Kana Benz

Kana Benz - Associate Faculty

Phone: (949) 451-5452 x8092
Email: kbenz@ivc.edu

About Kana Benz

Kana Benz was born in Japan.  After obtaining her AA, AS, and a dance certificate from Santa Rosa Junior College, CA, she continued her education at The University of California, Irvine, where she received her BA and MFA in dance.  Her master thesis focused on the association between shin splints and ankle range of motion in dancers using pointe shoes regularly.  While working toward her master’s degree, she shared her love and experience in classical ballet with undergraduate students by directing the ballet ensemble class, restaging classical ballet works, and choreographing contemporary ballet works.

She has studied ballet, modern dance, jazz dance, character dance, tap dance, Japanese kabuki dance, Indian Kathak dance, and acting with notable teachers: Israel "El" Gabriel, Donald McKayle, David Allan, Bob Boross, Shizuko Oko of Matsuyama Ballet Company/School in Japan, and K. Nikolaevna Malysheva of Perm State Ballet School in Russia.

She joined the faculty at Irvine Valley College in 2005.  She also teaches ballet at the University of California, Irvine, and works as a research assistant for the distinguished dance historian, Dr. Nancy Ruyter.  Aside from her teaching duties at Irvine Valley College, she enjoys dancing in the Performing Dance Ensemble at Irvine Valley College, directed by Marie de la Palme.

With her background in music, Kana works on improving students’ rhythmic sense in her technique classes.  She also helps dancers in increasing flexibility and learning to dance effectively with minimum muscular effort by applying knowledge in anatomy, kinesiology, and Feldenkrais method.  She also emphasizes etiquettes in dance.  Above all, she focuses on enhancing self-confidence and motivation of dance students while assisting them in recognizing their passion in dancing.