The Judges Had No Choice But To Give Them The Trophy After They Witnessed Their Unconventional Dance Routine
By johnny47
There’s almost nothing more entertaining than a perfectly choreographed dance routine, but these dance partners took things to a whole new level. The video from the 2015 Classic Division routine at the Capital Swing Dancers’ Presidents’ Day weekend convention in Sacramento, California has continued to win viewers over — and it’s easy to see why Ben Morris and Jennifer DeLuca won first place.
Here’s the thing: though they were competing at the Capital Swing Dancers event, their routine didn’t have much of the traditional swing-style moves most people associate with the style in their performance.
Ben and Jennifer, from Orange County, California and Orange County, Florida, performed their expertly choreographed routine to the George Thorogood classic “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer.”
The dancers were introduced and took their positions on the dance floor, standing head to head, Jennifer’s hands on Ben’s chest. The crowd cheered them on, but never could have imagined just how amazing their routine would be.
The couple donned a different look with their costuming as well, as Jennifer opted for pants over a flouncy dress and Ben left his zoot suit at home for a more casual look.
When the music started, each leaned back for a beat before Jennifer situated herself in front of Ben. Right out of the gate, it’s clear that this isn’t going to be like the traditional swing dance routine everyone knows. Ben gives a look to the side and then Jennifer arches back, bending her body backwards, with an arm extended — and it becomes a microphone for her partner as he lip syncs along.
They’ve already got the crowd completely captivated and they’re just getting started!
Jennifer then falls back slighty and makes contact with Ben’s leg as he bumps her back upright and they begin to get in some spins and a series of impressive interpretive moves that fit perfectly with the unconventional song choice.
They spin and dance around the floor and even manage to make the song’s guitar solo look extra cool in their interpretation. Near the end, Jennifer spins and spins… and spins some more as Ben kicks his leg over her a couple of times and they finish out the high-energy swing routine.
As they pause for a moment after their big finish, the crowd erupts in applause, jumping to their feet for a well-deserved standing ovation.
Jennifer has been dancing since the age of 5 and was on a college ballroom dance team when she was 13 years old. She and her partner typically focus on west coast swing; she performs, teaches, and judges around the world.
Ben began swing dancing at the age of 12 and is a 2 time World Swing Dance Champion, 3 time U.S. Open Swing Dance Champion, Spirit of Lindy Hop award winner, and California Swing Dance Hall of Fame award winner. He appears in the movie Love N’ Dancing as well as in the Leann Rimes music video “Swingin.” Ben travels around the world to teach workshops, judge competitons, and, of course, perform with Jennifer.
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