Benjamin "Benji" Daniel Schwimmer

Benji was born on January 18, 1984 in Newport Beach, California He trained formally for 19 years and characterized his style as West Coast Swing. He is the eldest child of famous dancing Schwimmer parents Buddy and Laurie, and brother to Dancing with the Stars Professional Lacey Schwimmer.  Benji is undefeated as US Swing Dance Champion. For many years he held the title with his cousin Heidi. Currently he holds the title with Torri Smith.

As the winner of the 2nd season of So You Think You Can Dance, Benji Schwimmer has choreographed for both the U.S. and International versions of the show. Benji artistically directs for LeAnn Rimes and Paula Abdul. He recently co-starred in the film, "Leading Ladies", and is currently producing and starring in the film, "Debonair" which is slated for release in late 2011.

Benji travels the world choreographing, teaching, and performing in various styles of dance and 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. Theirs is a six member band with Benji on vocals. The band has just completed their first debut album entitled :

Sun, Doubt and Scenic Routes. Benji wrote the lyrics for all 12 tracts of the album.

Quite the talent, this boy is!!!

 

Torri Nicole Smith

Torri Smith was born October 26, 1992 and currently lives in Murrieta, CA. She has been dancing since she was 3 years old. Torri initially concentrated on jazz, tap and ballet early on until she was introduced to West Coast Swing by Buddy and Laurie Schwimmer. Torri fell in love with swing dancing and competed at her first U.S. Open at the age of 7. She has not missed an Open since then. Torri also has trained in International Style Latin Dance and competed for several years in this discipline, in which she won the Junior II Division title at Nationals in 2005.

She has appeared in Disney’s Suite Life of Zack and Cody in 2006 as a dancer. She also worked as assistant choreographer to Benji Schwimmer on Fox’s hit television series So You Think You Can Dance in the United States, as well as Canada in 2007 and 2008. In April of 2009, she danced with Benji on ABC Dancing with the Stars performing with Demi Lovato.

Since she paired up with her current partner, Brennar Goree, they have gone off to win 3 U.S. Open titles in the Young Adult division. They have also won the National Shag Dance Championships, where they were named Overall Juniors. Torri hopes to keep up her dancing while attending Mt. San Jacinto Community College. She plans on enrolling into a nursing program to fulfill her dreams of becoming a children's nurse.

At the most recent US Open, Torri accomplished something that no other competitor in history had done.

She entered the Classic Division (no lifts allowed) with partner Brennar Goree and won. Then, she turned around and entered the Showcase division (lifts required) with a different partner, Benji Schwimmer, and won that event as well! This was an unprecedented achievement! To put that into perspective, this would be the equivalent of entering the Pro Latin with one partner and winning, then entering the Pro Rhythm with a different partner and winning that as well.

Not too bad for this 19 year old wonder woman from southern California!