Karyn Laver started dancing at the age of 10, inspired by Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor in Singin' in the Rain. She began by taking tap and also trained in jazz, lyrical, and ballet at Central Coast Dance in Los Osos, California, where she danced for 10 years. By age 15, she was teaching and choreographing for the studio’s junior tap company. Since then, Karyn has performed, taught, choreographed, and competed in many styles, including tap, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop.

Over the years, Karyn has been recognized at Dupree Dance Expo, Showstoppers, and I Love Dance national conventions and competitions for her performance aesthetic and choreography. Her pieces have won numerous awards; she has also been awarded scholarships with the Dupree Dance Expo and danced internationally with Stars at Sea.

Karyn’s specialty—and passion—is tap. She has taken lessons from such luminaries as Al Gilbert (the “Pied Piper of Dance”), Thommie Retter (performer in Billy Elliot: The Musical on Broadway), and Darryl Retter. She has also studied at the Debbie Reynolds’ Studio in Los Angeles.

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Previously, Karyn was a member of Fusion Dance Campany, JustBaila!, and ArtBark International. She has choreographed and performed pieces featured in Santa Barbara’s Old Spanish Days Fiesta, BASSH!, Synergy, Kinesis, and at the Bacara and the Diavolo Theater in LA. With The Dance Network’s Senior Company, she has performed at multiple venues in Santa Barbara County. Always looking to expand her dance repertoire, Karyn recently became certified as a Rhythm Works Integrative Dance Instructor and is currently training in Latin ballroom and social dancing.

“Dancing and teaching are my two favorite things in life. Nothing makes me happier than being in the studio or on stage, showing how passionate dance makes me. I hope this passion inspires others, as well. As director of The Dance Network, my mission is to nurture the dancer in all of us. At the same time, I want my students – and especially my company members – to understand dance as a mastered work of art that requires discipline and practice."