BENJAMIN SOENCKSEN is originally from Germany. He can look back at a multifaceted career of many years, having gained experience in Ballroom Dancing by studying all styles of partnership dancing and its history. He competed in International Style Latin and Standard all over the world. Benjamin has taught, coached, choreographed and staged couple and group pieces, and managed several dance studios. He also is a trained costume designer, who has credits (i.e.: Lincoln Center Library) in the fields of theatre, cabaret, television, ice-skating, as well as ballroom dancing. Through his encyclopedic wealth of knowledge and years at Stepping Out Studios, he has advanced to the position of Business Manager, which still allows him to share his dance expertise while using his organizational skills. For the past 7 years, Benjamin has also been actively involved in the gay dance competition scene worldwide. This culminated in a 4th Place at the 10-Dance Championships of the Gay Games 2002, in Sydney, Australia. He continues to be involved as a judge (i.e.: Eurogames 2004, in Munich, Germany), and to act as an advocate for this sport.