Shannon Butler is a 3rd-generation swing dancer. As a small child, her mother began teaching her dances of the 1950s-60s and had formal instruction 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 to the sounds of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Bunny Berigan and many more. Shannon credits learning from family, growing up dancing in a patient, supportive, inclusive and non-competitive environment for shaping her approach to dance instruction, and her role as event organizer and host of weekly and monthly live music dance nights in her community.
By 1997 she was competing in, teaching, and performing with two vernacular dance troupes - one of which was with dance historian Lance Benishek. After joining his performance group, she soon became his teaching partner. 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 Butler learned to swing dance 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 Collegiate Shag, Big Apple, Swing Dances, and uncommon social dances. They’ve danced collegiate shag in a national TV commercial, vintage dance in a Hollywood movie, appeared in music videos, performed with dance legend Norma Miller, and created Swing Dance Wednesday Night Twin Cities - The Twin Cities longest running weekly swing dance featuring live music.

 

The Butlers are grateful to the dance community for friendship, joy, inspiration, and for Shannon, hope - having returned to teaching after battling cancer. They strive to give back to the community though their teaching and work with nonprofit organizations. They are passionate about sharing dance with you, and hope to see you on the dance floor soon.

 

No experience needed. All are welcome.

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