Podcast Episodes

Episode 19: Shannon Benton

by Rachel Caldwell

It was so wonderful connecting with Shannon Benton for episode 19! Shannon is a professional dancer who has performed with companies such as Ad Deum Dance Company, HoustonMET, Open Sky Arts Collective, and Zion Dance Project. She recently completed Youth with a Mission’s Arts in Movement Discipleship Training School and earned her certification in Progressing Ballet Technique. Shannon currently lives in the Kansas City area where she is dancing with Störling Dance Theater and is a faculty member for Störling Conservatory.

I am so grateful for Shannon’s heart for racial reconciliation and the wisdom she shares. As artists, we can play a role in the process of racial reconciliation through storytelling, connection, and valuing the beauty in our differences. We chat about how empathy is so crucial and how listening with the intent to understand creates the space for deeper relationships. Since recording this episode, she became the first staff member of Unite KC, a faith-based, grassroots organization committed to taking action toward racial reconciliation in Kansas City.

Identity is another key topic of our conversation. Shannon explains that if we listen to the world’s ideas for identity, we will have a hard time finding a “place to stand,” but if we look to our Creator, our identity is built on a solid foundation. May you be encouraged by Shannon’s words to be faithful as you walk in your calling as an artist.

You can listen to the show HERE, and you can be sure not to miss a Creative Impact conversation by subscribing through your favorite podcast app (ie. iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher).  We are so grateful to have you as a part of the Creative Impact community and would love it if you would share the show with your friends!

About Shannon:

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 dance with 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. Since recording this episode, she became the first staff member of Unite KC, a faith-based, grassroots organization committed to taking action toward racial reconciliation in Kansas City.

Links from the Show:

Connect with Shannon:

On Instagram

storlingconservatory.com

Check out more Resources:

Check out my recommended book list and some of my favorite resources for artists and business owners!