Karen Henry

Univ.-Prof. Karen Henry is a Professor at the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna, affiliated with the Faculty of Performing Arts and the Dance department. She holds expertise in classical ballet, choreography, and musical theater performance. Her career spans over three decades, combining professional performance, teaching, and artistic direction.

Education:

• Trained at the School of American Ballet (New York City) under Alexandra Danilova, Stanley Williams, and Victoria Simon
• Further training at Dance Theater of Harlem with William Griffith, Arthur Mitchell, and Tanaquil LeClercq

Research & Performance: Specializes in integrating classical ballet techniques with contemporary musical theater. Her choreographic work includes Best of Musicals (Herwig Gratzer) and Casino Baden productions, alongside gala events at Schönbrunn Palace. She has performed in iconic musicals such as West Side Story, Carmen Cubana, and Kiss Me Kate.

Teaching: Since 1992, she has taught ballet across institutions including the Vienna Volksoper, Vienna State Opera Ballet School, and international festivals in Italy. Her pedagogical focus spans children to professional dancers.

Affiliations: Currently leads dance training at the Music and Arts University since 2010, contributing to both academic and artistic programs in performing arts.