ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.
Listen "From "Let's NOT Date" to West Coast Swing US Open Glory: The Ben and Cameo McHenry Story"
Episode Synopsis
What happens when you spend 3 hours choreographing a routine and place 2nd at a major competition? When you try desperately NOT to date your dance partner? When an Emmy Award winner marries a guy who got manipulated into the Champions Division by event directors lying to him?Join Harold Baker for the most candid conversation yet with West Coast Swing power couple Ben and Cameo McHenry. Recorded at Swingsota 2025, this episode delivers everything from romantic confessions to controversial takes on WCS history that will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about our dance.The Tea Includes:How they choreographed a competition routine in THREE HOURS and shocked everyone by placing 2ndThe months they spent trying not to date each other (spoiler: it was "the dumbest idea ever")Why Cameo's parents already loved Ben before they started datingBen's hot take that destroys the "blues is the root of WCS" narrativeThe real reason Ben retired from competition and what's bringing them backHow Cameo casually won an Emmy for a baseball-ballet fusion projectPlus: Ben drops truth bombs about WCS evolution, Cameo reveals her classical training secrets, and they both explain why most people's "swing content" is just "what they've seen before" (Glenn Ball quote that will change how you see judging forever).Perfect for: Anyone who loves dance drama, couples navigating partnerships, competition junkies, and people ready to have their WCS history beliefs completely shattered.People Mentioned:Main Guests:Ben McHenry - Professional WCS dancer, teacher, and the guy who somehow won by being lied toCameo McHenry (formerly Cross) - US Open cabaret champion, Emmy winner, and daughter of WCS royaltyWCS Legends:Ben Morris - Instagram: @benmorrisdance ("Name brand Ben" to Ben's "Kirkland Signature")Michael and Amber Cross - First-ever US Open swing champions (Cameo's parents who loved Ben first)Thomas Parrott - Cameo's first partner, Young America championRobert Royston - Instagram: @robertroyston (WCS historian dropping knowledge)Glenn Ball - Instagram: @glennball7 (The "swing content" quote that breaks everything)The Roster:Brandy Guild - Instagram: @brandiguildTara Trafzer - Instagram: @taratrafzerBenji Schwimmer - Instagram: @benjischwimmerDemetre "Meech" Souliotes - Instagram: @meechyWarning: Contains strong opinions about WCS history, relationship oversharing, and at least one Costco tangentHost: Harold Baker - Affinity SwingInstagram: @affinityswing
In God we trust