Karen Sachs founded Karen Sachs Academy of Dance in 1982 after beginning her teaching career in 1980. Through her years of teaching, she developed a philosophy centered around confidence, creativity, discipline, and joy through movement. Karen believed dance should be a place where every student felt encouraged to grow not only as a dancer, but as a person.

After 39 wonderful years serving generations of the Reisterstown community, Karen retired in 2021. Though the studio has evolved into K&J Dance Project, her love, vision, and impact continue to live on through the dancers, teachers, and families she inspired.