Benji Schwimmer

Benjamin Daniel Schwimmer (born January 18, 1984) is an American professional dancer, choreographer and Creative Director. He was the winner of the second season of "So You Think You Can Dance" (2006) and has choreographed for both the U.S. and the international versions of the show. He co-starred in the 2010 film "Leading Ladies".
Early life.
Schwimmer was born on January 18, 1984 in Newport Beach, California, 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 Schwimmer, 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 "Sunshine Magic", a children's troupe. He attended high school in both Moreno Valley (Valley View) 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.
Schwimmer and his 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 swing category. Schwimmer put dancing on hold to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. He returned afterwards to the dance circuit. He 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 illnesses, and is a co-owner of 5678 Dance Studio in Redlands since 2011.
Career.
In 2008, Schwimmer reclaimed his titles as both US and World Swing Champion with a new partner, Kellese Key.
Schwimmer also appeared in the independent film, "Love N' Dancing", starring Amy Smart. He was the cover story in a 10-page spread in "Dancer Magazine", January 9 issue, which featured his own photography. Schwimmer also costarred in the comedy "Leading Ladies".
Paula Abdul hired Schwimmer as her creative director and choreographer for her final performance on American Idol and for her opening show for VH1's Divas:Live '09. He also danced alongside her in both performances.
Working with his father, he choreographed the short program of American figure skater Jeremy Abbott, which was first performed at the 2011 Cup of China.
In 2018, Schwimmer announced his retirement from competing at The Open Swing Dance Championships (formerly known as the U.S. Open).
Personal life.
Schwimmer is openly gay. He came out publicly in 2012, after struggling with his sexuality for a number of years. The catalyst for his decision was the death by suicide of three gay friends. He has since left the LDS Church and publicly criticized their policies against members of the LGBT community.