Karen Niceley is a graduate of The University of the Arts in Philadelphia where she received a BFA in Dance Education, along with the Faculty Recognition Award.  Her training began at age four in Washington, D.C under the instruction of Ms. Doris Jones at the renowned Jones-Haywood School of Ballet.  Karen has also studied at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Alvin Ailey Dance Center, the National Ballet, the Paul Taylor School, and the Rosella Hightower School de Danse in Cannes, France.  While in Philadelphia, she performed with Koresh Dance Company, Group Motion, SCRAP, and JUNK.  Since moving to New York City, Karen has worked with Kevin “Iega” Jeff, Louis Johnson, Roger C. Jeffrey of Subtle Changes, The Michael Mao Dance Company, Keith Lee’s Dance Theatre of Lynchburg, VA, and Collage dance Collective of Memphis, TN.  Among other venues, Karen has performed at Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors, Riverside Church, and Dance Theatre Workshop’s Fresh Tracks. She has also performed with, Metropolitan Opera, Cirque Du Soleil and was a featured performer with the Broadway National Tour of The Color Purple.  As a choreographer, Karen has participated in the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, the Dance Now/NYC Festival at Joyce SoHo, and several other choreography showcases in New York. She currently teaches dance, yoga and empowerment workshops for various community based organizations and schools in New York City as well as The Dance Theatre of Harlem while freelancing with Victory Dance Project of New York City.