Benji and the Blues

Specialties

Benji teaches many kinds of dance, including partnered blues, swing and jazz. He also teaches solo movement and does competition coaching, and does wedding dance lessons (including first dance choreography and basics to make the couple more comfortable).

History

Established in 2011.

Benji started teaching in his students’ homes as well as in studio spaces in 2011, and has focused more on teaching in his home in inner SE Portland in the last few years, both group classes, partnered lessons and solo work. He still does go to teach students’ homes, to Portland Blues and Jazz society and to other Blues events nationally, and in various venues as well.

Meet the Business Owner

Benji M.

Business Owner

Starting dance in late 2009, Benji began dancing partnered blues avidly. Although born and raised in Portland Oregon he was unaware of what a hotbed of dancing and live Blues Music his hometown was. PB&J (the Portland Blues and Jazz dance society… and the people that run Tuesday Blues) have been Benji’s community for some time, but he also occasionally frequents Duffs garage on Wednesday nights for the Blues jam. It’s truly the live music in Portland, the brilliant blues musicians and bands, that set this city apart. This live scene distinguished our little city from the rest, and he’s realized that it is home to a truly amazing collection of amazing music and expression.

Over the last four years he has built his practice, calling on mentors like Jonathan Janis, Jae Wilson, and Drew Robinson, as well as Barry Douglas and Brenda Russel. Besides training in the method known as The Maven and The Man, he also has training in ballet and African dance.