Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective

Hey Dancers! We've all been there: You're in a workshop, the instructor demonstrates a beautiful new pattern, and it looks so smooth and natural. But then, you try it, and movements to one side just... stick . Your brain feels like it's fighting itself, and that "simple" left turn or right rotation feels like learning a whole new language. If this sounds familiar, I'm here to tell you: it's not you, it's your brain! And understanding a bit about how your brain is wired can unlock a whole new level of learning and enjoyment on the dance floor. My "Aha!" Moment: The Left-Side Labyrinth For years, I noticed a distinct pattern in my own dance journey. New patterns or complex movements that involved going to my right felt intuitive and clicked almost immediately. But anything requiring a sustained movement or sequence to my left ? It felt clunky, disconnected, and took three times the effort to commit to memory. I used to get so frustrated, but ...

As a passionate advocate for social partner dancing, I've been watching a trend emerge that fills me with both understanding and deep concern. It's happening in Carolina Shag clubs, in general dance halls, and at social events across the country: line dancing and other solo-in-a-group choreographies are increasingly offered as a substitute for, rather than a supplement to, partner dancing. And frankly, I think it poses a significant threat to the very essence of what makes partner dancing so special. The Allure of the Accessible: Why Line Dancing is Booming Before we delve into the potential dangers, let's be fair. It's not hard to see why line dancing has exploded in popularity: No Partner Needed: This is the big one. Show up alone, and you can still hit the dance floor immediately. No awkward asking, no waiting to be asked, no uneven lead/follow ratios. Lower Barrier to Entry: Most line dances are based on memorizing a sequence of steps. While they require coordinat...

Intermediate Carolina Shag: A 6-Week Journey Intermediate Carolina Shag Dance Your Way to a Sharper Mind & Effortless Flow 🧠 Enhance Brain Health Connect dance practice with scientifically proven benefits for memory, plasticity, and cognitive function. 💃 Master the Dance Deepen your mastery of Shag's smooth style, intricate footwork, and partner connection. 😊 Find Your Flow Cultivate musicality and improvisation to experience the exhilarating "Flow State" on the dance floor. The 6-Week Journey to Mastery ...

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...

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. ...