Kirsten Smith and Spotlight Studio in Benson

For Kirsten Smith, dance has always been more than just movement—it's been a lifelong passion rooted in Benson. She first stepped into a dance class at just six years old and never looked back. As a teenager, Kirsten was already sharing her love for the art by teaching younger students, a glimpse of the educator she would one day become.

Her journey has taken her across Arizona and Texas, where she taught at three different studios, gaining valuable experience and refining her craft. That path led her back home in 2015, when she opened her first dance studio on Fourth Street. What began as a small operation with 30 students and one class a week quickly became a cornerstone of the local arts community.

After a brief pause to raise her two children, Kirsten reopened the studio in 2018, this time renting space from a local church and business. She also joined Legacy Performing Arts as an instructor in 2019, teaching ballet, tap, and technique, and serving as assistant company director for two years. During this time, she laid the groundwork for a competition team and further expanded her impact on local dance education.

In July 2022, Kirsten officially reopened Spotlight Studio in Benson. By May 2023, she had moved into her current location on Fourth Street, and now, nearly two years later, the studio has flourished.

With more than 120 students, 28 children’s classes, four adult classes, and two fully equipped studios, Spotlight Studio offers a full lineup of dance and movement programs. The offerings include ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, adult ballet and tap, Latin dance fitness, and five levels of acrobatic classes, taught by a team of six instructors. For children who aren’t interested in traditional dance, the studio also offers Power Play classes focused on fun youth physical activities.

Spotlight Studio has also been very active in the community, participating in local events like the Fourth of July Parade and Christmas Off Main. Kirsten said being a part of the Benson community has always been very important to her, and she proudly supports various youth organizations throughout the year.

This year, Kirsten has an especially magical experience planned. In December, twenty of her students will travel to Disneyland to dance in a parade at the theme park. Kirsten said she is thrilled to take her students to perform and represent Benson in this exciting and unique opportunity.

Kirsten’s goal has always been simple: to share her lifelong love of dance with the next generation. To learn more or explore class offerings, visit spotlightstudiobenson.com or check out Spotlight Studio on Facebook.