Benji Schwimmer
Encyclopedia
Benjamin "Benji" Daniel Schwimmer (born on January 18, 1984) is an American
professional dancer, choreographer, actor, and soon-to-be lead singer of the band "The Weekend Forecast". On August 16, 2006 he was crowned "America's Favorite Dancer", as the winner of the second season of So You Think You Can Dance and has choreographed for both the U.S. and the international versions of the show. Benji artistically directs for LeAnn Rimes
and Paula Abdul
. He co-starred in the 2010 film Leading Ladies.
Benji is known for his versatility in mixing the arts of solo dance and partnering. He works for the non-profit group, Dancers Everywhere Making a Needed Difference (D.E.M.A.N.D). Benji is songwriter, producer, and vocalist for pop-rock band The Weekend Forecast.
, and grew up in a Latter-day Saint (Mormon
) household in Moreno Valley, California
. He is the son of choreographer and West Coast Swing
dancer Buddy Schwimmer
. His mother, Laurie Kauffman, and sister, Lacey Schwimmer
, are also west-coast swing dancers.
He started competing when he was five years old. Some of his early experiences included singing and dancing in a "Sunshine Magic, a children's troupe, that was later renamed "Newport Beach Showtime." His aunt, Vicki Groskreutz, was the choreographer, and he and cousin Heidi regularly showcased their swing talents at various shopping malls, theme parks, and fairs. He attended Landmark Middle school in Moreno Valley, in his eight grade year the head of the televised morning announcements. He attended high school in both Moreno Valley and Redlands
but then transferred to independent study because of his pursuit of dance. He finished his studies early, and then taught dance for one semester at Crafton Hills College
in Yucaipa.
Benji and his older cousin, Heidi Groskreutz
, (the fourth finalist on the same season of So You Think You Can Dance), are also U.S. Open Showcase Swing champions in west-coast style. Schwimmer left the dancing scene at the top of his game to serve a two-year mission
for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Mexican
state of Oaxaca. He has subsequently founded D.E.M.A.N.D., a non-profit organization that helps the less fortunate and provides health care for dancers with HIV/AIDS and other illness, and is a co-owner of 5678 Dance Studio in Redlands.
, the 2005 winner of So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD), and decided that he would audition, along with Heidi and her former dance partner, Dmitry Chaplin
, for the 2006 season of the show. All three were among top 10 finalists. Benji and his first dance partner, Donyelle Jones, successfully competed through the entire first part of the season without ever being in the bottom three. Both made it to the top four. Benji was named the winner on August 16, 2006.
During the course of the show, the judges routinely said that, while Benji was not necessarily the best technical dancer in styles other than his own, he was clearly an outstanding performer and entertainer.
The prizes for winning the competition included a car, a one-year contract to perform in Celine Dion
's Las Vegas
show, and $100,000 USD. However, in an interview for Seattle Times, Benji stated that he had turned down the Dion contract.
Starting in September 2006, Benji and the rest of the top-10 finalists performed in a North American tour (see So You Think You Can Dance (Season 2)
for details). Most of the dates sold out within hours. Seattle sold out within 30 minutes and New York sold out within 11 minutes).
The following year, Benji was invited to perform on the opening of season three and to become the first SYTYCD alumnus to choreograph on the show. His west-coast swing choreography of a high-octane number, "The Rockafeller Skank," brought both the audience and the judges to their feet. Executive producer and head judge, Nigel Lythgoe
, said that the piece finally invoked the magic that was lacking in the new season. The swing piece became a crowd favorite on the national tour in 2007.
He and Heidi danced on Fox
's New Year's Eve show and talked about their instructional dance DVD.
's music video "Candyman
" with his sister, Lacey. Benji played the role of the "Candyman" and was seen dancing with Christina. Benji later admitted that she was a bit of a diva but basically nice. He also said that he always had a massive crush on Britney Spears
, Aguilera's pop rival, and his dream was to appear in a Spears video as her love interest.
Benji was extremely busy, in 2007, traveling, teaching, performing, competing, and hosting events. He visited locations all over the world, including Oslo, Norway, Singapore
, Toronto
, Ottawa
, and China
. On some rare occasions, he went to events with other members of his family, including Heidi, Lacey, and Buddy. He taught, coast to coast, at many that featured many different dance styles, including west-coast swing. He also taught at many dance studios across the nation. He performed other dance styles, such as swing/jazz (SWAZZ).
Some of the events in which Benji performed included The Dance Floor TV show in Singapore, Mary Murphy
's Champion Ballroom Academy's 17th Anniversary Party, Presentation of CTV Network lineup, iHollywood Dance, Coastal Dance Rage Workshop, FOX Reality Channel Really Awards 2007, The Laguna Dance Festival Gala, CanDance Conventions, and the Career Transition For Dancers Gala.
When SYTYCD season three
auditions began, Benji partnered with Lacey during her audition in Los Angeles
. When she was picked as one of the top-10 women, Benji and his parents attended almost every show. Benji danced on the first results show; at the end, he dropped his pants to reveal American-flag briefs. On July 8, Benji choreographed a west-coast swing number for Pasha and Sara. It was a huge hit with the audience and featured many of Benji's and Heidi's signature tricks. Benji was also tapped to be a correspondent reporter for the show, Reality Remix, on the FOX Reality Network.
By late summer, Benji and Heidi, as well as some of the biggest names in west-coast swing, were in Albuquerque, NM filming Love N' Dancing.
.
He has appeared on a Dancing with the Stars
results show with Lacey. He recently filmed, and was a featured star in, the documentary, "MOVE," which was slated for an early 2009 release.
Benji reclaimed his titles as both US and World Swing Champion with new partner, Kellese Key, after being semi retired from competitive dancing. Benji and Alan Seawright wrote and produced a dance film that is set to be released in December 2010.
He finished a week long run as a guest performer and choreographer for "Evolutions of Dance 2009" in Provo, Utah.
Benji, along with partner, Torri Smith, performed to "La La Land," by Demi Lovato, as featured dancers on season eight of "Dancing With The Stars." Benji also appeared in the independent film, "Love N' Dancing," which stars Amy Smart.
He was the cover story in a 10-page spread in "Dancer Magazine", January 9 issue, which featured his own photography(CLK'd by BNJI)
Benji finished filming the comedy "Leading Ladies" as a co-star.
Paula Abdul hired Benji as her creative director and choreographer for her final performance on American Idol and her opening show for VH1's Divas:Live '09. He also danced alongside her in both performances.
Benji choreographed for So You Think You Can Dance: Canada, and was honored as being a creative force in his fusion of various dance styles.
, to create choreography for the short program of American figure skater Jeremy Abbott
, which was first performed at the 2011 Cup of China
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional dancer, choreographer, actor, and soon-to-be lead singer of the band "The Weekend Forecast". On August 16, 2006 he was crowned "America's Favorite Dancer", as the winner of the second season of So You Think You Can Dance and has choreographed for both the U.S. and the international versions of the show. Benji artistically directs for LeAnn Rimes
LeAnn Rimes
LeAnn Rimes is an American country/pop singer. She is known for her rich vocals and her rise to fame as an eight-year-old champion on the original Ed McMahon version of Star Search, followed by the release of the Patsy Cline-intended single "Blue" when Rimes was only age 13, resulting in her...
and Paula Abdul
Paula Abdul
Paula Julie Abdul is an American singer-songwriter, dancer, choreographer, actress and television personality.In the 1980s, Abdul rose from cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers to highly sought-after choreographer at the height of the music video era before scoring a string of pop music-R&B hits...
. He co-starred in the 2010 film Leading Ladies.
Benji is known for his versatility in mixing the arts of solo dance and partnering. He works for the non-profit group, Dancers Everywhere Making a Needed Difference (D.E.M.A.N.D). Benji is songwriter, producer, and vocalist for pop-rock band The Weekend Forecast.
Biography
Benji was born on January 18, 1984 in Newport Beach, CaliforniaNewport Beach, California
Newport Beach, incorporated in 1906, is a city in Orange County, California, south of downtown Santa Ana. The population was 85,186 at the 2010 census.The city's median family income and property values consistently place high in national rankings...
, and grew up in a Latter-day Saint (Mormon
Mormon
The term Mormon most commonly denotes an adherent, practitioner, follower, or constituent of Mormonism, which is the largest branch of the Latter Day Saint movement in restorationist Christianity...
) household in Moreno Valley, California
Moreno Valley, California
Moreno Valley is a city located in Riverside County, California.A relatively young city, its rapid growth in the 1980s and the first decade of the 21st century made it second-largest city in Riverside County by population, and one of the Inland Empire's population centers. As of the 2010 census,...
. He is the son of choreographer and West Coast Swing
West Coast Swing
West Coast Swing is a partner dance with roots in Lindy Hop. It is characterized by a distinctive elastic look that results from its basic extension-compression technique of partner connection, and is danced primarily in a slotted area on the dance floor...
dancer Buddy Schwimmer
Buddy Schwimmer
Buddy Schwimmer is an award-winning West Coast Swing dancer, a choreographer, and the inventor of the Nightclub Two Step. He has also been known as "The King of Swing", as well as "The Man with a Thousand Moves"...
. His mother, Laurie Kauffman, and sister, Lacey Schwimmer
Lacey Schwimmer
Lacey-Mae Schwimmer is an American competitive ballroom dancer, singer, and the winner of multiple youth championships. She is best known as the fourth place finalist of the third season of So You Think You Can Dance...
, are also west-coast swing dancers.
He started competing when he was five years old. Some of his early experiences included singing and dancing in a "Sunshine Magic, a children's troupe, that was later renamed "Newport Beach Showtime." His aunt, Vicki Groskreutz, was the choreographer, and he and cousin Heidi regularly showcased their swing talents at various shopping malls, theme parks, and fairs. He attended Landmark Middle school in Moreno Valley, in his eight grade year the head of the televised morning announcements. He attended high school in both Moreno Valley and Redlands
Redlands, California
Redlands is a city in San Bernardino County, California, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 68,747, up from 63,591 at the 2000 census. The city is located east of downtown San Bernardino.- History :...
but then transferred to independent study because of his pursuit of dance. He finished his studies early, and then taught dance for one semester at Crafton Hills College
Crafton Hills College
Located in the city of Yucaipa, east of San Bernardino, Crafton Hills College serves more than 5,000 students each semester.Mission Statement-...
in Yucaipa.
Benji and his older cousin, Heidi Groskreutz
Heidi Groskreutz
Heidi Groskreutz is a ballroom dancer, specializing in the fields of Latin and swing dancing. She is known for making the final in the second season of the Fox TV series So You Think You Can Dance.-Biography:...
, (the fourth finalist on the same season of So You Think You Can Dance), are also U.S. Open Showcase Swing champions in west-coast style. Schwimmer left the dancing scene at the top of his game to serve a two-year mission
Mormon missionary
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the most active modern practitioners of missionary work, with over 52,000 full-time missionaries worldwide, as of the end of 2010...
for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Mexican
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
state of Oaxaca. He has subsequently founded D.E.M.A.N.D., a non-profit organization that helps the less fortunate and provides health care for dancers with HIV/AIDS and other illness, and is a co-owner of 5678 Dance Studio in Redlands.
So You Think You Can Dance 2006
After returning to the United States from Mexico, Benji learned that his promised sweetheart had broken up with him. He stated on the show that he had learned about this when he saw that his name was not on her wedding invitation. To combat the resulting depression, Benji returned to dancing. He was shown a video of the performance of Nick LazzariniNick Lazzarini
Nick Lazzarini , an American dancer. He is best known as the first season winner on the Fox reality show So You Think You Can Dance. He is a trained dancer in jazz, lyrical, hip hop, ballet and modern dance styles.-Early life:...
, the 2005 winner of So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD), and decided that he would audition, along with Heidi and her former dance partner, Dmitry Chaplin
Dmitry Chaplin
Dmitry Chaplin is an Russian dancer and an Emmy Nominated choreographer, best known for being a Top 10 finalist on the TV show So You Think You Can Dance . He was famous for constantly performing shirtless, with one solo routine having him rip off his shirt.-Biography:Chaplin was born in...
, for the 2006 season of the show. All three were among top 10 finalists. Benji and his first dance partner, Donyelle Jones, successfully competed through the entire first part of the season without ever being in the bottom three. Both made it to the top four. Benji was named the winner on August 16, 2006.
During the course of the show, the judges routinely said that, while Benji was not necessarily the best technical dancer in styles other than his own, he was clearly an outstanding performer and entertainer.
The prizes for winning the competition included a car, a one-year contract to perform in Celine Dion
Celine Dion
Céline Marie Claudette Dion, , , is a Canadian singer. Born to a large family from Charlemagne, Quebec, Dion emerged as a teen star in the French-speaking world after her manager and future husband René Angélil mortgaged his home to finance her first record...
's Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
show, and $100,000 USD. However, in an interview for Seattle Times, Benji stated that he had turned down the Dion contract.
Starting in September 2006, Benji and the rest of the top-10 finalists performed in a North American tour (see So You Think You Can Dance (Season 2)
So You Think You Can Dance (Season 2)
The second season of So You Think You Can Dance premiered May 25, 2006, with new host Cat Deeley.On August 16, Benji Schwimmer was announced as the winner of season 2 and received the grand prize of $100,000, a new hybrid SUV, and a one year contract with Celine Dion's Las Vegas show, A New...
for details). Most of the dates sold out within hours. Seattle sold out within 30 minutes and New York sold out within 11 minutes).
The following year, Benji was invited to perform on the opening of season three and to become the first SYTYCD alumnus to choreograph on the show. His west-coast swing choreography of a high-octane number, "The Rockafeller Skank," brought both the audience and the judges to their feet. Executive producer and head judge, Nigel Lythgoe
Nigel Lythgoe
Nigel Lythgoe is an English television and film director and producer, and former dancer in the Young Generation and choreographer. He is noted for being the producer of the shows Pop Idol and American Idol as well as being a creator, executive producer and a regular judge for So You Think You Can...
, said that the piece finally invoked the magic that was lacking in the new season. The swing piece became a crowd favorite on the national tour in 2007.
2006
According to the Seattle Times, Schwimmer is writing and co-producing a movie about dancing, in which both he and Heidi will appear. He is also working on a TV show about the lives of dancers. He has contracted to do a movie called Love N' Dancing.He and Heidi danced on Fox
Fox Broadcasting Company
Fox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the...
's New Year's Eve show and talked about their instructional dance DVD.
2007
Benji began the year by selling his and Heidi's west-coast swing DVDs and filming Christina AguileraChristina Aguilera
Christina María Aguilera is an American recording artist and actress. Aguilera first appeared on national television in 1990 as a contestant on the Star Search program, and went on to star in Disney Channel's television series The Mickey Mouse Club from 1993–1994...
's music video "Candyman
Candyman (Christina Aguilera song)
"Candyman" is a swing jazz song written by Christina Aguilera and Linda Perry for Aguilera's third studio album, Back to Basics. It was released as the album's third and final American single in early 2007. It received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at 2008 Grammy...
" with his sister, Lacey. Benji played the role of the "Candyman" and was seen dancing with Christina. Benji later admitted that she was a bit of a diva but basically nice. He also said that he always had a massive crush on Britney Spears
Britney Spears
Britney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
, Aguilera's pop rival, and his dream was to appear in a Spears video as her love interest.
Benji was extremely busy, in 2007, traveling, teaching, performing, competing, and hosting events. He visited locations all over the world, including Oslo, Norway, Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
, Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, Ottawa
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, the second largest city in the Province of Ontario, and the fourth largest city in the country. The city is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern portion of Southern Ontario...
, and China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
. On some rare occasions, he went to events with other members of his family, including Heidi, Lacey, and Buddy. He taught, coast to coast, at many that featured many different dance styles, including west-coast swing. He also taught at many dance studios across the nation. He performed other dance styles, such as swing/jazz (SWAZZ).
Some of the events in which Benji performed included The Dance Floor TV show in Singapore, Mary Murphy
Mary Murphy (choreographer)
Mary Ann Murphy is a ballroom dance champion, accredited dance judge, and a judge and choreographer on the Fox dance competition-reality show So You Think You Can Dance.-Biography:...
's Champion Ballroom Academy's 17th Anniversary Party, Presentation of CTV Network lineup, iHollywood Dance, Coastal Dance Rage Workshop, FOX Reality Channel Really Awards 2007, The Laguna Dance Festival Gala, CanDance Conventions, and the Career Transition For Dancers Gala.
When SYTYCD season three
So You Think You Can Dance (Season 3)
So You Think You Can Dance is an American television reality program and dance competition airing on the Fox network. Season three premiered May 24, 2007....
auditions began, Benji partnered with Lacey during her audition in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
. When she was picked as one of the top-10 women, Benji and his parents attended almost every show. Benji danced on the first results show; at the end, he dropped his pants to reveal American-flag briefs. On July 8, Benji choreographed a west-coast swing number for Pasha and Sara. It was a huge hit with the audience and featured many of Benji's and Heidi's signature tricks. Benji was also tapped to be a correspondent reporter for the show, Reality Remix, on the FOX Reality Network.
By late summer, Benji and Heidi, as well as some of the biggest names in west-coast swing, were in Albuquerque, NM filming Love N' Dancing.
2008
Benji appeared on week four of SYTYCD (Season 4) with Lacey as west-coast-swing choreographer for "Shake It," by Brother Yusef. Benji has choreographed routines for season one of So You Think You Can Dance CanadaSo You Think You Can Dance Canada
So You Think You Can Dance Canada was a dance competition and reality show that aired on CTV.Based on the original American TV show So You Think You Can Dance, the Canadian series showcased the best in Canadian dancing talent. Each season, the show held auditions in major cities across the...
.
He has appeared on a Dancing with the Stars
Dancing with the Stars (U.S. season 7)
The seventh season of Dancing with the Stars premiered on September 22, 2008 as a part of ABC's fall line-up. Instead of 12 couples like previous seasons, this was the first season to showcase a lineup of 13 couples...
results show with Lacey. He recently filmed, and was a featured star in, the documentary, "MOVE," which was slated for an early 2009 release.
Benji reclaimed his titles as both US and World Swing Champion with new partner, Kellese Key, after being semi retired from competitive dancing. Benji and Alan Seawright wrote and produced a dance film that is set to be released in December 2010.
2009
Benji continued to compete; he also taught at various conventions and schools around the world.He finished a week long run as a guest performer and choreographer for "Evolutions of Dance 2009" in Provo, Utah.
Benji, along with partner, Torri Smith, performed to "La La Land," by Demi Lovato, as featured dancers on season eight of "Dancing With The Stars." Benji also appeared in the independent film, "Love N' Dancing," which stars Amy Smart.
He was the cover story in a 10-page spread in "Dancer Magazine", January 9 issue, which featured his own photography(CLK'd by BNJI)
Benji finished filming the comedy "Leading Ladies" as a co-star.
Paula Abdul hired Benji as her creative director and choreographer for her final performance on American Idol and her opening show for VH1's Divas:Live '09. He also danced alongside her in both performances.
Benji choreographed for So You Think You Can Dance: Canada, and was honored as being a creative force in his fusion of various dance styles.
2011
Benji worked with his father, Buddy SchwimmerBuddy Schwimmer
Buddy Schwimmer is an award-winning West Coast Swing dancer, a choreographer, and the inventor of the Nightclub Two Step. He has also been known as "The King of Swing", as well as "The Man with a Thousand Moves"...
, to create choreography for the short program of American figure skater Jeremy Abbott
Jeremy Abbott
Jeremy Abbott is an American figure skater. He is the 2008 Grand Prix Final Champion, a two-time Four Continents bronze medalist and two-time U.S. national champion. He represented the United States at the 2010 Winter Olympics, where he placed ninth.-Personal life:Jeremy Abbott was born in...
, which was first performed at the 2011 Cup of China
2011 Cup of China
The 2011 Cup of China was the Cup of China Grand Prix competition of the 2011–2012 season. Organized by the Chinese Skating Association, it was the third event of six in the 2011–2012 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating, a senior-level international invitational competition series.The event was held...
.
Awards
- 1991 US Open, Young America Div. (ages 6–11), 1st Place, partner Heidi Groskreutz
- 1992 "Future Stars" Champion, Sabado Gigante (TV), partner Heidi Groskreutz
- 1993 "Future Stars" Champion, Sabado Gigante (TV), partner Heidi Groskreutz
- 1994 World Swing Dance Championships Youth Division, 1st Place partner Heidi Groskreutz
- 1995 World Swing Dance Championships Youth Division, 1st Place partner Heidi Groskreutz
- 1995 US Open Swing Dance Championships, Adult Team Division, 1st Place Jump Start
- 1995 Feather Award "Outstanding Dancer(youth)"
- 1995 World Swing Dance Championships, Adult Team Division, 1st place, Jump Start
- 1996 World Swing Dance Championships, Youth Division, 1st Place partner Heidi Groskreutz
- 1996 World Swing Dance Championships, Adult Team Division, 1st Place, Jump Start
- 1997 Skippy Blair "Footsteps Award"
- 1998 Sabado Gigante's "Best Dance Couple" (multiple winner), partner Heidi Groskreutz
- 1999 World Swing Dance Championships, Youth Division, 1st Place partner Heidi Groskreutz
- 1999 World Swing Dance Championships, Team Division, 1st Place, Jump Start
- 2001 World Swing Dance Championships, Youth Division, 1st Place partner Heidi Groskreutz
- 2001 US Open Swing Dance Championship, Showcase Division, 1st Place, partner Heidi Groskreutz
- 2002 USA Swing Net "Person of the Year"
- 2002 US Open Swing Dance Championship, Showcase Division, 1st Place, partner Heidi Groskreutz
- 2005 US Open Swing Dance Championship, Showcase Division, 1st Place, partner Heidi Groskreutz
- 2005 US Open Swing Dance Championships, Team Division, 1st Place Jump Start 2
- 2006 SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, 1st Place, "America's Favorite Dancer", after a tally of 16 million votes for the Finale
- 2007 Desert City Swing Stricty Swing,1st Place,Partner Patty Vo
- 2007 - 1st Place: World Swing Dance Championships, Classic Division; Partner: Lacey SchwimmerLacey SchwimmerLacey-Mae Schwimmer is an American competitive ballroom dancer, singer, and the winner of multiple youth championships. She is best known as the fourth place finalist of the third season of So You Think You Can Dance...
- 2008 LAPD Jack and Jill (improv) Championships, 1st Place, partner Deborah Szekely
- 2008 USA Grand Nationals Showcase Division,1st Place, partner Kellese Key
- 2008 USA Grand Nationals Cabaret Division,1st Place
- 2008 Desert City Swing Social Dancing Competition,4th Place,Partner Melina Ramirez
- 2008 Dallas D.A.N.C.E. Cabaret Division, 1st Place
- 2008 US Open Swing Dance Championship, Showcase Division, 1st Place, partner Kellese Key
- 2009 US Open Swing Dance Championship, Showcase Division, 1st Place, partner Kellese Key
External links
- Benji and cousin Heidi Groskreutz's official site
- 5678 Dance Studios (Schwimmer family studio)
- The Benji & Heidi Zone (USA Swing Dance Network)
- Interview: Benji's Spiritual Side