Get Ready to Swing and Shag! FREE Beginner Swing Dance Classes Start September 22nd in Powhatan!

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. Beyond the steps, social dancing offers a fantastic way to boost your physical health through low-impact exercise, reduce stress, and improve coordination. It's also a wonderful way to expand your social circle, meet new friends, and become more connected to your community.

Who should attend the Beginner Swing Class?

• Anyone interested in learning to Swing dance or potentially the Carolina Shag.

• Absolute beginners – no prior dance experience is necessary!

• Residents of western Chesterfield, southwest Henrico County, Powhatan, and surrounding counties.

Class Details:

• Beginner Swing Dance: Mondays, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (starting September 22nd, 2025, for 6 weeks)

• Location: War Memorial Cultural Arts & Community Center, Powhatan, VA

• What to wear/bring: Comfortable clothing and shoes that will slide or glide on a wood dance floor, such as leather-bottomed shoes. Sneakers with good flexibility are also acceptable, but avoid overly sticky rubber soles.

(Please note: Following the beginner Swing class, there will be an Intermediate Carolina Shag class from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM for those with prior experience.)

What to expect in the Beginner Swing Class:

• Fun and engaging introductory lessons led by experienced instructors from Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective.

• A friendly and supportive learning environment.

• The opportunity to discover a new passion, reap the many benefits of social interaction and physical activity, and connect with others in your community.

Ready to Join the Fun? Register Today!

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn the fundamentals of Swing dance – your gateway to both Swing and Carolina Shag! Secure your spot by filling out our registration form here: https://forms.gle/iZGTSP9Hp8owFcAx6

By registering, you'll also be added to our newsletter list, ensuring you receive regular updates on the beginner Swing class, the intermediate Shag class, and other exciting news from Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective.

Stay Connected!

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/underhillswingdance/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551577552415

Please feel free to share this announcement with anyone who might be interested! Be sure to also visit our website (www.swingandshagdancecollective.com) for more information about our collective.

Get ready to swing (and maybe even shag!) into fall with us starting September 22nd!

Digging Deep: An Introduction to the Heart & Soul of Southern Soul Music

Have you ever heard a song that just feels like it’s been simmering on a back porch on a hot summer night? A sound that’s equal parts heartache and joy, grit and groove? If so, you’ve likely stumbled upon the rich and resonant world of Southern Soul music.

More than just a genre, Southern Soul is a cultural touchstone, a musical tapestry woven from the threads of gospel, blues, and early rhythm and blues, all seasoned with the unique flavor of the American South. It’s a sound that speaks directly to the soul, and its legacy continues to thrive today.

The Genesis: Where Did This Feeling Come From?

Born in the turbulent 1960s, against the backdrop of civil rights struggles and profound social change, Southern Soul wasn't created in a vacuum. It was a potent musical alchemy:

• The Gospel Fire: The fervent call-and-response vocals, the emotional intensity, and the soulful cries of the Hammond organ owe a deep debt to the Black church. Many Southern Soul pioneers honed their voices in gospel choirs, bringing that spiritual fervor to secular themes.

• The Blues Truth: The raw emotion, the storytelling of hardship and love, and the often blues-infused melodies provided a foundational element. You can hear the echoes of Delta and electric blues in the very DNA of the genre.

• The R&B Rhythm: Early rhythm and blues provided the infectious rhythmic drive and the shift towards secular lyrical content. Southern Soul took this energy and imbued it with a deeper, more heartfelt feeling.

Key hubs like Memphis, Tennessee, with legendary labels Stax Records (think Booker T. & the M.G.'s and The Memphis Horns' raw, gritty sound) and Hi Records (home to Willie Mitchell's smoother magic), and Muscle Shoals, Alabama, with the iconic FAME Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio (where The Swampers laid down legendary grooves), became crucibles for this burgeoning sound. Smaller independent labels also played a vital role in shaping the genre's diverse landscape.

Despite the segregation of the era, Southern Soul studios often became melting pots where Black vocalists and white musicians collaborated, creating a powerful and unifying sound that transcended racial barriers.

The Sonic Signature: What Does Southern Soul Sound Like?

Southern Soul possesses an instantly recognizable sonic fingerprint:

• Deep, Driving Grooves: The rhythm section lays down a foundation that makes you want to move – think prominent basslines and steady, often syncopated, drums.

• Emotionally Charged Vocals: Forget technical perfection; Southern Soul is about raw feeling. Singers pour their hearts out, conveying pain, joy, and longing with every note.

• Punchy Horn Sections: Saxophones, trumpets, and trombones deliver iconic riffs, soulful melodies, and powerful accents that punctuate the emotion.

• The Soulful Swirl of the Hammond Organ: This instrument adds a layer of warmth and a gospel-infused depth that's instantly recognizable.

• Bluesy Guitar Licks: Often incorporating blues scales and techniques, the guitar adds a gritty and soulful edge, weaving in those signature melodic lines.

• A Raw, "Live" Energy: Many recordings capture a sense of immediacy, as if you're right there in the studio with the musicians.

• The Echo of Call and Response: Rooted in gospel tradition, the interplay between the lead vocalist and backing singers or instrumental phrases adds a dynamic layer.

Interestingly, while the classic era often featured a wealth of upbeat and energetic tracks fueling dance floors, some listeners might notice a tendency towards slightly slower tempos in much of contemporary Southern Soul. This shift can be attributed to several factors: evolving dance styles, modern production preferences for smoother and more deliberate grooves, a potential emphasis on more sensual or introspective lyrical themes, and the significant influence of the "trailride" subgenre with its characteristically steady, mid-to-slower tempos. The blending of Southern Soul with other genres like contemporary R&B, which often features slower tempos, and simply the evolving artistic preferences of modern musicians also contribute to this nuanced change in the genre's rhythmic landscape. Part of the unique charm of Southern Soul, particularly the classic recordings, lies in its often raw and unpolished production. This isn't about technical perfection; it's about capturing the genuine energy and emotion of the performance. You can almost feel the musicians in the room, and those little imperfections only add to the music's heartfelt authenticity.

The Voices That Defined and Continue to Shape the Genre:

Southern Soul boasts a legendary roster of artists whose voices and songs have become timeless. These are just a few of the giants who laid the foundation:

• Otis Redding: The King of Soul, whose raw passion was unmatched.

• Aretha Franklin: Her early Southern recordings are the epitome of powerful, soulful delivery.

• Al Green: His smooth, sensual voice brought a different shade to the genre.

• Wilson Pickett: "The Wicked" one, with his high-energy and unforgettable hits.

• Etta James: Her bluesy soul was both powerful and deeply moving.

• Percy Sledge: His iconic ballad "When a Man Loves a Woman" remains a soul classic.

• Sam & Dave: The dynamic duo who brought infectious energy to the Stax sound.

• Isaac Hayes: His sophisticated arrangements added a unique dimension to the genre.

• Carla Thomas: The "Queen of Memphis Soul," a vital early voice at Stax.

But the story doesn't end there! A vibrant contemporary scene keeps the spirit of Southern Soul alive and evolving. Artists like:

• King George: A modern leader in the genre, captivating audiences with his soulful voice.

• Tucka: Known for his distinctive sound and popular tracks.

  

• Sir Charles Jones: A consistent hitmaker with a classic Southern Soul feel.

• Pokey Bear: Famous for his unique style and popular songs.

• Nellie "Tiger" Travis: A powerful female vocalist carrying the torch.

• J-Wonn: Blending traditional elements with a contemporary edge.

• And many more!

These modern artists, while often incorporating contemporary production techniques, stay true to the core elements of the genre: the deep groove, the heartfelt vocals, and the relatable storytelling. They often find their audience through dedicated regional circuits and online communities, keeping the flame of Southern Soul burning bright for a new generation.

The Road Less Traveled: The "Chitlin' Circuit" and Beyond

For many Southern Soul artists, both past and present, the "Chitlin' Circuit" – a network of smaller venues, clubs, and independent radio stations primarily in the Southern states – has been a vital lifeline. This grassroots ecosystem has allowed artists to connect directly with their core audience, build a loyal following, and sustain their careers, often outside the glare of the mainstream music industry. It underscores the deep connection between the music and its community. Furthermore, the genre itself isn't always neatly defined, often blurring lines with blues-soul, deep soul, and even the contemporary "trailride" sound, showcasing its rich and evolving nature.

The Enduring Legacy: Why Southern Soul Still Matters

Ultimately, Southern Soul endures because of its profound emotional honesty. It taps into universal human experiences – the highs and lows of love, the struggles and triumphs of everyday life – with a sincerity that resonates deeply, regardless of background.

This is just a starting point on your journey into the soulful sounds of the South. We encourage you to seek out the music of the artists mentioned, explore the different eras and styles within the genre, and let the raw emotion and irresistible grooves of Southern Soul speak for themselves. You might just discover a whole new world of deeply moving and authentic music.

Finding Your Purpose on the Dance Floor: What Kids (and Dancing) Can Teach Us

We often think of purpose as this grand, overarching mission in life, something we need to discover through deep introspection and perhaps a bit of existential angst. But what if purpose wasn't so elusive? What if we could learn a thing or two about it from the very beings who seem to navigate the world with an innate sense of joy and engagement: children?

I recently stumbled upon a fascinating article on Psychology Today, "What Kids Can Teach Us About Purpose," and it sparked an immediate connection to something near and dear to my heart: dance. It struck me how profoundly the act of dancing, whether in a structured class or simply moving freely to music, embodies so many of the seemingly effortless ways children find meaning and purpose in their day-to-day lives.

Think about the sheer joy a child experiences when they run, jump, or twirl. It's pure, unadulterated fun. Dance, at its core, offers the same. The feeling of your body moving in rhythm, expressing the music within you, can be an incredibly joyful and intrinsically rewarding experience. It's a purpose in itself – the pursuit of that feeling, that connection to the music and your body.

Children are naturally curious explorers, constantly trying new things and learning through play. Dance classes provide a structured environment for this same kind of exploration. You learn new steps, different styles, and discover the incredible potential of your own body. Each class becomes an adventure in movement, fostering a sense of growth and discovery.

The article likely touches on the importance of being present. Watch a child engrossed in play – they are completely in the moment. Dance demands a similar level of presence. When you're focusing on your posture, the steps, the music, your mind quiets, and you become fully embodied in the here and now. This mindful engagement, this "flow" state, can bring a profound sense of purpose and focus.

Learning to dance isn't always easy. There are challenging steps, moments of frustration, and the need for consistent effort. This mirrors a child's journey of learning to walk or ride a bike – they stumble, they fall, but they persevere. Each small victory in dance builds resilience and a sense of accomplishment, reinforcing the idea that purpose can be found in the process of overcoming challenges and growing.

Children thrive on connection and community. Playdates, group activities – they learn and grow together. Dance classes and performance opportunities offer a similar sense of belonging. You connect with fellow dancers who share your passion, creating a supportive community where you can learn, grow, and celebrate together. This shared experience adds another layer of meaning to your dance journey.

Finally, children are wonderfully authentic in their self-expression. They haven't yet fully adopted the self-consciousness that can sometimes stifle adults. Dance provides a powerful avenue for authentic self-expression. It allows you to communicate emotions, tell stories, and reveal your unique inner world through movement. Embracing this form of expression can be incredibly liberating and contribute to a deeper sense of self-purpose.

So, the next time you step onto the dance floor, remember the lessons we can learn from children. Embrace the joy, stay curious, be present, persevere through challenges, connect with others, and allow your authentic self to shine through. Perhaps purpose isn't something we need to find, but rather something we can actively create and experience in the simple act of moving to the rhythm of life – and especially, to the rhythm of dance.

What are your thoughts? How has dance helped you connect with a sense of purpose? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Find Your Flair: Exploring the Art of Dance Styling in Swing and Carolina Shag

Whether you're tapping your toes to the infectious rhythms of swing or gliding across the floor with the smooth grace of Carolina Shag, you know that these dances are more than just steps. They're a vibrant form of expression, a way to connect with music and a partner, and a whole lot of fun!

But have you ever wondered what truly sets different dancers apart? It's often in the subtle nuances, the personal touches that elevate basic movements into a unique and captivating style. This is the world of dance styling, and it's a fascinating journey for dancers of all levels.

From the energetic bounce of Lindy Hop to the intricate footwork of Carolina Shag, each swing dance form boasts its own distinct aesthetic. Understanding the elements that contribute to this styling – body posture, arm movements, footwork variations, and musicality – can significantly enhance your own dancing and appreciation for these rich traditions.

Our in-depth research delves into the heart of dance styling within the swing dance family, with a particular focus on the smooth and soulful Carolina Shag. We explore:

• What exactly is dance styling? Unpacking the elements that go beyond basic steps.
• A tour of key swing dance forms: From the foundational Lindy Hop to the cool Philly Bop, examining the signature styling of each.
• The unique charm of Carolina Shag styling: Delving into its posture, footwork, and partner connection.
• Comparing and contrasting: Highlighting the distinct differences in styling across various swing dances.
• The historical roots: Understanding how music and culture have shaped these dance styles.
• Detailed breakdowns: Examining the specifics of body movements, posture, and footwork in each dance.

As you delve into the world of swing and shag, remember that while mastering the fundamentals is key, the true magic lies in weaving your own personality into the dance. Personal expression doesn't happen overnight; it's a journey of building competence and confidence in the basic style before your unique flair can truly shine.

Ready to deepen your understanding of dance styling in swing dance and Carolina Shag?

Click here to download our comprehensive research report and unlock the secrets to finding your own unique groove on the dance floor!

We hope this exploration inspires you to further your dance journey and discover the joy of expressing yourself through movement. Happy dancing!

From Disconnected to Dancing on Air: A Weekend of Carolina Shag, Self-Awareness, and the Joy of Community

It was a beautiful April weekend, my wife and I headed to Myrtle Beach, the heart of Carolina Shag, with high hopes for a fun-filled few days of dancing during the SOS Spring Safari. However, our first night out felt strangely… off. 

As we walked into the familiar venue, greeted by friendly faces, a sense of disconnect washed over me. It felt like these weren't quite "my people" that night. Neither of us could quite settle into the music, our steps felt clumsy, and the usual joy of the dance floor eluded us. I found myself wondering, "What was going on?"

Initially, I pondered several possibilities. Was it the intentional choice to abstain from alcohol, something I've been prioritizing lately? Could it be a subtle effect of a new medication? Or perhaps just an off night?

But then, a crucial realization hit me: I was tired. Really tired. We had pushed ourselves before heading out, and exhaustion can cast a shadow over even the most beloved activities. Sometimes, "it ain't them, it's you," as the saying goes.

Saturday became a day of rejuvenation. We prioritized rest, enjoyed the beautiful oceanfront setting of our hotel, and spent quality time together. It was exactly what we needed to recharge both our bodies and our spirits.

And what a difference a day makes! Saturday night was a complete 180. We ventured
back out, this time with friends experiencing their very first SOS (Society of Stranders) event in North Myrtle Beach. The energy was infectious! We danced across five floors in three different venues, each with its own unique vibe.

The warmth of the Shag community truly shone through. We ran into friends from the Competitive Shag Association who greeted us with open arms and encouraged us to join them on the dance floor. To our delight, we even received applause and positive comments from onlookers after several dances. It was incredibly refreshing and reignited our passion for teaching and encouraging others in their own dance journeys.

The contrast between Friday and Saturday was stark. It served as a powerful reminder that our own well-being significantly impacts our experiences. When we're rested and feeling good, we're more open to connection, more in tune with the music, and better able to share our joy with others.

This weekend also subtly underscored the importance of finding your tribe. While Myrtle Beach holds a special place for Shag, a recent realization about differing values within one particular crowd has us considering expanding our dance horizons northward, towards the welcoming Philly Bop community we've begun to connect with.

Ultimately, this trip was a valuable lesson in self-awareness, the power of rest, and the enduring joy of a supportive dance community. From feeling disconnected to dancing on air, it was a weekend of contrasts that ultimately left us feeling grateful and energized for the dance adventures ahead.

Let's Keep the Good Times Rolling (Safely!): Introducing Our Guide to Dance Floor Etiquette

Hey Carolina Shaggers and Swing Dancers!

We all know that feeling: the music starts, the energy in the room is electric, and you can't wait to hit the dance floor. Whether you're grooving to the smooth sounds of Carolina Shag or getting your Lindy Hop on, the joy of swing dancing is contagious.

Recently, after a fantastic but crowded weekend at SOS Spring Migration, we were reminded of something incredibly important: dance floor etiquette. While the excitement of a packed floor is undeniable, it also requires us to be extra mindful and considerate of our fellow dancers. We personally experienced a few unexpected kicks (ouch!) which highlighted the need for a refresher on how we can all share the dance floor safely and enjoyably.

That's why we're thrilled to introduce our new guide: "A Guide to Dance Floor Etiquette in the Swing Dance Community (with a Special Focus on Carolina Shag)."

This isn't about strict rules or dampening the fun. Instead, it's a collection of friendly reminders to help us all navigate the dance floor with awareness, courtesy, and a shared sense of community. Inside, you'll find practical tips on:

• Entering and exiting the floor gracefully: Let's avoid those unexpected roadblocks!
• Navigating crowded spaces: Especially important during those high-energy events.
• Understanding partner and floor awareness: It takes two (and everyone around us!) to tango... or shag!
• Managing those bigger moves: Let's keep our swing outs and turns considerate of everyone's personal space.
• Handling those little bumps (because they happen!): Grace and understanding go a long way.
• Cultivating a positive vibe: Let's keep the energy high and the smiles wide.
• The role of instructors in fostering good habits: We all play a part in this!

We even delve a little into the history of dances like Balboa and the Carolina Shag "pivot" and how they evolved to thrive in more compact spaces – a testament to the adaptability and consideration within our dance heritage.

Our goal is simple: to ensure that every time we step onto the dance floor, it's a positive experience for everyone. By being mindful of our movements and the dancers around us, we can minimize those accidental bumps and keep the focus where it belongs – on the music, the connection, and the sheer joy of swing dancing.

We encourage all our fellow dance instructors, students and fellow dancers to take a look at the guide. Let's work together to create dance floors where everyone feels comfortable, safe, and ready to shag!

You can find the full guide at the link above!

Let's keep the good times rolling – together!

Happy Dancing,

Roger & Denise Underhill
Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective