Marisa Latoya Benain

Attorney-at-Law, Founder and Artistic Director of Plié For The Arts

Style Observer (SO): When, how and where did your fascination with dance commence?

Marisa Latoya Benain (MLB): At the start – I did dance shows in primary school. I enjoyed it, did not think anything of it. I saw the Little People production Applause and immediately felt I belonged on the stage. I felt like “where were these people all my life?” I subsequently auditioned for and joined Little People, which made me realise that it was possible to train and become a dancer, that a career in dance was possible. I did the classes, and turns out I was good at it. And the rest is history.

SO: What has been the highlight of your own dance career?

MLB: As part of Little People – Dancing Still Life, choreographed by Toki Gonzales and performing
Sulkari, choreographed by the late Eduardo Rivero, with the NDTC.

SO: What are the characteristics of a great dancer?

MLB: Stage presence, physical fitness, and a commitment to performance quality.

SO: Who gets the nod as the greatest dancer (male or female)?

MLB: That’s a tough one. I believe Desmond Richardson is certainly on the Mount Rushmore of dance.

SO: If you were able to assemble a dance troupe of five who would they be and why?

MLB: Another tough one. If it was an international troupe, it would be Desmond Richardson, Osiel Gouneo, Ashley Green, Adji Cissoko, and Misty Copeland. If it was a local troupe, it would be Shavaughn Byndloss, Faybian Grizzle, Steve Cornwall, Joelle Filmn, and Amaya Gomes.

SO: Why did you deem it necessary to form Plié for the Arts?

MLB: The company was first created to produce the Amalgamation Gala. The company then evolved to facilitate hosting the best dancers and dance teachers in the world to further develop dance in the region.

SO: A decade later you have brought some of the world’s finest dancers and teachers to Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados… was this always a dream and are there more plans afoot?

MLB: Yes, it was always a dream to expand our vision to include the wider Caribbean, and we seized the opportunity to do so in 2025, which was very successful. This has led to us beginning to create an ecosystem that will facilitate masterclasses, auditions, the formation of the Plié Caribbean Collective and the staging of the Amalgamation Gala as a destination event throughout the region.

SO: The big story for 2026 is not only Plié at 10 but special guest US actress Phylicia Rashad. Do share more details.

MLB: I am excited to host the 2026 Women Of Vision “Salon”, headlined by Phylicia Rashad. It is the first of what will be another annual event under the Plié umbrella. The intent is to stage the Women of Vision Salon annually, with an iconic, visionary woman as the leading voice, and also, to celebrate Jamaican women of vision. We also want to use this opportunity to host students who are on their own career paths so that can be a part of this visionary Salon and join the conversation with these great women.

SO: Shifting focus from dance to the law… How do you balance both?

MLB: I am where I need to be to meet the moment. I have a lot of practice balancing my creative passions with my love for the law. I have balanced multiple careers for most of my adult life. It has not always been easy, but discipline and commitment are the key components that have allowed me to balance both successfully.

SO: How does Marisa unwind?

MLB: NDTC dance class, watching the young dancers at the Plié Academy, and gummy bears! A good dose of shopping is always an unwinding moment.

SO: An evening in or out?

MLB: In, definitely in.

SO: What are you drinking?

MLB: Appleton Estate Unreserved Passion

SO: Heels or flats?

MLB: Heels, all day.

SO: What’s your must-have handbag essential?

MLB: Lip Gloss and Poison Apple Bold Lipstick.

SO: Who’s your favourite Caribbean fashion designer?

MLB: Keneea Linton-George.

SO: Which countries are on your dance travel itinerary?

MLB: The Caribbean, the USA and the UAE.

SO: Finally, what are your go-to inspirational lines?

MLB: “Resilience is key”; “We can’t stand still, we not making furniture”; “The top of one mountain is the bottom of the next”; “The universe has no budget on greatness”.

(Photo: IG/@pliefortheartsja)

Page 2 coverage of the Plié For The Arts 2024-themed Amalgation spotlighted, among others, Benain, her fave Caribbean fashion designer Keneea Linton-George, and dancer Ashley Gordon in The Calling.

Male members of Complexions Contemporary Ballet elevate prima ballerina Misty Copeland during Star Dust — a David Bowie tribute ballet at the 2018 Plié For The Arts. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Marisa Latoya Benain Attorney-at-Law, Founder and Artistic Director of Plié For The Arts (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Appleton Estate Unreserved Passion 1.5 oz Appleton Estate Reserve Blend 1 oz passion fruit purée 0.5 oz lemon juice 2 dash Angostura bitters Splash of tonic water (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Misty Copeland’s historic 2018 visit to The Rock was chronicled by Page 2 in April, ahead of her August arrival. 

Benain’s handbag essentials include lip gloss and Bold Beauty by Racquel Jenkins Spotlight Mega Matte Lipstick — Poison Appleracqueljmakeup.com