Austin Murrey

U.S. Open Swing Dance Winner— 2000, 2004

Austin (Wichita, KS) became interested in West Coast Swing at the age of 13, while on a Swing Club canoe trip. At the age of 14 with his mother’s support, he began working with Barry Jones. His first competition was the 1998 KC Swing Challenge with Jeanne DeGeyter, where they took 1st place in Novice Strictly Swing. Quickly his aspirations for routine competition grew, taking him to regional and national contests, including Dallas DANCE.
     In 2000, he developed a partnership with long-time swing dancer Michelle Kyle, of St. Louis, which earned him a 3rd place trophy in the Juniors Division of the U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships (right behind Jordan Frisbee & Benji Schwimmer). Austin competed at the local and regional level for the next several years while attending college, and enjoyed Pro-Am competitions with his biggest fan — his mom.
     In 2004, Austin teamed with Andrea Scott of Tulsa for the U.S. Open Swing Dance Championship Showcase division and brought home a 3rd place trophy (this time, staying right on the heals of Parker Dearborn)!