Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective

We’ve all heard the old adage: "Dance like nobody's watching." It’s a nice sentiment. It encourages us to let go of our inhibitions and find freedom in movement. But recently, after a night out on the floor with my wife, I realized that this saying misses a crucial part of the social dance experience. The truth is: People are watching. But here is the secret: They generally aren’t looking at your feet. They aren’t counting your beats. They aren’t grading your anchor step. They are watching your face. They are watching your connection. They are watching to see if you are having fun . The Compliment That Changed My Perspective Recently, my wife and I were out dancing, enjoying the music and each other's company. Throughout the night, several people approached us. We expected the usual questions about where we teach or how long we’ve been dancing. Instead, the most common comment was: "You two look like you are happy and very much enjoy what you do!" It wasn’t ...

Friends and fellow dancers, For a couple years on this blog, we've explored the joy of swing and shag dance. We've focused on the steps, the music, the history, and the wonderful community we're building together. We've worked on the "how" of dancing. But I've always been fascinated by something deeper. I'm endlessly curious about the "why." Why does partner dance feel so magical? Why does it forge such a powerful, non-verbal bond between two people? I believe that what we learn on the dance floor—trust, non-verbal communication, being present, and moving as one—are the exact same skills that build incredible, resilient, and deeply connected romantic relationships. This topic is bigger and more personal than a single blog post. It deserves its own dedicated space to explore. That's why I am so excited to announce a new, separate project: The Kinetic Connection . This will be my new Substack newsletter, and it has a specific mission: to...

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...

Recently, RIPTIDE Radio shared their position on AI-generated music, stating they will not broadcast these songs. Their message highlighted a commitment to supporting human singers, musicians, engineers, and songwriters, and expressed a hope that their listeners understand. And we do understand the sentiment. It’s a genuine concern for the livelihoods and passion of the artists who create the soundtrack to our lives, particularly in the beloved Beach Music world. It comes from a place of wanting to protect the human element in art. However, I believe we need to dig a little deeper than a ban. While well-intentioned, an outright refusal to engage with AI-generated content, in any form, might be akin to trying to hold back the tide with a teacup. You Can't Wish Away the Obvious Let's be clear: AI is not a fleeting trend. It's a powerful tool, and like any tool, it can be used for good, for ill, or simply to create. Trying to "ban" it from the airwaves, while a noble...

Do you love music and want to learn some fun new moves? Get ready to groove! Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective ( www.swingandshagdancecollective.com ), in partnership with the War Memorial Cultural Arts & Community Center, a valued hub for arts and community engagement in Powhatan , is thrilled to announce FREE beginner Swing dance classes starting on Monday, September 22nd, 2025! Whether you have two left feet or are looking for a fun way to get active, this welcoming and energetic 6-week series is the perfect place to learn the foundational steps of lively Swing dancing. The Carolina Shag, a smooth and stylish dance popular in the Carolinas, is actually a derivative of Swing. This beginner Swing class is a fantastic first step on a journey to mastering either (or both!) of these classic American dance styles. Our experienced and enthusiastic instructors, Roger & Denise Underhill, are dedicated to creating a fun and supportive learning environment for everyone....