Ben began his dance career at age twelve at Larkin Dance Studio. At age sixteen he also joined Classical Ballet Academy where he remained for 3 years.
After a hiatus to focus on his education in cosmetology and the liberal arts he returned to the dance world as a teacher. From 2008 – 2011 he taught competitive jazz, ballet, and lyrical dance. He was recruited by Ballet MN in 2010 and has since remained a company member. Ben has danced the lead role of the Nutcracker in the annual production by Ballet MN. He also performed in Don Quixote, Beethoven’s 6, Beethoven’s Gross Fuge, and Handel’s Messiah.
Most recently Ben recreated the role of the wicked stepsister in Ballet MN’s premiere of Cinderella, choreographed by Andrew Rist.
As the Creative Director of Studio Vibe, my goal is to motivate students to become not only, the best dancer they can be, but the best person they can be. I want to give students freedom to express themselves, and carry themselves through life with dignity and poise.
To be a great dancer, one must be an artist. You must have passion, drive, expression, and confidence to master the skills it takes to be a star. My main focus is to find the dancer in every student who walks through our doors. Every child will be nurtured to their full potential
My favorite thing about teaching the gift of dance is that it frees the soul. No matter what mood someone is in, they can just dance it out. It makes me happy to share dance because it is a major life tool that carries me through the valleys and helps me to climb the mountains of life.
