Karsen is from Charlotte, NC and grew up dancing at Charlotte Ballet Academy and Havilah Dance Company. As an Academy student, Karsen performed in eight seasons of Jean Pierre Bonnefoux’s Nutcracker in roles ranging from ‘Clara’ to ‘Marzipan.’ Karsen has also performed in Charlotte Ballet‘s Little Mermaid and Sleeping Beauty.
Karsen spent two years as a Trainee in Charlotte Ballet’s Pre-Professional program under the direction of Lazslo Berdo, Kati Mayo and Patricia McBride. During her time as a Trainee, Karsen was a dual enrolled CMS student and graduated high school with her Associate Degree from CPCC. After those two years, Karsen was promoted to the Second Company where she performed in works by Alejandro Cerrudo, Ashley Lindsey, Christopher Stuart, “Kamuyot” by Ohad Naharin, as well as soloist roles in Ib Anderson’s Swan Lake.
Karsen attended summer intensives at Charlotte Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Alonzo King Lines Ballet, Juilliard, Pittsburgh Dance Theatre and the Chautauqua School of Dance. Karsen performed a work by Sasha Janes in the 2023 Chautauqua Alumni Allstar Gala.
In addition, Karsen has performed in works by Kara Wilkes, Mark Godden, Bianca Bonner, Naimah Kioski, Kati Mayo, Emily Bowen, Kyle Shawell, Heather Ferguson, Brittany Vachon and George Balanchine. Karsen loves calling Charlotte home.
