While studying for his degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Maine, Bender began attending dance lessons and eventually toured the northeast with the Ralph Robertson Ballet Company. He moved to New York City and won a scholarship to "Fame" choreographer Louis Falco 's dance academy. After sustaining a dance injury, he moved into acting. He studied with coach Sandra Seacat alongside such actors as Jessica Lange , Mickey Rourke , Marlo Thomas and Christopher Reeve . lukeford.net