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Dancing With Shannon & Bill
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Miss Shannon's Sock Hop
Building Community Through Dance One Step At A Time
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Instruction, Performance & Events in
Rare to Iconic Dances from1900-1960s and more
- Dancing From Ragtime to Rock & Roll
Dances we teach & perform by era:
1900-1920s
Ragtime Era Dances
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Castle Walk
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One Step
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Fox Trot
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Turkey Trot
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Animal Dances
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And More...
1920s
Jazz Age Dances
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Charleston
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Black Bottom
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Raccoon
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Jazz Steps
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And More...
1930-1940s
Swing Era Dances
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Original Big Apple
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Box Shag
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Heel Shag
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Little Apple
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Lindy Hop
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Shag dances in Single, Double, & Triple Rhythm
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And More...
1950-1960s
Rock & Roll Era Dances
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6-count Swing
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Bop
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Rock & Roll Stroll
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The Stroll
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Hully-Gully
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Mid-Century Fad &
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Go-Go Dances
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And More...
About
Shannon Butler is a 3rd-generation swing dancer. As a small child she learned swing and popular dances of the 1950s-60s from her mother, while taking formal lessons with her great-aunt who owned a dance school. Her grandparents were Collegiate Shag and Lindy Hop dancers. Family gatherings were spent dancing among loved ones. Shannon credits growing up dancing in a patient, supportive, inclusive environment for shaping her approach to dance instruction, in her role as event organizer, and host of weekly live music dances in her community.
Shannon found other swing dancers in her area in the early-mid 1990s. By 1997 she was competing in and teaching swing and social dances as well as performing with two dance troupes, including the American Dance Ensemble led by her dance partner dance historian Lance Benishek. Together, they taught across the US and in Europe until his passing in 2020. Shannon studied with original-era mentors including Big Apple Dancer Betty (Henderson) Wood, Frankie Manning, Chester Whitmore and performed in stage productions with dance legends including Norma Miller and The Nicholas Brothers.
Bill and Shannon met dancing in 1998. Since marrying, they've been dance partners teaching nationally and overseas. They are best known for their vintage styling, straight-forward approach, and knowledge of Swing Dances like Collegiate Shag, Big Apple, Heel-Shag, and uncommon social dances. They’ve danced collegiate shag in a national TV commercial, cast as 1930s dancers in the 2009 movie Public Enemies, appeared in music videos, and performed on stage with dance legend Norma Miller. Together they have been instrumental in sharing uncommon vintage dances like Heel-Shag, Box Shag, and Original Big Apple teaching new dancers across the United States and abroad. They are founders and hosts of Miss Shannon's Sock Hop, and Swing Dance Wednesday Night Twin Cities - The Twin Cities longest running weekly swing dance featuring live music. Together they've been building community through dance one step at a time.
Shannon & Bill strive to give back to the community though their teaching, community engagement, and work with nonprofit organizations. They are passionate about sharing dance with you, and hope you'll join them on the dance floor soon.
No dance experience, or dance partner needed. All are welcome.
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Anastasia Verdoljak, - MN teacher (Twin Cities Metro Area)
5 stars; would recommend.
"Shannon Butler -- known as "Miss Shannon" to the Twin Cities dance community -- was a hit with my high school music students. She visited our class as a seasoned guest artist, her knowledge and persona clicking with various learning styles as well as a demographically diverse crew. She covered the music and dance of the jazz & swing era in the U.S., relating the Harlem Renaissance to curriculum and student interest. She set the scene for our class in the ballrooms of the day with her anecdotal knowledge and historical video footage, speaking matter-of-factly about the era's race dynamics and trend-setters. Near the end of class as she was teaching us a few dance steps, I saw Miss Shannon had earned the teenagers' trust: they were fully invested, shouting "wa-hoo!" on cue, hopping on one foot to the music, and wishing the bell hadn't just rung!"
Tony Balluff Clarinetist/Band Leader Southside Aces
"In my capacity as a musician and bandleader I’ve worked along with Shannon Butler for two decades now, both for public swing dances and private events. Countless times I’ve witnessed her have people swing dancing in minutes who were new to dancing when they walked through the door. The lessons are fun and clearly communicated. And she’s a spectacular dancer herself, with deep knowledge of the styles and history of dancing through the 20th Century. She is always my first call whenever a client needs a swing dance instructor or performer".
Hannah Lanier/Dancer, Sound Engineer
"For years, I've seen firsthand how Shannon brings the joy of dance to life. Her engaging lessons don't just teach steps; they build an inclusive community that keeps dancers coming back, time and again. She has a remarkable talent for turning hesitant beginners into enthusiastic regulars. Plus, the bands she books are always top-notch, perfectly setting the rhythm for an unforgettable night. Whether I'm learning from her or working alongside her as a sound engineer, Shannon's dedication and skill shine through."