Songs Produced by Underhill's Swing & Shag Dance Collective

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Two Sides of the Same Coin: Unpacking the Differences Between Ballroom East Coast Swing and "Street" Swing (Like the Philly Bop or Carolina Shag!)

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Ever hit the dance floor, thinking you know "East Coast Swing," only to encounter a completely different vibe? You're not alone! While often lumped under one name, East Coast Swing actually has a fascinating duality: the polished, structured ballroom version, and the relaxed, soulful "street" version, embodied beautifully by dances like the iconic Philly Bop and Carolina Shag. Let's dive in and unpack these two distinct, yet related, worlds of swing. The Ballroom Belle: East Coast Swing When you sign up for a typical swing class at a dance studio, you’re most likely learning Ballroom East Coast Swing . This style emerged in the 1940s, primarily as a simplified, standardized version of the more complex and improvisational Lindy Hop. Its goal was to make swing accessible to a broader social dancing public and suitable for formal ballroom settings. The dance is known for its "rock step, triple step, triple step" rhythm, with a clear, repetitive patter...
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Swing Dance Shoes: Finding Your Perfect Pair for Lindy Hop, Shag, and Philly Bop

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Swing dancing is a vibrant and joyful activity, but did you know your shoes can make a world of difference? Choosing the right footwear isn't just about style; it's about comfort, safety, and enhancing your dance experience. Today, let's delve into the crucial role of shoes in three popular swing styles: Lindy Hop, Carolina Shag, and Philly Bop. Lindy Hop: Energy and Dynamic Movement Lindy Hop, with its energetic swings, turns, and aerials, demands shoes that can keep up. For this dynamic dance, you'll want: Soles: Suede or smooth leather soles are your best friends. They offer that sweet spot between slip and grip, allowing for smooth turns without losing control during complex footwork. Flexibility: Your shoes need to be flexible enough to handle kicks, swivels, and quick changes in direction. Support: Strong ankle and arch support is vital, especially if you're venturing into fast-paced sequences. Comfort: Lindy Hop sessions can be long and intense, so priori...
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Exciting News! New Venue, New Classes, and a Big Thank You!

We're thrilled to share some fantastic updates about the Colonial Heights Swing Dance Club! First, the good news about our fundraising efforts: We're so close to our goal of $4,500 for the SnapLock portable dance floor! Thanks to your generous contributions, we're currently at $3,950. We're hopeful that we'll be able to order and receive the floor before the end of December. New Venue and Class Schedule: To accommodate our new dance floor, we're excited to announce that we'll be moving our classes to the  Colonial Heights Optimist Building  starting in January 2025. This new venue will allow us to make some exciting improvements to our class offerings: Earlier Start Time:  Classes will now begin at 6:00 PM, giving you more time to enjoy the evening. Extended Beginner Lesson:  The beginner lesson will be extended to an hour and a half, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Flexible Class Structure:  The Optimist Club is graciously allowing us to set up the dance floor on Wed...
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