Lisette Benefield-Smythe is a native of Ozark, Alabama. Growing up, she studied under the direction of Maryanne Martin Murphy with the Andalusia Ballet in Alabama. In 2009, she attended Birmingham-Southern College as a dance education major where she studied under Mira Popvich, Ruth Henry, and Teri Weksler. In January 2011, Lisette transferred to the University of South Carolina where she studied with Dr. Mila Parrish, Thaddeus Davis, and Susan Anderson. Working extensively with local schools in the community, she implemented lesson plans for Brockman Elementary School’s aftercare program and Steps of Faith Dance Studio and Arts Academy, as well as worekd with the Dancer’s Connect program on campus. Upon graduation, Lisette moved to Birmingham, AL where she taught at Vestavia Hills High School and Alabama Dance Academy, teaching a variety of levels of ballet and tap. She now resides in Nashville, TN, where she has served as the Dance Director at Franklin Road Academy. Lisette is an active member of the National Dance Education Organization and has attended and presented at national conferences. She currently teaches for the Metro Nashville Public Schools while working towards earning a Master of Arts in Dance Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.