Shannon Benton began dancing at a young age, studying at Dance Theatre of Lynchburg and Virginia School of the Arts. She attended Liberty University where she founded Divine Call Dance team, which began her journey as a teacher and choreographer. Shannon interned with The Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation before graduating from Liberty with a Bachelor of Science in Communications: Advertising and Public Relations.

After graduation, Shannon continued her dance training at The Ailey School and Dayton Contemporary Dance 2. She made her professional debut in Houston, Texas, with Ad Deum Dance Company, dancing in works by Randall Flinn, Vincent Hardy, Steve Rooks, Durell Comedy and Hannah Anderson, to name a few.

She also danced in projects with the HoustonMET, Kenneth Epting Dance Project, Open Sky Arts Collective, Zion Dance Project, Störling Dance Theater’s production of Underground and as a freelance artist.

Shannon has taught students of all ages, nationally and internationally, in a variety of styles. In 2020, she completed an Arts in Movement Discipleship Training School through Youth with a Mission (YWAM) and earned her certification in Progressing Ballet Technique.

Most recently, Shannon moved to the Kansas City area. After a few years dancing as a guest artist, she is excited to join Störling Dance Theater full time. She continues to teach dance and is a faculty member for Störling Conservatory.

Outside of the studio, Shannon works as a freelance writer and a communications professional. Her schedule is full, so she is grateful for the opportunity to dance it out in the studio!