Benji Schwimmer, 22, is the winner of So You Think You Can Dance, Season 2. Here's what the swing dancer from Redlands, CA had to say about how his life has changed overnight.
How does it feel to be the winner of So You Think You Can Dance?
It feels amazing. It feels like my life just flipped upside down completely right now. I'm getting offers left and right. People are recognizing me. I haven't slept in three days.It has been an experience.
What were you doing before the show came about?
I was teaching dance and competing in swing. That's what I do for a living. I teach at my parents' dance studio. It was a fun little gig to do. It was a blast. I'm still going to plan to continue doing that on the side as well. But my career has been blowing up and I have to try to get as much exposure as I possibly can. Strike while the iron is hot!
Of course! On Regis and Kelly Friday morning, you mentioned something about a role in a movie.
I've just recently been cast. Actually, the day that I was announced the winner of the show, I was cast as Fred Astaire in a movie about his life that is coming up, so I'm really excited about that.
Is it a television movie or will it be on the big screen?
I have no idea yet, to be honest with you. From what I hear, it's going to be a motion picture, so whether it's a TV movie or on the big screen, it really doesn't matter to me. It will just be an honor to fill those shoes of one of the best dancers of our time.
You're from a dancing family. How many of you dance?
Everyone dances in my family. My grandfather was a swing dancer. My father was a swing dancer. My mom is a dancer...my sister is. They're all champions in their own right. This has just been a mutual thing. It's not just me winning this title, it's everyone in my family who paved a path for me and helped support me.
So, it didn't get even a little bit competitive with your cousin Heidi (who was also a finalist) toward the end?
Competitive with my cousin? Not at all! In fact, it was the complete opposite. We just helped each other as much as we possibly can...if I would have gotten second or third and she got first, I would have been ecstatic crying.
Growing up, what did the other boys at school think of the fact that you were a dancer?
I was made fun of quite a bit growing up. It has always been something that I've had to deal with quite a bit. There were a lot of stigmas about being a male dancer that I had to overcome. It's just like don't believe what you hear sometimes. I was made fun of all my life -- especially in Junior High or High School. I mean, look who's laughing now.
Exactly! Now, you will get the opportunity to dance in Celine Dion's show. Have you seen the show?
I have seen parts of it. I had the opportunity to sneak backstage when the show had already finished. I sat down on that stage wondering, thinking, "Gosh, I wonder if I could ever be a part of something like this." It was an amazing experience. I never thought I'd ever be actually on that stage performing.
A lot of girls are going crazy for you now. What are you looking for in a girl? Actually, are you even looking for a girlfriend?
You know what? In this moment, probably not. I need to get more settled in my career. I will be on the road in the next three months doing my tour with the show. It will be difficult to do the whole long distance thing. So, as soon as I have my feet more settled and know exactly what I'm going to do...whether I'm going to do Celine, or even a sitcom that I've been offered, or Broadway, which I've also been offered. But either way, I have to be settled first and then I'll start searching for a wife.
Does she have to know how to dance?
No. As long as she has a passion...
Do you have anything you want to say to the people who voted for you?
Thank you, thank you, thank you. If I ever see you in the streets, stop me. I'll give you a big hug...I also want people to know that the prize money won't be taken in vain. It will be used for a good cause. I have a charity that I am going to start for underprivileged children in Mexico...So thank you, thank you, thank you.
