Instructor Bio
Kara Fabina is an international dance instructor based in Colorado Springs, with a dynamic career spanning over three decades. Since 2005, she has been teaching and competing in multiple dance styles including ballet, hip-hop/urban dances, jazz, swing, and blues across the globe. Kara’s extensive background includes a BA in Dance and Psychology, as well as curriculum development for multiple communities and non-profits. Her classical training is complemented by her involvement of running an all-women breakdancing crew, and her performances have graced arenas such as Mountain Dew Extreme Sports events, an MTV Brazil music video, the Kennedy Center, and numerous national stages.
Kara’s teaching philosophy emphasizes deep connection with one’s partner, a profound engagement with the music, and intentional expression in dance. She is renowned for her choreography and competitive achievements, and she passionately explores the rich history and culture of each dance style. As a dedicated educator, Kara is committed to preparing the next generation of dancers to uphold and celebrate valuable dance/cultural traditions.
Deejay Bio
Kara Fabina is a DJ whose expansive knowledge of musical genres brings a unique and vibrant energy to swing, blues, and fusion events. With a rich background in various dance styles, Kara’s deep understanding of music translates into carefully curated sets that keep the dance floor alive. Her eclectic tastes range from House and Funk to Old School Hip Hop, Vintage Jazz, Blues, and Soul, with a particular love for inventive mashups.
Since starting her DJ journey at house parties in 2011, Kara has built a reputation for her versatility and creativity. Her experience now spans local dance venues and events across the country. Based in Colorado Springs, Kara is dedicated to providing dancers with a diverse array of blues, swing, and soul tunes, crafting each set to enhance the rhythm and flow of the dance experience. With a brief obsession for beat production and mixology, Kara continues to evolve her craft, ensuring that every performance is both fresh and memorable.
Organizer Bio
Organizing and running events is a realm where Kara Fabina truly shines. Starting her journey as a humble event volunteer, Kara has been involved in orchestrating international events (ILHC, Lindy Focus, and Blueshout) as well as local weekly dance venues since 2008. Through collaborations with some of the top organizers in the industry, she has honed her skills and developed a keen understanding of the intricacies involved in successful event management.
For five years, Kara worked with Community-Minded Dance, contributing to a variety of significant events including Lindy on the Rocks, Rocky Mountain Balboa Blowout, Lindy Diversion, Hot Night Fusion Weekend, and the Denver Jazz Festival. Her expertise spans a wide range of event-related tasks, from building events from the ground up and managing complex scheduling and housing needs, to securing excellent deals with local vendors and handling finances. Whether it’s offering strategic advice to fellow organizers or overseeing every detail of a project, Kara’s dedication and experience ensure that each aspect of an event she touches is executed with excellence.
Performer/Choreographer Bio
Choreography and performance have always been at the heart of Kara’s creative journey. Each of her choreographed pieces intricately intertwines with the music, aiming to capture a specific mood or narrate a compelling story. With a BA in Dance Performance from UMBC, Kara’s senior project broke new ground by blending House and Contemporary dance styles, showcasing her innovative approach and dedication to genre fusion.
Kara’s passion extends beyond creation; she has a rich history of entertaining and educating audiences. Her week-long residency in Boston for the Choreo Project was a notable highlight, where participants learned a newly crafted choreography on the spot and performed it by the end of the weekend at Sweet Molasses Blues. This experience further demonstrated her ability to inspire and lead dancers in a dynamic and collaborative setting.
As a choreographer, Kara remains committed to honoring the history and aesthetic of each dance style, while infusing her work with a touch of humor and flash. As a performer, she captivates and entertains audiences, skillfully drawing attention to the music and creating memorable, engaging experiences.