Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective

When you think of the Carolina Shag, you probably picture a warm summer night, some cool "beach music," and a couple gliding effortlessly across a dance floor. And while that image is a big part of the shag's appeal, it only tells half the story. The truth is, the shag is a much more complex and unique dance than it gets credit for. It's not just a simpler version of swing; it’s a living museum of dance history and a masterclass in partner communication. A Hidden History in Every Step Digging into the shag's history is like finding a hidden message in a bottle. What we call "the shag" today actually started as something else entirely—the Carolina Jitterbug . In the 1940s, as the fast-paced big band swing music of the era began to slow down, so did the dancers. The bouncy, energetic steps of the jitterbug transformed into the smooth, low-to-the-ground shuffle we know today. But those old moves never really went away. They just got a makeover. Take the Boo...

Ever feel like your brain is just mush after a long week? What if we told you the cure might be as simple as hitting the dance floor? Forget complicated science for a second and let's get real: dancing is one of the most fun ways to give your brain a serious upgrade. Turns out, a huge study called the U.S. POINTER trial found that a little bit of everything—moving your body, eating well, staying social, and challenging your mind—can make your brain sharper as you get older. The best part? Dancing hits all four of those things at once! It's like your favorite hobby is secretly a ninja workout for your mind. Why Dancing is Your Brain's Best Friend You're getting your cardio on. Dancing is a low-key way to get your heart pumping and send some fresh, oxygen-rich blood up to your brain. It's exercise, but with way better music. It's mental gymnastics. Learning new moves, remembering a routine, and trying not to trip over your own feet is a legit mental challenge. ...

You’ve probably seen it on the dance floor—a couple moving with such effortless grace, they seem to be sharing a single heartbeat. They anticipate each other's every move, gliding through the crowd as if in their own world. What you're witnessing isn't just a set of steps; it's the beautiful result of a strong partner connection , the secret ingredient that makes social dances like swing and Carolina Shag so much fun. More Than Just Holding Hands Partner connection is the unspoken conversation between two dancers. It's about feeling the music together, communicating through subtle cues like hand pressure and body language, and moving as one cohesive unit. This isn't just a physical link; it's a foundation of mutual trust and awareness that allows a couple to flow seamlessly between open and closed positions, creating a dynamic dance experience. The Art of Unspoken Communication In social dancing, the lead and follow have distinct, yet equally important, ro...