Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective

Hey everyone, Roger & Denise Underhill here, and we wanted to share something we've been dreaming about: bringing the joy of swing and Carolina Shag dancing back into the heart of our community. Like many of you, we miss the days when partner dancing filled our parks, bars, and community centers with laughter and rhythm. Although there are dance studios, dedicated clubs, competitions, and dance event weekends that keep the dancing spirit alive, the spontaneous enjoyment of social partner dancing seems to have disappeared from the public eye. However, whenever we partner dance in public, we see that spark of interest and desire to learn and connect from people who approach us and ask, "Where can we learn to do that?" This is what has driven our vision of establishing the Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective. A Vision for the Future: We envision a community where swing, Carolina Shag, and other partner dances are a regular part of our social scene, where we c...

On an early march evening at Atlas42 in Richmond, VA, we found ourselves immersed in the muffled, but vibrant sounds* of the Crain Brothers band. The air buzzed with energy, and the music, mostly a blend of classic rock, filled the smooth concrete dance floor. But amidst the rhythm and revelry, a question kept popping up: "Can you dance to that?" Our response? A resounding, "Watch!" It's a question we've heard countless times, often accompanied by a raised eyebrow or a skeptical glance. And it’s a challenge we absolutely adore. Because what we've discovered is that the partnered dance style we've cultivated, a beautiful blend of 6-count and 8-count rhythms influenced by Lindy Hop, Balboa, East & West Coast Swing, Bop, Carolina Shag and others, is remarkably adaptable. We've learned to listen deeply to the music, to feel the nuances of the rhythm and the emotions woven into the melody. Whether it's a slow, soulful ballad or a high-energy, ...