M.O. Productions have announced Karen Blackburn MA RAD as this year’s International Adjudicator for the Gibraltar International Dance Festival.

A statement from M.O. Productions follows below:

Karen received her formative training at The Phyllis & Hilda Skinns Ballet School in Hull and with York Scholars. Upon graduating, she furthered her professional training at the Urdang Academy of Ballet & Performing Arts and performed as a classical and contemporary dancer for several years, touring nationally and internationally.

As a freelance choreographer, she has devised award-winning pieces for many UK dance schools alongside ensemble pieces for youth theatre company productions. In addition, she created the first-ever summer season show at Alton Towers with commercial works for Dansez, Euro Disney and Adidas.

Karen is a Royal Ballet School Affiliate Teacher, a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance, Rambert Grades and Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT). She is a Certified Adjudicator for Acrobatic Arts and is an adjudicator with the British and International Federation of Festivals. Karen is part of the AED Artistic Committee Team and an adjudicator with All England Dance. Karen holds an MA in Dance Research for Professional Practitioners. She is passionate about holistic, student-centred training that focuses on creativity and individuality and encourages self-esteem through a love of dance.

The 23rd Gibraltar International Dance Festival will be held between Wednesday 26th February to Saturday 1st March 2025 at the John Mackintosh Hall Theatre.