Betsy is a rookie on the Swarm Performance Team. She grew up studying Russian Classical Ballet and was captain of the Gustavus Dance Team. Betsy loves to spend her time traveling, skiing, singing and cooking. She is an attorney and lives in St. Louis Park with her fiancé and German Shorthaired Pointer Sadie. She is thrilled to meet the Swarm fans and celebrate many Swarm victories!

Girl of the Week - February 16

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A: That was definitely the most exciting game we’ve had so far. Right before we went out was probably the biggest fight of the season, so we were really fired up – it was awesome. The crowd was really, really into it.

Q: I thought you ladies were going to jump in there during that fight – what happened?

A: We thought about it. We didn’t really want to have to follow a big fight like that. How can you top that? We decided to keep it clean and classy. So, we danced instead.

Q: Could you see a little extra fire in the fans?

A: Absolutely. It felt like the fans were much more in to it as the game went on, especially after that first fight.

Q: The team debuted some new routines on Saturday – how did they go?

SPT Dance 1
SPT Dance 2

A: I think they went really well. We all were very excited and nervous because they were new. I think the fans liked it a lot because the song choices were really fun. And for us, it was a really nice change of pace because we had danced to the same music the first two games. It was really exciting and a little bit nerve-racking. It’s always nerve-racking coming out and dancing a totally new routine to new music. You never know whether the fans are going to like it or not, but I think they did. We got a lot of good comments afterwards.

Q: When you perform new routines like that, do you keep one eye on the crowd or focus more on getting everything down?

A: We’re absolutely looking at the crowd. It’s really fun to see the looks on their faces; to see whether they’re into it and whether they’re enjoying it. I think a lot of the energy you get to dance comes from the interaction with the crowd.

Q: How is your first season with the Swarm?

A: It’s going by too quickly. It’s been a blast. I think it’s more than what I expected. I expected it to be a blast but it’s been much more. It’s been really exciting to meet all the fans – the new ones and all of the diehard fans that know everything about the team and the league. I want to slow it down.

Q: You grew up studying Russian Classical Ballet – how does that compare to what you do now?

A: It’s completely different but it provides a great technical basis for pretty much any style of dance. It’s been more work for me to perform like the rest of the girls and fit in because I just don’t have the same background.

Q: Do you still work on the Russian?

A: Not really anymore. It will probably be a hobby when the season’s over. During the season – not so much. I’m just trying to become a good performer and keep up with all the girls.


Q: You also have some singing, acting and music experience. Is it safe to say you’re a natural performer?

A: I would like to think that. I think there’s always room for improvement but I really do enjoy performing. That’s probably my very favorite thing to do, whether it’s acting, singing or dancing.

Q: You’re getting married soon?

A: Two months – the countdown begins.

Q: Sounds like you have a lot to be thankful for in life. What’s next? Any other goals you’d like to accomplish?

A: That’s a good question. I have a lot of goals. Most importantly, I don’t want to stop performing. This has just been such a highlight outside of the nine-to-five job. I do want to continue performing and hopefully supporting the Swarm – I’m just having so much fun. I’d like to have a family in the future but that’s a little bit further off. Those are my two most important goals.

Q: Anything you want to tell the fans?

A: I think the season really started taking off, as far as I’m concerned, last Saturday night. The games are going to be more and more intense. I think it’s a good idea to get your tickets ahead of time because from here on out, it’s going to fly by. As far as the feedback I received from Saturday’s game, I think we’ll have no problem getting really big crowds.


Personal Bio

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Although I don’t look Scandinavian, I was born and raised here in Minnesota.  I am actually half Scandinavian and half Japanese.  I wish I could say I’m fluent in Japanese, but I know just enough to get by in Japan.  I grew up studying Russian Classical Ballet beginning at the age of 4.  Besides dance, our house was always full of music.  My mother was a band director, so I learned discipline early by studying piano, French horn and voice.  I have also been lucky enough to act at Chanhassen Dinner Theaters and what is currently known as Stages theater.  I was able to continue dancing and singing through high school and then at Gustavus Adolphus College.

By my senior year of college I decided to go to law school and put my love of dance and performing on hold.  I originally attended law school because of my interest in politics and public policy.  After graduating I decided to put my degree to use and practice as an attorney instead of going into the government sector.  I currently practice in a small firm in several different areas of law.  I am constantly challenged at my job and stay busy running from depositions to arbitrations to the courtroom. I enjoy my days the most when I have several things to juggle at once.

Most exciting for me is my upcoming wedding in Costa Rica.  My fiancé actually lived across the street during high school and we graduated together in the same class.  Despite the proximity, we didn’t become friends until after high school.  I am so thrilled to be marrying a guy who supports me, challenges me to keep growing, and makes me laugh.  It also doesn’t hurt that we can simply walk across the street to celebrate holidays.

I'm excited to be a part of the Swarm organization this year-it’s going to be a great season!  I’m very proud to represent a Minnesota team and look forward to meeting the fans