Shannon Butler is a 3rd-generation swing dancer. Starting 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 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 environment for shaping her approach to dance instruction, and her role as event organizer, and host of weekly live music dance nights in her community.
By 1997 she was competing in, teaching, and performing with two dance troupes, including the American Dance Ensemble led by dance historian Lance Benishek. Shannon soon became Lance's 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 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, Collegiate Shag, Big Apple, Heel-Shag, and uncommon social dances. They’ve danced collegiate shag in a national TV commercial, vintage 1930s dance in a Hollywood 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 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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