDTA Associations.
Choreographing
Karen has created choreography not only for international competitors but also for stars of the TV and Sports world, and she has found it a rewarding and fulfilling career.
From the world of competition dancing to the demands of the television, exciting and appealing choreography plays a major role in either world. In competitive dance, it has to be created correctly to be a platform for the dancers to show their level of skills under harsh competitive conditions. Knowing a judge will be looking often for only 3 seconds at a time, getting the choreography right is crucial for the couple.
For the world of TV it is all about the entertainment factor! Having the opportunity to work with celebrities such as Bill Turnbull (Newsreader for the BBC), Evander Holyfield (World Heavyweight Boxer), Mark Ramprakash (England and Surrey Cricketer), Brian Capron (Actor), Kara Tointon (Actress) and David Ginola has given me the opportunity to work with such a wide and diverse variety of people each having varying strengths and weaknesses. Showing of their strengths and hiding their weaknesses is when a choreographer’s skills are put to the test. Being asked to choreograph a group performance on stage or set is always an exciting challenge.
Presenting / TV Appearances
Karen is extremely experienced in presenting live events both as Master of Ceremonies and as a commentator. Since appearing on our screens over the years in Strictly Come Dancing Karen has enjoyed plenty of television airtime acting as interviewee and presenting, both of which she thoroughly enjoyed. Her experience includes a weekly report on BBC Breakfast, Strictly Come Dancing’s It Take Two, host of the International Dance Competition at the Royal Albert Hall and she is currently recording a new series for Living TV.
TV Appearances
Presenter/Critic of BBC’s “IT Takes Two”, Choreography Corner
‘Dancer on “Strictly Come Dancing” Series 3, 4, 5 and 6 (Champion of Series 4)
Judge on Living TV’s “Diet on the Dancefloor
News Correspondant for “Strictly Come Dancing” on “BBC Breakfast”
Presenter and Dancer on “It Takes Two”
Performer on BBC’s “Sports Personality of the Year”
Performer on BBC’s “Brucie’s 80th Birthday Party” Show
Interviewee on “The History of Come Dancing”
Dance Coach and Star of “Dancersize” DVD
Celebrity Guest on “Through the Keyhole”
Choreographer, Presenter and Dance Coach on “Faking it”
Dance Coach to Michael Underwood on “GMTV”
Awards Presenter at British Asian Sports Awards
Voiceovers for TWI and Eurosport
Personal Appearances / Endorsements
Karen is available to book for both Personal Appearances and for product or event endorsements.
Current Endorsements:
International (Dance Shoes)
Karen is proud to represent International Dance Shoes, Internationally renowned suppliers of high quality, hand made dance shoes. Their attention to detail, care of dancers feet and support to enhance dancers performances has led Karen to work closely with the company in pursuing excellence in the quality, fit and high fashion of ladies dance shoes. Her first hand experience and feedback has contributed to the comfort of wearing the shoes.
To write to Karen email Karen@karenhardy.com