Benji Schwimmer became the second So You Think You Can Dance winner back in 2006, and it's time to talk about what he's been up to since season 2. The talented dancer is continuing to make a name for himself as a dancer, actor, and choreographer. With SYTYCD season 17 coming soon, here’s a look at what the season 2 alum has been up to.
Before becoming a global sensation on So You Think You Can Dance, Benji competed in the U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships. In 2002 and 2005, he came in first place with partner, Heidi Groskreutz. He also won for the team division in 2005. Benji continued dancing in competitions after SYTYCD, competing in the World Swing Dance Championships, the LAPD Jack and Jill (improv) Championships, the USA Grand Nationals in the Showcase and Cabaret Divisions, and the Dallas D.A.N.C.E. Cabaret Division. He took home first place in each of these competitions. In 2008, Benji returned to the U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships, where he continued his winning streak until his retirement from the competition in 2018.
In addition to competing, Benji has also choreographed for dance competition shows and Olympic figure skating. He was invited back for SYTYCD season 3, where he performed and became the first alum to choreograph for the show. As well, Benji choreographed for SYTYCD Canada season 1. Benji also choreographed Paula Abdul’s final American Idol performance. Along with his father, Buddy Schwimmer, Benji worked on a program for American figure skater Jeremy Abbott in 2011. More recently, he choreographed Winter Olympic programs for Adam Rippon.
Besides competitions, Benji has choreographed for (and danced in) music videos and films. In 2007, he featured as the “Candyman” in Christina Aguilera’s music video of the same title. Benji then appeared in Love N’ Dancing before going on to co-star in (and choreograph for) “Leading Ladies” in 2010. Probably the most well-known of the films he’s worked on, Benji co-choreographed for Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 release, Once Upon a Time in…Hollywood. Just last year, Benji choreographed and co-starred in former American Idol David Hernandez’s music video, “ILY.”
Benji has also done his part to enrich the lives of fellow dancers. He co-owns The Dance Center, an educational dance facility, and also founded the non-profit organization D.E.M.A.N.D. (Dancers Everywhere Making a Needed Difference). The organization’s mission is to provide assistance to the less fortunate and healthcare for dancers who are living with HIV/AIDS, as well as other illnesses.
SYTYCD season 17 premieres May 18, with season 7 runner-up Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss returning as a judge. No announcements regarding choreographers have been made yet, but former SYTYCD competitors may make an appearance as they have in the past. Benji is rumored to be developing some projects this year, so his schedule might not permit a return to the show. Fans will have to wait and see if Benji has the opportunity to showcase his skills on So You Think You Can Dance again.
So You Think You Can Dance season 17 premieres Wednesday, May 18 at 9/8c on FOX.