MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: MISS KARRIE BENEDICT
In 1999, she discovered her love for teaching and, in 2008, was invited by Crooked Tree Arts Center School of Ballet Artistic Director, Heather Raue, to lead a master class. That summer, she was offered a faculty position, a role she has cherished for 17 years and will continue through June 2025. “My favorite experience has been watching dancers I started when they were 4 grow into pre- professional and professional dancers. Because I knew them so well, I was able to create roles specifically for them. Sometimes my goal was to exemplify their strengths and sometimes it was to bring something out in them they didn't know they had. Being in Miami last year to watch our alumna Taylor Naturkas make her debut as Firebird with Miami City Ballet was the pinnacle of that experience.” As a choreographer, Miss Karrie has created numerous works for the School of Ballet’s productions, including the annual Nutcracker and June Show. Whether crafting atmospheric pieces—like the tornado in The Wizard of Oz —or storytelling moments—such as the funeral scene in Snow White —her process always begins with music, ensuring each selection is authentic and evocative. Though she is stepping away from her full- time role, she is honored to have been granted emeritus status and looks forward to continuing with the School of Ballet through master classes and mentorship. “I am also excited to be able to consider new collaborations with the many dancers, musicians, and visual artists I have stayed in contact with over the years.”
With a lifelong passion for dance, Miss Karrie Benedict began training at The Bullard School of Ballet in Kalamazoo, Michigan, at the age of four. She went on to earn a BFA Honours Degree in Dance from York University in Toronto, Ontario, before performing and studying with The White Street Art Center in Urbana, Illinois.
"Since 2008, Miss Karrie has shaped the lives of thousands of young dancers at CTAC School of Ballet. Her dedicated and unwavering passion and expertise has introduced and instilled the beautiful world of dance, strong foundation, and work ethic to our Northern Michigan youth for over two decades. We look forward to continuing to work with her as emeritus faculty. We love you and thank you, Miss Karrie!" - CTAC SCHOOL OF BALLET ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, HEATHER RAUE
Heather Raue, Karrie Benedict, and Tracy Thomson in the wings of Karrie's final Nutcracker
Beginning and intermediate dancers after Karrie's final Nutcracker
Pre-professional dancers after rehearsal for Nutcracker
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