Paolo Iannello & Benji Schwimmer - Pro-Winner Jack&Jill - Budafest 2020

[@michaelb9554]

Many straight people in today's world watch this and just think, "Okay, two pros dancing. No big deal." They don't truly see the power of two men dancing publicly. For me, as a gay man, this is something I dreamed of seeing when I was young...but never thought it would be possible. For me, I want to be able to dance comfortably and openly in the arms of a man. For me, representation like this is incredibly important and powerful...and it makes me tear up. Events like this help to normalize two men dancing together.

[@DanceJudge]

There are straight people , dancers that have long wished for same sex dancing to "normalize" too. I love dancing and know how good it is for the soul, mental health , physical wellness and for people to get the connections and the amazing benefits of touch , like hugs. Gay people need this , straight people need this and straight people need to realize they also need need to feel the kind of acceptance and affirmations of kindness from the same sex . Men should not be afraid to dance with another man because of what people might think , they should think about the strength & confidence that they can be giving each other , what they could be learning from another. There are bonds created through dance and friendships that are formed that are based on total respect, trust and acceptance. There are humans having sex with people in hopes of getting all of these things and so often they are sadly disappointed to find that they don't get anything from it , sometimes they feel even less of a person after a sexual relationship ends. When dancing is good it is honest & people genuinely care about the other person's feelings but even when it is anything less than great it is rarely ever damaging to ones soul & one can move on . In my perfect world everyone dances and everyone hugs and sex is an entirely different subject.

[@deejayrbf]

You wrote everything, but let me highlight what for me it's the most important: representation. For those who see themselves everywhere, it means nothing, or something worthless. But for us who struggle to see examples, searching for inspirations and normalization of ourselves in this world, it means everything. I share the same feeling with you and I thought this video fucking awesome. So natural, spontaneous, gracious, powerful. It meant a lot to me.

[@DanTowey]

Representation is a beautiful thing. 🇺🇸 has come a long way since my 60's childhood... and still has much room to move further forward. Thank you for your comment

[@Angel-oj4zs]

When I was a teen growing up there was for many years there a total of 1 video of two men dancing the Argentinian tango. I love that two men can just dance.. really really cool to see.

[@NameRequiredSoHere]

I'm reposting this comment I made above, "Back in the day, 2 men could be arrested for dancing together, especially if they touched each other. So, in the lalte 50s & 60's, dances emerged where partners didn't touch, and were usual line dances. The classic was "The Stroll" danced to songs like "Sillouette on the Shade". There was a particular masculine element to them in that they were done with military precision. The teens at the time, including myself, had no idea that they originated in New York gay bars. I wonder if today's line dances evolved out of this phenomena?"

[@Jorr235]

How do they dance so incredibly beautiful together completely unrehearsed? Amazing to watch.

[@annas7819]

Well that's what West Coast Swing ist about. It's made for the dance floor not for precisely perfecting one step. Also there's a number of elements but from the first class you learn how to change things even if it's just by adding extra steps and counts. It rewards being in tune with your partner and then later on you learn how to improvise and style elements.

[@kmoore6105]

Skills

[@kimmywatts5459]

60 yr old straight woman saying watching this made me happy 🙂🍻

[@enchantro]

I fell in love with Benji when he won “So You Think You Can Dance”. He just makes you smile. What a talent!🥰

[@niseplank4527]

I did too!

[@annieesther8405]

I was expecting good entertainment and I wasn't disappointed! I smiled and giggled!

[@MissionPete]

As a male dancer, I improved greatly partnering in the "woman's'" position. You become a much better leader when you experience what a strong, clear lead feels like.

[@jeffgade3346]

You could just refer to it as the "Follower's" part. Obviously it doesn't need to be a Woman

[@williamarndt9465]

Well, I used to hear guys say, "Today's bottoms are tomorrow's tops.". Same idea.

[@ShaneKeriDance]

Couldn't stop smiling watching this dance, went back for 2nds, too good on both sides of the dance :-)

[@JaclynAmberJoy]

Shane Keri Dance same. So fun.

[@evelineperko6685]

Benji is the best!👌❤❤❤❤❤🎶🕺👌

[@manolingz]

I have been rewatching this video over and over especially when I need to feel good.

[@DanceJudge]

Anyday of Benji dancing , having fun & being his creative self is a joy to experience. I don't want to imagine a world where Benji isn't loved for being exactly who he is.

[@antoinelemarier3567]

Deux beaux hommes qui dansent aussi bien ensemble, c’est vraiment chouette! 😍

[@saturdayschild7835]

I have a go to list of videos that I watch when I need positivity, happiness and things that just make me smile. This goes right to the top of it!!!

[@WCS]

You are so kind

[@gerardorivera4127]

Are there more videos of Paolo and Benji dancing together?

[@APR1037]

Amazing! Loved to see their dance moves and how much fun they were having. I wish I could dance half as well as they can. 🕺🕺

[@mrsholmes859]

Can't tell you how much I love Benji. Phenomenal talent. This is beautiful.

[@caroldickens3028]

Two good dancers having a blast that was so much fun to watch 👍

[@kimsuvia3499]

Beautiful! This is a testament to the power of connection and synchronization of moving together. On one level, sexy, on another, very inspirational.

[@adrianghandtchi1562]

This makes me so happy to watch.

[@cosnaut9140]

FABULOUS! Just FABULOUS!! They were perfection and I was clapping and enjoying every single minute of their dance.😍❤😍

[@ginelleday5412]

They are very talented. They danced there parts with ease and added a touch of humor. Awesome job and thank you for posting this.

[@humanbeing8338]

They're really amazing dancing together!!

[@Rigel_Chiokis]

These two guys are amazing dancers and it was really awesome of them to do this as a spur of the moment matchup.

[@oceansunset6147]

They are all spur of the moment match ups ...

[@neli.a]

Benji is the best !! ❤ His smile infectious! (every time I watch him, i catch myself smiling also) He brings so much joy !

[@laraschroeder5195]

I can see the guy with the hat smiling like he was about to laugh at that wiggling part and that made me smile as well :) its nice seeing people having fun.

[@fairwitness7473]

Ok that was awesome! It really speaks to the skills of both dancers! I'm impressed!

[@kirk5152]

Both got killer moves... Bravo👏👏👏

[@TehxHope]

Just pure talent and fun. Gay, bi, straight - doesn’t matter. As long as people are consenting and being respectful to each other, it’s all just about showcasing your skills and having a good time.

[@vanessamckinnon60]

This was so great 2 people just enjoying their skills...made me cry...sometimes you get to see how far we've come❤❤❤

[@heartsamessgaultier8562]

These two are fire! So creative and powerful and fun!!

[@paularomero5086]

I loved it! VERY GOOD dancers

[@sergebourry4352]

J ai jamais vu une danse latine aussi bien réalisé entre deux hommes. Bravo les artistes

[@lovemeanyou]

Fabulous and alluring 😊i loved these two

[@mikeb6433]

This is what the dance should be all about, having fun! :)

[@122Kittykat]

Still looking good, Benji! I truly enjoyed this!

[@helios4u2]

CONGRATULATIONS ON THIS GREAT PERFORMANCE

[@ninjettifire]

Yes! Beautiful!

[@valeriacoronel5129]

Por Dios benji ...lo que bailas .que talento ..que carisma. .😊😅😅❤👏👏👏👏desde Argentina te admiro..

[@Durufle68]

This was a pure joy!!

[@timgriffin807]

great one !

[@kaymontes2778]

I love seeing two men dance and I have no idea why 😂❤😂❤😂

[@josephcollins6033]

What a joy to see.

[@Whippy99]

I absolutely love this😊❤

[@Dobar6712]

Brillant moves. Love it!

[@ELEKTRARE]

They are fierce yaaaaaasssss 😜

[@toniruthrivers9234]

I enjoyed watching this! It was pure magic. While it may not be a common pairing, (have they danced together before?), it’s hard to argue with that kind of synchronicity among partners. Movement was not frenetic but easy joy, silky smooth and effortlessly creative. (Of course that means it a LOT of practice over the years to make it look that way.) Benji is as good a follow as he is a lead. It would be great to see more if this combo! (Yes, I have a huge boom box now and I’m standing below your window now, asking you to com out and play!)

[@WCS]

I think it was the first time for Paolo dancing with Benji...

[@pawewasilewski9405]

Brawo dla prowadzącego :-) świetna robota przy tym nieokiełznanym byczku.

[@ronalddonaghe3674]

Absolutely beautiful. And entertaining.

[@mallywally85]

Oh y’all ate this up!

[@janohh25]

Omg its unbelievable, love it!

[@Vitaly.Miroshnychenko]

Они оба прекрасны

[@gaelle4328]

Darn , fantastic a total celebration!

[@typo_freak]

incredible :D so great to see how hyped they get when they start to get the hang of it :D #marrymebothofyou

[@sameese79]

I'm excited about this! I'm so glad we have evolved. Benji is amazing for being able to switch. Such talent!

[@lambphiiip]

Just makes me smile and forget the shite in the World for a few minutes ❤

[@nancybusso6171]

Excellent!!! 🕺🏼🕺🏻

[@annieesther8405]

I was expecting Benji to be happy to dance. He's such a good sport, he can always 'work it' no matter who he's partnered with.

[@oihanagallastegimusic]

Sensational

[@PracticalPerry]

I really like what Michael B. says below. Furthermore, why isn't there a male couple on Dancing with the Stars yet?!

[@susanmark2000]

Beautiful!

[@Estilove1]

God I could just watch Benji all day

[@joemug4079]

Wow! That’s talent.

[@gordon198402]

they ar just that good

[@aputnam5878]

That was some good stuff!!

[@ronnyreynders5424]

fabulous

[@jLjtremblay]

Du talent là! Bravo les gars! C'était le fonne.

[@SweetSiets]

If this happens whenever he's late he should always be late 😎

[@CCC321]

Astonishingly smooth and fluid, the coordination and timing were perfect. Unrehearsed? Really? Surely it took YEARS to perfect THAT!

[@davidoran123]

[power and grace and fun.

[@uteschlomski9660]

love it❤❤🙏🙏

[@catmoore1448]

More people need to dance. Hard to be mad about anything when you're keeping the beat....

[@786otto]

That was fun 😂😂😂

[@SêlêstiâKnif]

Так хорошо получилось)

[@leodor]

Love Love Love it! :)

[@iamaloha2]

There's a very special chemistry when two men are dance partners as compared to a man and a women. Sexy

[@Karl-lakolak]

Wonderful dance

[@chantalcharles9145]

Amazing,so crazy and funny😉😋 They're good,really good😂😂😂😂😂😂,Byebye,kisses😘💋🤗💞

[@TheHitchkick]

Ok, can someone PLEASE explain to me what kind of event this is and what is happening? Do they pick names out of a hat? Are they all pros? Why are they sitting in a row like that? Is it REALLY improvs? Do this to gorgeous dancers, know each other? Have they just finished a work shop together??? I NEED TO KNOW EVERYTHING BECAUSE I CAN NOT GET ENOUGH OF IT!!!!!

[@WCS]

Hi, Budafest the largest European festival for West Coast Swing, which happens yearly in Budapest Hungary. This was Winner's Jack&Jill, so the winners of all divisions could pick one of the Pro-Dancers randomly and danced to a random song. So it was all improvised. They sit on the chairs, because they don't know their dancepartners yet. Leaders sit normally on the left and followers on the right. Hope that helped you a little bit to understand West Coast Swing :-)

[@TheHitchkick]

@@WCS Gee, thank you so much, I get it now. I absolutely love this,it randomly showed up on my feed a little while ago and I fell in love immediately. Thank you!

[@killuahsmathetricks389]

And since West Coast Swing did not REALLY specify it: You only apply as leader or as follower. Regardless of your sex/gender/whatever. Thats the nice touch. And then partners are randomly chosen. This gives the creative freedom of things like this to happen. I was at a workshop weekend once, where a women was the leader and a man was the follower. It was just astonishing beautiful to watch and see how much fun both of them had =D Its unusual that it happens, but at those events noone bats an eye. You can also look for some of the newer videos with Dimitri Hector. I dont know the exakt reason, but in this year at least he applied pretty often as follower. And its just awesome :D

[@TheHitchkick]

@@killuahsmathetricks389 oh thank you, it makes more and more sense to me now. What a wonderful and refreshing way of creating dance and it seems everyone are enjoying themselves. I am loving this and am gonna see if we have West Coast Swing in Sweden. Cos if we do, they can count me in!! Thanks again ❤

[@thomthom6268]

The big guy seems to be a country/ ballroom dancer [although that double turn was well done] . Benji is a dancer dancer who knows how to follow. Truth be told, the Big guy let Benji lead from the following position. Yay. Well done.

[@caitlynford3001]

I’m sooo impressed by his ability to kind of just let go of everything he knows about dancing and not lead just follow. I’m a tall woman who’s rarely i situations where I would dance, but when I do it’s usually with my female friends who are significantly shorter than me so I always end up being the one who leads, and I never realized that’s just how I learned to dance. Now when I try to dance with my boyfriend it’s very clunky bc as he always point out I keep accidentally trying to lead

[@HouatSea]

Dreamy - wow

[@bobhackney3870]

It was amazing. Anyone surprised?

[@xXPinkfruitXx]

Omg is this cool! i love how they tease each other

[@jamesseeker3204]

GREAT!

[@VoltaireMM]

bravissimo!

[@bucketree]

Benxi has done ballet as well with those pirouettes 😂😂😂😂❤❤❤❤❤

[@liliananoemisoutodominguez2796]

Que estilo de baile es este ??? Me encantaaaaa! !!

[@gaelle4328]

Es West coast swing

[@robLV]

So how does this work-- does everyone learn the same routine and then dance random role with random partner?

[@WCS]

No you learn the technique, patterns and lead and follow. The rest is training and creativity.

[@ron4501]

I remember as a young gay man going to gay bars where you could dance with other men only from a distance (no touching) and there had to also be enough women on the dance floor to not draw attention to the fact that men were dancing together.

[@shelbythe2ds526]

Wow ❤❤❤

[@alexzhuk3170]

😂🤣😅Парни,нахера вам девчонки???Вам и без них клево танцуется...🤣🤣🤣👍👍Молодцы.

[@iamfabio11]

Top!!! 💙💙

[@igorliberty1235]

@West Coast Swing, download video when Benji Schwimmer and Torri Zzaoui dance at the Budafest 2020. Please.

[@Will-hd7er]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@tnt2227]

واقعاعالیو تاثیرگذاربود🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@oceansunset6147]

Where can I learn to dance like this?

[@WCS]

Many danceschools and dancestudios around the world offer West Coast Swing classes...

[@connymoreno4813]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@nicolascovas1306]

Whao !

[@anthonyt.384]

What shoes are Benji wearing

[@bean1396]

Anthony Tran. I saw these on another dancer in a different video. I'm pretty sure you can get them at any dance site on the internet that carries shoes. Looks to be canvas.

[@danceroomballer]

2:01

[@srivanjunior6190]

Best part

[@NameRequiredSoHere]

Back in the day, 2 men could be arrested for dancing together, especially if they touched each other. So, in the lalte 50s & 60's, dances emerged where partners didn't touch, and were usual line dances. The classic was "The Stroll" danced to songs like "Sillouette on the Shade". There was a particular masculine element to them in that they were done with military precision. The teens at the time, including myself, had no idea that they originated in New York gay bars. I wonder if today's line dances evolved out of this phenomena?

[@WCS]

It could be. West Coast Swing got influenced by many dances and styles :-)

[@allisterfong4867]

👏👏👏💜🌈🙏

[@NameRequiredSoHere]

Are these routines practiced in advance, or improvised on the spot by two people chosen at random? Are the male couples gay? Or are the couples are partnered at random, the partnering is gender neutral-- like maybe you''ll dance with another guy? Or maybe with another girl?

[@WCS]

It's improvised, becuase the partners got picked randomly as you see in the beginning :-)

[@Ricphil]

:)