2025 - 2026 Season Instructors

Kirsten began dancing at age five under Linda Walker at Tucson Regional Ballet, training in ballet, tap, and eventually jazz. As a teen, she explored a variety of styles and attended intensive summer workshops. At 15, she led her first summer dance camp and discovered her love for teaching. After a back injury at 17 ended her performance career and college dance plans, she chose to share her passion through teaching and studio ownership.

She taught at studios in Arizona and Texas before opening her first studio in 2015. After a break to raise her two children and work full-time in education, she returned to studio life, later joining Legacy Performing Arts in 2019 as a ballet, tap, and technique instructor and assistant company director. She remained with the program through its transition to Legend Dance Studio in Willcox.

In July 2022, Kirsten re-opened Spotlight Studio in Benson. By her first full recital in May 2023, the studio had grown to 50 students and a small competition team- it is currently more than double that size with an average of 115 students enrolled in 28-30 classes each year. The Competition Team has been very successful over the past few years- her choreography has earned awards at events across Arizona and even at a national competition in Las Vegas. 

With 28 years in dance and 17 years teaching, Kirsten is grateful for the mentors who shaped her journey. She’s excited to continue growing Spotlight Studio by offering Hip-Hop, Acro, and kids fitness classes—creating a space where every child feels welcome and inspired to shine.

“Do what you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”

Miss Kirsten teaches Preschool Ballet & Tap, Beginning Jazz, Level 1 Ballet & Tap, Level 2 Ballet & Jazz, Level 2/3 Tap, Level 3 Ballet, Jazz & Lyrical, Level 4 Tap, Advanced Jazz & Lyrical, Me & My Grown Up, and  Adult Ballet & Tap. Miss Kirsten is also the Director and Choreography for the Elite Team and Performance Team. 

Kirsten recently completed her Tap Roots certification. 

Denise grew up in Tucson, AZ, where she was a competitive cheerleader throughout high school and took recreational dance and tumbling classes for most of her childhood. Her love for cheer and acro followed her into adulthood, where she spent two years teaching cheer basics and tumbling at a Tucson dance studio before relocating to Benson. After moving, Denise began teaching and joined BUSD in 2020. Her passion for youth athletics is evident in everything she does—she is entering her fourth year as a coach with Benson Youth Football & Cheer and second year as Cheer Coordinator for the organization.  Denise has been part of the Spotlight Studio family for years, assisting Miss Kirsten with recitals since 2018. She also volunteered her time at Legacy Performing Arts, showing her dedication to supporting the local performing arts community. In 2024, Denise officially joined the Spotlight staff as and acro instructor and the assistant coach for the inaugural season of the Competition Pom Team. With her support and guidance, the team proudly brought home several trophies during their first year. She is now the lead Acro instructor at Spotlight Studio, where she combines her knowledge of cheer, dance, and tumbling to create a fun, challenging, and safe environment for all students. Denise is committed to emphasizing safety, creativity, and personal growth in every class—ensuring that each student not only develops their skills but also feels empowered, confident, and proud of their progress as young athletes.

Miss Denise teaches Flex Level 3 Acro, Tuesday Level 2 Acro, Thursday Level 3 Acro, Thursday Level 1 Acro, and  Recreation & Competition Pom!

Elyna has grown up in the world of dance. From ages 2-19, she was often seen tagging along-side her mother, Elisia Rodriguez  (Benson High School Dance Alumni (95’-99’ ) & Coach (05’-23’).  “I owe the entire basis of not only my life, but my dance life, to my Mom. Every good thing that has ever happened is because of her.” At age 4, Elyna started dance with Alma Dolores International Dance Center, in Sierra Vista, Az.  Training in  Ballet, Folklorico, Jazz/Contempoary & Ballet Pointe. At age 11, she attended the first generation of  Spotlight Studio, training with Kirsten in ballet & tap. Which has now become the reason Benson Kids have the ability to get a dance education, locally.  “Thank you Kirsten! The gratitude is endless.” At age 14, Elyna was invited to travel to New York City with ADIDC to attend Tremaine Dance Convention, and train with some of Americas Top Choreographers, which was by far a highlight in Elyna’s dance career.Placing Platinum & Double Platinum Overall at Showstopper, in Solo & Group competitions are amongst her many titles with ADIDC throughout the years.  While attending Benson High School, Elyna trained, performed, and competed in Hip-Hop & Pom as part of the BHS Dance ‘Catz’.  Elyna was Team  Captain during her Junior & Senior year- she lead the team to win 1st overall Hip-Hop Small DIV during her Senior Year at the AZ State Tournament in 2022. Finally, at age 19, Elyna coached along-side her mom, Coach Elisia in her final year with the BHS Dance Catz. Elyna is honored to be at Spotlight Studio, sharing her knowledge, creative passion, and nostalgia for dance, with the next generation of Benson Kids.

Miss Elyna teaches Hip Hop and Dance Conditioning & Stretching. 

Christine began dancing ballet at the age of 8 in Huntington Beach, California where she proudly proclaimed she would be a dancer, teacher, and choreographer when she grew up! She continued to perform in theater and musical theater throughout her school years. Christine studied musical theater and continued with ballet classes at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and at the University of Arizona. She joined the Army during her senior year at the U of A and  met her husband while stationed in Germany. Christine continued her love for dance and theatre after returning from Germany teaching these disciplines in private schools, home school co-ops, and public schools to include a one- month summer camp in China with high school students! Back in Arizona, Christine has spent the last  21 years dancing classical ballet to include dancing in every scene of the Nutcracker and dancing the role of the Mouse King for 10 years. She  has directed the Nutcracker for the last 3 years and continues to dance small roles. She has danced in most classical ballets to include Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadère, Paquita, and Don Quixote to name a few. Christine is a CLI certified instructor in early childhood dance and is soon to earn her degree in Early Childhood Education. She continues to love dancing, teaching, and choreographing! Ms. Christine and her husband have 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren to include a retired professional ballerina and an U.S. Army Ranger.

Miss Christine teaches Creative Movements, Beginning Ballet, Advanced Ballet & Pre-Pointe and Musical Theatre. 

As a Benson local, Laci has dedicated her time to coaching a variety of youth sports and supporting organizations like 4H, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts. She serves as the assistant coach for the local Special Olympics softball and basketball teams and volunteers as a K9 handler with the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue. Laci also works for the City of Sierra Vista as a Recreation Leader for the Adult Adaptive Recreation program and is a substitute paraprofessional at Benson Schools. Her daughter Hunter has been a part of Spotlight Studio since 2018, and her son Trace also shares a love of dance.

Laci is passionate about making fitness fun and accessible for all kids and looks forward to inspiring them to stay active and confident.

Miss Laci teaches Preschool Acro and Boys Acro & Agility. 

Katja White, also known as Miss Cheerio, brings over 15 years of coaching experience in gymnastics, all-star and high school cheer, city league, and acro. She began in ballet and tap at age 3, later becoming a State Uneven Bar Champion and Level 8 gymnast. As a Varsity Spirit All American, she performed at the Citrus Bowl, Disney World, London’s New Year’s Day Parade, and USA Cheer Hawaii before cheering at the University of Arizona—Bear Down! 

Katja has attended several colleges and loved studying Veterinary Sciences at the University of Arizona, where she also earned her Wildlife Professional Certification. She’s passionate about helping athletes gain confidence through movement and is excited to be part of the Spotlight Studio family!

Miss Cheerio teaches Monday Level 1 Acro and Level 2/3 Acro

Kendall Manzo was born and raised in Benson, AZ, and is proud to call the community home. She is a wife, mother, and full-time real estate professional. While she has always been active in sports, her passion for dance, cheer, and gymnastics began around the age of 10. For over 15 years, Kendall has been coaching in the Benson area, with more than a decade of focused experience in teaching dance, tumbling, and gymnastics. She is excited to bring her knowledge and dedication to Spotlight Studio and to be part of a program that fosters confidence, strength, and a love for movement in every student.

Miss Kendall teaches Flex Level 1/2 Acro and Mighty Movers Acro.

April is a proud dance and acro mom, fitness enthusiast, and former real estate professional who is now a dedicated stay-at-home mom to her five children—two girls and three boys. Three of her kids take classes at Spotlight Studio, with her daughters proudly dancing on the competition pom team. Originally from Tucson, April now lives on a farm and brings a warm, energetic spirit to everything she does. After helping at the studio last year and taking adult classes, she is excited to officially assist with Preschool and Boys Acro classes this season.

Miss April assists the Preschool Acro and Boys Acro & Agility. 

Nevaeh has been dancing under Miss Kirsten’s instruction since the age of 6, training in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and acro/gymnastics through Spotlight Studio and Legacy Performing Arts. Now entering her fourth season as a student assistant, she brings a wealth of experience from three years as a competitive dancer, with two more years ahead before graduating. This season, Nevaeh will be team teaching two acro classes alongside Miss Kendall and beginning her transition into teaching ballet and tap, training under Miss Kirsten. Her passion for working with young dancers shines through in every class she assists and teaches.

Miss Nevaeh assists the Level 1/2 Flex Acro and Mighty Movers Acro classes. She is also training to teach Preschool Ballet & Tap and Level 1 Ballet & Tap under Miss Kirsten. 

Marcie Robinson has loved dance since childhood, first exploring movement through her high school’s pageantry and drill team, where she performed and competed year-round and served as team captain her senior year. Though she didn’t have access to formal dance training growing up, Marcie pursued her passion as an adult, studying a wide range of styles including tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, Irish, clogging, Polynesian, Argentine tango, and Western line dancing at respected studios such as Alma Whelan School of Dance, Dance Dynamics, Shall We Dance, Legacy Dance Studios, and Spotlight Studio. A lifelong group fitness enthusiast, Marcie has participated in aerobics, step, and Zumba for many years and has served as a local Zumba substitute instructor for the past three. She now teaches Latin Dance Fitness at Spotlight Studio, combining her love of dance and fitness to inspire others. In addition to teaching, she works part time for Target Corporation and actively volunteers at her children’s school. Marcie has been married for 17 years and is the proud mom of two energetic boys.

Marcie teaches Latin Dance Fitness Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 8:00am. More info can be found on out home page under "Other Happenings"