INSTRUCTORS

Pointe 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
Keala has been part of the Benson Community Ed dance program since 2011. After 12 years as a student, she is now in her third year of teaching and loves sharing her passion for dance with younger students while helping them grow in both skill and confidence.

Her favorite part of teaching is watching students build confidence as they master new steps and discover their own love for dance. Keala is excited to continue inspiring dancers while finishing her senior year of high school.

Contact: keala.carroll@bensonschools.us

Elementary Instructor
Anabelle is a senior at Benson High School and has been dancing since the age of four. This is her third year teaching, and she is excited to continue sharing her love of dance and music with her students. She enjoys helping dancers grow in confidence and teamwork while having fun in class.

Contact: anabelle.detoy@bensonschools.us

7th & 8th Grade 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 

High School 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

Elementary Instructor
Molly has been part of the Benson Community Ed dance program for 15 years and is excited to now give back by teaching and sharing her love for dance with younger students. Beyond dance, she is finishing her AAS Degree in Cosmetology at Ridgewater College.

When she’s not in the studio or at school, 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

Jazz-n-Pizzaz Coordinator & 

Elite Mini Pom Instructor
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 farmer’s wife and 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 has been passionate about dance for 15 years and has spent the last two years sharing that love through teaching. When she’s not dancing, you can find her working at her family’s store, Country Pet Foods, relaxing with a good book, spending time with her boyfriend Brady, or chasing around her goofy corgi, Skye.

Contact: lexie.j.simmonds@gmail.com

Elite Mini Jazz Instructor
Lilly graduated from Benson in 2023 and will soon complete the Radiologic Technologist program. She danced for 12 years and is excited to begin her first year teaching! Having been inspired by many dance teachers who shared their love of dance, Lilly is thrilled to give back to the program and share her passion with her students. 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 (married to Ryan Knudson), and Connor—and a blessed Gaga to her granddaughters, Charlie and Bella, 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 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