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KAREN NORRIS - OWNER/DIRECTOR is a Jacksonville native, married and mother of three children.  She danced professionally with The Charleston Ballet Theatre, Charleston, S. C. under the direction of Jill Bahr and Patricia Cantwell.  While in Charleston, Karen was hired by The Art Commission to teach in the local public school system where she found her love for teaching.  Karen graduated from the University of North Florida with a B. A.  in Elementary Education and began teaching in public schools.  She also continued her love of dance teaching  at several local dance studios before becoming the Owner and Director of Village Dance Center in 1997.  Karen is a member of Dance Masters of America where she is certified to teach Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Acrobatics.  She has been a guest teacher for many studios and conventions.  Her students have competed in Youth America Grand Prix Competitions and have been accepted to various programs including School of American Ballet, Boston Ballet, Miami City Ballet, The Jacqueline Onassis School, Alvin Ailey, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Alonzo King’s Lines, The Rock School, Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Magnificat and Charleston Ballet Theatre.  Karen has also performed professionally in Water Ski Shows at Sea World of San Diego, Sea World of Ohio, Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey and Boblo Island in Canada.

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