Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective

The Misunderstood "Push": A Lesson in Dance Language The room buzzed with energy, a mix of nervous laughter and determined footwork. I have noticed many beginner couples with the same frustration when I work with them one-on-one. I hear "He keeps pushing me," or "And when I push her, she just stands there!" A familiar wave of realization washed over me. This wasn't just a physical misunderstanding; it was a linguistic one. The word "push," so common in everyday language, has no place in the vocabulary of partnered dance. It conjures images of force, of resistance, of a battle rather than a graceful exchange. "Let's talk about that word 'push'," I interjected. "In dance, we don't push. We suggest. We indicate. We lead." I demonstrated, placing my hand gently on my partner's back, a feather-light touch guiding her into the turn. "It's a conversation, not a command. You're not forcing your par...

My wife and I love to dance. We've developed a style that's a bit of a melting pot, drawing inspiration from Lindy Hop, Balboa, East Coast Swing, Carolina Shag, West Coast Swing, and even a touch of the Bop. We seamlessly blend these styles, transitioning between them fluidly, creating something that feels uniquely ours. But it also creates a fun, and sometimes puzzling, experience when we're out dancing. Over the past few months, as we've hit different venues, we've been showered with compliments, which is always lovely. But what's even more interesting is how people describe what they're seeing. It's like a dance Rorschach test! One night, someone will come up and say, "That looks just like Carolina Shag!" The next venue, a couple will exclaim, "We see you doing some great Chicago Steppin'!" Most recently, we even had someone tell us, "You guys are doing some fantastic DC Hand Dancing!" It's fascinating, and i...

Recently, while preparing for a workshop this weekend and reflecting on teaching a class last week, I had a significant realization: the rock step is the linchpin when integrating 8-count Lindy Hop into a dance foundation primarily based on 6-count swing. This seemingly simple step becomes the crucial moment where the rhythm shifts, the energy changes, and the dancers seamlessly transition between these distinct swing dance styles. This blog post will delve into the unique role of the rock step in bridging these dance styles and fostering a deeper understanding of this fundamental element. The Rock Step In the vibrant world of swing dancing, where intricate patterns and dazzling acrobatics often steal the show, there's one seemingly simple element that often goes unnoticed: the rock step. Often overlooked, the rock step is the foundation upon which much of swing dance is built. It's the rhythmic heartbeat, the moment of pause and preparation, and the key to smooth and seamless ...