The 2028 Karavan Studio Transition — It Starts Now

After nearly four decades of leading Karavan Studio, I’ve started thinking seriously about what comes next. This isn’t a retirement announcement—but it is the beginning of a shift. Here’s what that looks like from where I stand today.

Lately, I’ve been telling people that I’m working on a strategic plan for Karavan Studio, targeting the end of our school year in 2028.

That would be October of 2028.

I like saying it.
And I think I mean it.

The plan is to NOT have me at the helm by the end of our end-of-year showcase that year.

Many people don’t believe me when I say this.

I understand why.

I’ve expressed an interest in retirement—um—pretty much annually for the last decade or so.
Obviously, I never meant it.

Plus, I’m an unapologetic control freak.

But this time, life circumstances outside of the studio are a major driving force.

My life will be very different in 2028.

It’s the stuff we don’t consider when, in our youth, we marry someone 13 years our senior…
or when we give up the “sit-on-your-ass” corporate gig to use our bodies full time.

And then my recent close-up view of the end of a life
(brought to me by a stray black cat)
locked it all into place.

In 2028, I will be 66 years old.

As far as I (and every doctor I’ve seen) know, I am in ridiculously excellent health.

But, as I always say:

I am at that age where people can drop at any moment.

LOL. Sorry for being so unvarnished.
It’s just a fact.

There ARE some things outside of the dance world that I would like to do while experiencing this plane of existence.

But I can’t do them with the current level of studio involvement
(and, btw, the level of involvement that I have had and loved having since 1988!)

Oh yeah, that’s the other thing:

In 2028, Karavan Studio will have been in existence for FORTY years.

That feels like the right time to make a change.

We have a Project Band Tripleheader coming up this weekend—
four events with live music, PLUS one more show featuring group choreographies to recorded music.

I usually dance in all the live music shows
(as the closing act)
and I’m usually front and center in my choreographies.

This weekend, I’m testing the waters.

• Dancing in three of the four live music events
• Sitting out the major one
• NOT closing the show on another
• Taking the back line in my choreography

I’ve also stepped out of three of the ten weekly classes I’ve been teaching.

And I’m excited about this!

Because this isn’t retirement.

It’s a shift in perspective.

I’m thinking of it as an “emeritus-ization” of my role.

Yeah, that’s it.

I’m also getting better at letting go of some control…

since I obviously have a lot less than I ever wanted to admit.

Here’s what is also interesting...

I find myself framing every interaction with the Karavan teachers and serious students
in a way that feels a little like Jesus Christ during Holy Week.

LOL.

Who is with me?
Who could possibly betray me?
Who actually wants this role when I’m gone?
Who is worthy of it?

Sorry if that seems blasphemous, irreverent, or arrogant.

Actually, no.

I’m not.

If I learned ONE THING in Corporate America that I love knowing, it is this:

No one deserves the next level up in an organization
until they demonstrate that they are more excited about what they get to do at that level
than they are about merely getting to be at that level.

 

And—hey—maybe no one will ever want the job of running a studio like Karavan. 

That’s okay too.

The impact of Karavan Studio will be close to eternal—
rippling through generations, regardless.

I know that.

It’s a little like why I favor cremation over burial.

(Cue “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas)

The next 2.5 years leading up to October 2028 will be interesting.

There’s going to be a lot of change—
in every aspect of my life.

How long does it take to shift a perspective
that’s been built over three decades?

I propose:

2.5 years.

Let’s find out.

If you’re part of this community—student, teacher, or longtime observer—
you’re part of this next chapter too.

Stay close.

The next few years are going to matter.

💌
— Karen