Karen Donovan trained in ballet and other dance styles at the Valeria Hansen Academy of Dancing in Rockhampton, Australia, before continuing her studies at The Royal Ballet School, London. She won the Bronze Medal at the Adeline Genee Competition (1979) and performed Gypsy Girl in The Two Pigeons at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden for her graduation performance (1980).

In 1980, Karen joined Birmingham Royal Ballet, where she was promoted to Principal Dancer in 1987. She performed extensively in the UK and internationally, dancing leading roles from the classical repertoire. Career highlights include having David Bintley’s Allegri Diversi and *Hobson’s Choice* created especially for her.

After her performing career, Karen worked at The Royal Ballet School as Student Services Officer, including audition preparation, and qualified as a Pilates and Fitness Instructor, teaching ballet technique and repertoire.

Since 2009, she has been freelancing as a teacher and coach at full-time ballet studios in Queensland, Australia, and has taught annually at the Wim Broeckx Seminar in Japan. She has also served as an adjudicator, holds a Certificate IV in Training & Assessing, and authored the pointe shoe booklet Pointes of View.