INSTRUCTORS

5th Grade Instructor

 Julie’s dance journey began in fourth grade when her parents enrolled her in ballroom dance classes with them. By sixth grade, she was training in tap, ballet, jazz, and later pointe at Spencer Dance Studio in Pierre, SD. Throughout high school, she expanded her love for choreography through gymnastics routines, musicals, and cheerleading.

Julie first shared her passion for dance by teaching in the Dance B.A.S.E. program in Benson and later helped with the transition into today’s Jazz-n-Pizzazz program. After a hiatus, she is excited to be back in the studio teaching pointe and inspiring a new generation of dancers.

Contact: mrsjuliecarroll@gmail.com

Elementary Instructor
Liz has been part of the Benson Community Ed dance program nearly her whole life—dancing for 11 years as a student and now teaching for 11 years as an instructor. She loves having the opportunity to share her passion for dance with younger students and help them grow in both skill and confidence.

Her favorite style of dance is ballet because it teaches strength, balance, coordination, and posture—fundamentals that benefit every dancer. Liz is excited to continue inspiring her students and sharing her love of dance.

Contact: efennell@benson.k12.mn.us 

6th & 7th Grade & Elite Instructor
Emily lives in Benson with her husband and their two boys, ages 6 and 8. She began dancing at just three years old in the original Community Ed Dance B.A.S.E. program. While in college, she taught at a small Community Ed program in Hendricks, MN, and discovered a love for dance fitness, later sharing that passion by teaching Zumba in the Benson community.

For the past 12 years, Emily has taught dance through Community Ed, working with a wide range of age groups. Her favorite discipline is tap, but she also enjoys staying connected with contemporary movement and the latest viral dance trends.

Contact: em_ness@hotmail.com

Jazz-n-Pizzaz Coordinator
Originally from Benson, Brianna has been dancing since preschool and continued through college. She began teaching at just 15 and has loved sharing her passion for dance ever since. In recent years, she has taken on the role of Dance Coordinator, bringing her energy and experience to the Jazz-n-Pizzaz program. Brianna is a school social worker, proud mama to two little girls, and she hopes to inspire them to love dance as much as she does!

Contact: bknudson@benson.k12.mn.us

Elementary Instructor
Lexie lives in Benson with her fiancé (almost husband! ) Brady and their Golden Retriever, Lotto. She’s been dancing since she was 3 years old, and she’s officially heading into year 3 of her teaching journey! 

When she’s not at the studio, Lexie can usually be found at Country Pet Foods, hanging out with Brady & Lotto on a walk, curled up with a good book, or somehow convincing herself that going to Pilates is a good idea while Molly tortures her. 

Lexie loves being able to share her love of dance with her students and is so excited for another year of dancing, laughing, growing, and making memories. She can’t wait to see what this year has in store for her and Molly! 

Contact: lexie.j.simmonds@gmail.com

Elementary Instructor
Molly has been part of the Benson Community Ed dance program for 17 years and is excited to now give back by teaching and sharing her love for dance with younger students. Beyond dance, she is working at Vintage Beauty in Benson doing hair! 

When she’s not in the studio or at the salon, you can often find Molly teaching her Pilates class or curled up on the couch with a good book. She is excited to be part of the program in a new role and looks forward to a great year of dance!

Contact: mollygunderson@outlook.com

Elite Mini Jazz Instructor
Lilly graduated from Benson in 2023 & she danced for 12 years and is excited to begin her second year teaching! Having been inspired by many dance teachers who shared their love of dance, Lilly is thrilled to continue give back to the program and share her passion with her students. She lives in Benson with her boyfriend, Connor and is a Radiologic Technologist here in Benson. Plus, she is a new mom to her baby boy, Cade! She can’t wait to see what this year has in store! 

Contact: lillylizard05@gmail.com

Elementary Instructor
Teri was born and raised in Benson (Class of ’88!) and is married to her high school sweetheart, Kevin. She is a proud mom to three grown kids: Samantha, Brianna, and Connor, and a blessed Gaga to her grand children: Charlie, Bella & Cade, who are her everything.

For the past 26 years, Teri has run an in-home family daycare and has loved helping raise so many wonderful kids. She began teaching dance 16 years ago with just one preschool class and now teaches four classes up to grade 4. Teri loves teaching dance as a way to connect with people, spend time with kids, and continue challenging herself with new and exciting routines each year.

Contact: tastaton@charter.net

High School & Pointe Instructor 

Contact: nrwiebold@gmail.com

High Kick & Elite Lyrical Instructor
Brittany has been passionate about dance since the age of 4, beginning her studio training before joining the LqPV Shadows dance team in high school. She danced High Kick for three years with the Shadows, helping the team earn 3rd, 4th, and 11th place finishes at state. Now, with years of experience behind her, Brittany loves sharing her knowledge with young dancers while continuing to learn from them along the way.

In her classes, Brittany emphasizes hard work, discipline, respect, and creativity, often encouraging dancers to collaborate and contribute choreography to make each routine unique. Known for her quirky and outside-the-box style, she strives to create dances that challenge and inspire her students.

Outside of dance, Brittany is a proud mom to Camdon, Gage, and Briese, and enjoys staying active through many different sports and activities. 

Contact: brittany_long18x@hotmail.com