Michaelene Karlen is a professional dancer, model, founder of her own skincare company, Ballerina Botanicals, founder of Raise The Barre, and Miss Minnesota 2018- a top 12 finalist at Miss America.

 

| Dance |
Born in Rochester, MN, she began her classical ballet training at age three. At six years of age she performed with Children's Dance Theatre in Rochester. She continued her training with Minnesota Dance Theatre under the direction of Lise Houlton, while attending dance intensives with MDT, Jacobs Pillow, and Lines Ballet. 

In May of 2016 Michaelene graduated from the Ailey/Fordham University Bachelor of Fine Arts program in New York City with degrees in Dance and Communications. It is here in New York where she worked with renowned choreographers such as Jae Man Joo, Michele Wiles, Emery LeCrone, Francesca Harper, Matthew Rushing, Sylvia Waters, all of whom inspired her to set her own choreography.

Michaelene has danced professionally with Arch Contemporary Ballet in New York City, James Sewell Ballet, Alternative Motion Project, and currently dances for Stark Dance in Minneapolis.

 

| Modeling & Ballerina Botanicals |

She has modeled for Intelligent Nutrients, Lulli Dancewear, MVMT, Monster and was the lead actress in a commercial. She owns her own Minnesota based skincare company, Ballerina Botanicals, which has been featured by multiple magazines, blogs and twice by Etsy. 

 

| Nonprofit Work |

She founded her own nonprofit, Raise The Barre which has allowed thousands of students the opportunity to experience a professional dance workshop. Her dance workshops teach both boys and girls the importance of teamwork, while providing them with leadership skills, and the strength to improve their athletic performance. Michaelene provides students with scholarships to continue their dance education at a local dance studio. This provides these students the opportunity to dance in a studio setting for the first time and the inspiration to dream big. 
 

| Miss America |

Michaelene competed in the Miss America 2019 Competition where she represented her home state of Minnesota, placing in the top 12 for her choreography, "Someone, Somewhere," and her leadership skills. 

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| Follow Michaelene |

Instagram @michaeleneaballerina

YouTube  @MichaeleneKarlen