Donyelle Jones and Benji Schwimmer, aka Benjelle, were dance partners on the second season of the FOX hit television series So You Think You Can Dance. Paired together by the powers that be, Donyelle, a hip hop/jazz dancer, and Benji, a swing dancer, seemed an unlikely pairing but they quickly proved that to be wrong. The moment they took the stage together the chemistry was undeniable. Benji's a goof, and Donyelle is captivating, and sexy yet somehow it just seemed to work. They seemed to be completely comfortable together and no one had to carry the other to make the partnership work. To quote Nigel "You dance as partners. You go together like champagne and caviar, you deserve each other." They meshed together so well they created magic on the floor, even prompting some loyal shippers to swear they were in love or crushing hard. They maintain they are just friends and last heard she is engaged to be married. Benjelle had five wonderful dances together before being split by the show. They eventually paired back up to perform three more dances making eight in total, not counting dances that included others. For a list of these visit the dances page. Donyelle and Benji were the only original couple that season to make it to the final four, along with Travis Wall and Heidi Groskreutz. In the end there could, of course, be only one winner and that winner was from this dynamic duo. Benji Schwimmer was crowned America's Favorite Dancer on August 16, 2006 in the finale show.
Questionnaires taken from the official SYTYCD website.
Benji SchwimmerAge: 22
Hometown: Redlands, CA
Occupation: West Coast Swing Specialist
He started a charitable non-profit organization, Dancers Everywhere Making a Needed Difference, for orphans in southern Mexico. He hopes to pursue a professional dance career.
What is your full name? Benjiman Schwimmer
Do you have a nickname? Benji, Geege, 6-6 pants
Where do you currently live? Redlands, CA
Where were you born? Newport Beach, CA
What is your hometown? Moreno Valley, CA/ Oaxaca Mexico
How old are you? 22
What is your birth date? 1-18-84
Are you in school? No, I quit for the Show.
How old were you when you started to dance? I've always danced…in swing.
Do you have any formal dance training? 19 years swing, 3 years latin, 2 months lyrical/Jazz.
If you had to categorize your dance style, what would it be (hip hop, ballet, tap etc…)? West Coast Swing
What other talents/hobbies do you have? I speak fluent Spanish
Who is your favorite professional dancer? My parents, Donnie Burs and Geynor Fairweather, Fred Astaire, Nick Lazz, and Gene Kelly.
Does anyone in your family dance professionally? My whole family dances!
Have you performed in musical theater or in public functions as a dancer? Not recently
What would you like to see happen to you as a result of the show? To come out of the experience a better person, raise more awareness for my charity, D.E.M.A.N.D., and work like crazy!
What has been your most memorable dance experience? Making the show!
Donyelle JonesAge: 26
Hometown: Studio City, CA
Occupation: Jazz and Hip-Hop Specialist
She is currently a teacher and choreographer.
What is your full name? Donyelle Jones
Do you have a nickname? Donny
Where do you currently live? Studio City, Ca
Where were you born? Los Angeles, Ca
What is your hometown? Lancaster, Ca
How old are you? 26
What is your birth date? July 3, 1979
Do you have a job? If so, what do you do and how long have you worked there? I worked at Extensions Performing Arts Academy as a dance instructor for 8 years, Millennium Dance Complex for a work-study for 5 months and worked at Islands for 6 months.
How old were you when you started to dance? 18
Do you have any formal dance training? Yes, At Extensions Performing Arts Academy I trained in ballet, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, voice and acting
If you had to categorize your dance style, what would it be (hip hop, ballet, tap etc…)? Hip Hip/Jazz
What other talents/hobbies do you have? Singing, Shopping and acting
Who is your favorite professional dancer? Reno
Have you performed in musical theater or in public functions as a dancer? Yes
What would you like to see happen to you as a result of the show? From the exposure that I would receive from the show, I would like to promote myself as a teacher and choreographer. I want to eventually lean towards directing my own company.
Where would you like to be in 10 years and what would you like to be doing? I want to start my own dance company and start my own beauty salon.
What has been your most memorable dance experience? My very first ballet class, I never felt more uncomfortable in my life. Black leotards and pink tights have never been in style, and never complimenting on a full figured woman. Trying to hold your stomach, lift your hips, tighten your buns and inter thighs seemed to be an impossible task for the first time. But they say that ballet is the foundation for all forms of dance. I got used to it and learn to love it!