Bob Budzynski has been inducted into the World Swing Dance Council Hall of Fame. He is a man whose infectious love of dance is always evident and his energy has been a driving force in the Swing Dance World. He and his wife, Beverly have promoted Swing and other dances in their Grand Blanc, Michigan area for many years, and they are in large part responsible for the popularity of Swing in the Michigan area. Bob is a D.J., a competitor, an instructor, and a private promoter. He and Beverly founded the "Michigan Society for Swing and Hustle Dancers Club" (that is still going strong) shortly after founding the prestigious "Michigan Dance Classic." In total, they've hosted twenty-eight dance events.
After meeting Beverly, he started attending dance competitions and becoming more involved in dancing. He accidentally discovered West Coast Swing when they attended Robert Bryant's United States Swing Dance Championships. Robert convinced him to start a Michigan event, which became the "Michigan Dance Classic". This event has been held continuously for fifteen years, with Bob and Beverly in charge as directors for the first twelve. When he started the event, Bob did not consider himself a good West Coast Swing dancer. So, he studied with Mario Rabau Jr., Robert Bryant, and Skippy Blair, (among others) traveling across the United States, determined to learn the dance correctly.
Three years after the Michigan Dance Classic was in full swing, Bob and Beverly started the "Mid-United States Jack & Jill Championships" (that they've retired from) and the "Petoskey Party" that is still being held in Northern Michigan. Over the years they have also competed across the country in Masters Divisions, Jack & Jill's, etc. As a result of their efforts and competition results, they received two "Feather Awards," presented in 1996 and 1997. Bob has won five first place awards in major Jack & Jill Championships, in addition to the accomplishments listed below - many Bob and Beverly accomplished together.
Send him an email: Bob Budzynski