Combo Swing is a unique partnered dance style cultivated by Roger and Denise Underhill, instructors at Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective. It is described as a beautiful blend of 6-count and 8-count rhythms, drawing inspiration from a variety of swing dance styles.
Influences
Combo Swing draws its inspiration from a diverse range of dance traditions, including, Lindy Hop, Balboa, East Coast Swing, Carolina Shag, West Coast Swing, The Bop (or Philly Bop).
Core Elements and Characteristics
The style's defining features are built on a solid foundation of swing dance fundamentals.
Fusion and Fluidity: Combo Swing emphasizes a seamless blend of these styles. Dancers smoothly transition from one element to the next, incorporating various dance components with a focus on fluidity.
Foundation: It is built upon core swing dance fundamentals, including good posture, connection, and musicality.
Key Transitions: Smooth transitions are crucial. Dancers often use circular movements like the Lindy Hop "Swingout," the Carolina Shag "Pivot," and the West Coast Swing "Whip" as points of departure for changing styles.
Musicality: Interpreting the music is essential to determine which style and movement to use next. This style is remarkably adaptable to various music genres and tempos.
Purpose and Adaptability
Roger and Denise Underhill cultivated this style because of its remarkable adaptability to various music genres and tempos, making partner dancing approachable for diverse musical tastes. Combo Swing defies easy categorization, often leading observers to perceive different styles within their dancing, such as Carolina Shag, Chicago Steppin', or DC Hand Dancing. This versatility allows them to dance to music that others might consider "undanceable," such as classic rock.
Teaching and Benefits
The Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective specializes in teaching the "street" version of swing, focusing more on connection and feel than on rigid patterns. They believe in the smooth, grounded, and social nature of this style.
Combo Swing is considered an especially effective dance for "beginner brain boosts" because it focuses on connection and improvisation. It requires the brain to constantly switch gears and tests dance knowledge, thereby keeping the mind nimble. It's like a spontaneous test of dance knowledge and a fantastic way to keep your mind sharp.
The Collective's Mission
The mission of the Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective is to rekindle the social connection and joy of partner dancing by providing accessible instruction and promoting public dance events. Their Combo Swing style plays a vital role in achieving this by offering a versatile and engaging dance experience for everyone.
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