Underhill's Swing Dance Pathway

Your Dance Pathway Map

Welcome to Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective! Follow this map from a beginner to a confident dancer, unlocking "body smarts" and the exhilarating "Flow State."

🗺️ Phase 1: Beginner Swing Dance (Level 1)

Your Starting Point: A 6-week journey for absolute beginners.

The goal here is to master the fundamental 6-count swing pattern. You'll focus on core footwork, basic partner connection, and essential transitions like "Send Her Out." This is the cognitive stage of learning, where your brain builds the initial "muscle memory."

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Core Footwork Types

2

Partner Positions

2

Key Transitions

3

Intro Variations

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🧭 Phase 2: Beginner Swing Dance (Level 2)

Enhancing Your Groove: A 6-week series to move beyond counting and truly feel the music.

This phase is about moving towards intuitive, automatic movement. We refine your footwork and deepen partner connection with new techniques, all while encouraging personal styling and musicality. You are now in the associative stage, where your brain forms new neural pathways for smoother, coordinated movements.

This chart illustrates the shift in focus from conscious step-counting to intuitive movement as you progress from Level 1 to Level 2.

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🛣️ Phase 3: Choose Your Intermediate Pathway

After building a strong foundation, you're ready to specialize! Each path hones different skills and helps you reach the autonomous stage of learning, freeing your mind for creativity and the "Flow State."

Carolina Shag

The Vibe: Smooth, graceful, and slotted.

Focus on mastering tight, gliding footwork within a linear "slot." This style promotes neuroplasticity and sharpens your mind through intricate jazz patterns and "together steps."

Lindy Hop

The Vibe: Energetic, bouncy, and improvisational.

Master the foundational 8-count rhythm and the iconic "Swing Out." Lindy Hop is a great brain boost, challenging you with novel sequences to promote cognitive flexibility.

Combo Swing

The Vibe: Adaptable and uniquely blended.

Learn to seamlessly transition between 6-count and 8-count rhythms, incorporating elements from multiple swing styles. This path keeps your mind nimble by constantly switching gears.

Comparing the Styles

How do the intermediate styles differ? This radar chart visualizes the unique characteristics of each path, helping you decide which vibe fits you best.

The Science of Learning: Your Brain on Dance

Dancing is more than just steps; it's a powerful tool for cognitive enhancement. Your journey through our curriculum is designed to progress you through distinct motor learning stages, maximizing brain health and plasticity.

1. Cognitive

Consciously thinking about every step.

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2. Associative

Movement becomes smoother and more natural.

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3. Autonomous

Movement is automatic, freeing the mind.

🏆 Your Final Destination: The Flow State

This is the beginning of a lifelong journey of rhythm, connection, and well-being. By moving beyond conscious thought, you embrace the pure joy of partner dancing where movement is intuitive and communication is seamless. Keep that rhythm alive and we'll see you on the dance floor!