MY BIO: BENJAMIN SOENCKSEN is originally from Germany. He looks back at a career of over 40 years in the world of partner dancing, having gained experience by studying, teaching and performing all styles and learning about their history. He competed in Int'l Style Latin and Standard all over the world for about 30 years. Benjamin has taught, coached, choreographed and staged couple and group pieces, and managed several dance studios (for the past 19 years Stepping Out Studios - only Studio in New York City to have OUTdancing as part of their program). For the past 14 years, he has been actively involved in the same-sex partner dance scene, competing in 2 Gay Games, 2 Eurogames, and various competitions in Europe and the US. This culminated in a 4th Place at the 10-Dance Championships of the Gay Games 2002, Sydney, Australia. Since then he keeps involved as a judge nationally and internationally (i.e.: GG 2010), a coach and as the Secretary of NASSPDA on the Board of Directors.