About Josephine

Josephine “Joe” Karsner is the owner and director of Joe Karsner Ballet Studios. A native of Maryland, she began her classical ballet training at age seven with International Ballet Studios in Catonsville, Maryland. When she was 15, she began training with Cem Catbas at Baltimore Ballet School, which stretched her dancing capabilities and allowed her to begin performing as a pre-professional dancer. At age 17, Joe Karsner began her professional career as a Baltimore Ballet Company member. Due to Catbas’ and his associates’ coaching, Joe Karsner quickly became one of the company's principal dancers. Two years later, after glowing reviews for her performance as Princess Aurora in Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty, Joe Karsner was invited by Shelly Power, Associate Director of Houston Ballet's Ben Stevenson Academy, to become a Houston Ballet company member. Karsner spent three years under Ballet Mistress Louise Lester and Ballet Master Steven Woodgate’s instruction, performing in multiple ballets, namely Swan Lake and Cinderella. In 2007, she left Huston Ballet to form her own ballet studio in Baltimore. Today, Joe Karsner draws on over 18 years of dance experience and integrates Pilates into her ballet training to enhance her dancers’ endurance, flexibility, and overall performance. Although currently retired from professional performance, Joe Karsner continues to specialize in developing and training pre-professional dancers. Her studio provides professional, classical instruction in a creative environment that allows dancers to express their passion while perfecting their art. At Joe Karsner Ballet Studios, "We dance for laughter, we dance for tears, we dance for madness, we dance for fears, we dance for hopes, we dance for screams, we are the dancers, we create the dreams."

Key Info

Position Desired	Full Time
Willing to Relocate	No
Commuting Distance	Not Specified
Acceptable Travel	Not Specified
U.S. Work Authorization	U.S. Citizen
Eligible for U.S. Security Clearance	Not Specified

Salary

Current Salary: $30,000 to $45,000
Desired Salary: $45,000 to $60,000

Interview

What are you most passionate about? (01/22/2008)

By far, I am most passionate about dancing and teaching, followed by artistic direction, performing, choreography, coaching, managing, fund-raising, and entrepreneurship.

What do you like most about your job? (01/22/2008)

I love providing a nurturing and creative environment for budding artists.

What is the toughest problem you have had to solve? (01/22/2008)

In 2006, when I decided to open my own studio, I was severely short on funds, but I managed to raise all the capital I needed to qualify for a small business loan on my own. Today, I have a thriving studio with nearly 100 students, 2 instructors, and several apprentices.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? (01/22/2008)

As much as I loved being a professional dancer, I love being the director of Joe Karsner Ballet Studios more. In five years, I see myself right here doing what I love, inspiring young dancers to succeed.

Why did you choose this career? (01/22/2008)

From my very first ballet lesson, I fell in love with dance. In the words of Martha Graham, "Dance is the hidden language of the soul," and I knew it instinctively.