Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective

In a recent TEDx talk ( Why preserving your mobility is key to healthy aging ), orthopedic surgeon Dr. Meghan Dares highlighted a critical trend: after age 40, people don't lose mobility suddenly—they give it away quietly. A lingering ache or tight joint leads to stepping off the dance floor, avoiding stairs, or shortening daily walks. The physical cost is steep: a single week of inactivity can cost up to 10% of your muscle mass , weakening the support structure your joints depend on to remain pain-free. At Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective , we view partnered dance not as a spectacle, but as a discipline for lifelong movement, balance, and vitality. Partnered swing and Carolina Shag demand balance, rhythmic footwork, and core engagement—delivering exact physical loading necessary to protect joints and maintain functional independence. Take action before your movement shrinks: Increase balance & dynamic strength: Keep stabilizing muscles active and resilient. P...

This Sunday, Denise and I are heading down to North Myrtle Beach for a five-night pilgrimage to the spiritual home of the Carolina Shag. We are stepping back onto the hardwood at Fat Harold's on Monday and Wednesday nights, and this time, we are bringing our granddaughters to witness the lineage firsthand. I just published a deep-dive essay on The Kinetic Connection exploring the "ghosts on the hardwood," the transition of the old guard, and a brand-new song I wrote to capture the quiet respect of the Back Room. [Read the full essay and listen to the track here on our Substack.]

The transition of seasons brings a natural shift in rhythm. As the high energy of summer begins to settle, it opens up the perfect space for deeper focus, discipline, and the joy of shared movement. We are excited to announce that registration is officially open for our Fall 2026 Dance Series . 👉 View Class Schedules & Register for Fall 2026   Whether you are stepping onto the floor for the first time or looking to refine the subtle mechanics that create true connection, this series is structured to help you find your groove. Our classes strip away the noise of modern distractions, focusing entirely on the technical mastery, historical legacy, and pure presence that traditional partnered dance offers. Here is a glance at what we are bringing to the floor this season: Foundations of Partnered Dance: Master the essential timing, posture, and weight shifts that build a rock-solid foundation. Carolina Shag (Intermediate Series): Dive deep into the signature 6-count progressive r...