Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective

"Are you sure this is it?" Pam asked from the back seat, her voice laced with skepticism my wife, Denise, and I had come to expect from past visits with friends. I glanced in the rearview mirror, a smile playing on my lips. "Positive," I said. "This is it." The car crunched to a stop in the gravel lot. Before us stood a plain, concrete block building that looked more like a forgotten warehouse than the destination I’d promised. The last light of Saturday was fading, and the building offered no clues to the life inside. I saw Susan shoot Pam a look that clearly communicated, What has he gotten us into? Inside the Modern Woodmen Dance Hall in Crewe, VA "Alright," I laughed, glancing over at Denise in the passenger seat before turning off the engine. "I know what you're thinking. But the rule of this place is simple: you can't judge it from the outside. Just trust us." We grabbed our cooler and the bag of snacks we’d packed. The fr...

For too long, society has promoted the belief that aging equates to a steady deterioration of physical and mental capabilities—what I like to call the "long slow route" of aging . This negative stereotype can feel like a self-fulfilling prophecy, often leading us to believe we are less capable as we get older. But what if this pervasive idea of inevitable decline is fundamentally wrong? The key to unlocking renewed vitality and proving this old idea incorrect lies in the exhilarating, complex, and joyful activity of dancing . Dance is not merely a hobby; it’s a powerhouse activity that strategically works your mind, body, and spirit, paving the way for a vibrant new beginning at any age. Laughter lines are a roadmap of a life well-lived, and a beautiful testament to a friendship that's still dancing strong. Step Into Strength: Guarding Against Falls and Frailty Dance directly counters the physical limitations associated with the "long slow route of aging." It’s ...

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...

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. ...

You’ve probably seen it on the dance floor—a couple moving with such effortless grace, they seem to be sharing a single heartbeat. They anticipate each other's every move, gliding through the crowd as if in their own world. What you're witnessing isn't just a set of steps; it's the beautiful result of a strong partner connection , the secret ingredient that makes social dances like swing and Carolina Shag so much fun. More Than Just Holding Hands Partner connection is the unspoken conversation between two dancers. It's about feeling the music together, communicating through subtle cues like hand pressure and body language, and moving as one cohesive unit. This isn't just a physical link; it's a foundation of mutual trust and awareness that allows a couple to flow seamlessly between open and closed positions, creating a dynamic dance experience. The Art of Unspoken Communication In social dancing, the lead and follow have distinct, yet equally important, ro...