Ditch the Drill Sergeant, Find Your Groove: How to Really Dance Swing!

Alright, swing dancers, let's be real. How many of you, when the music kicks in, immediately turn into a human calculator, counting "one-and-two, three-and-four" like your life depends on it?

Ditch the drill sergeant approach

Yeah, we've all been there. But guess what? While counting has its place (don't ditch it entirely!), the real magic happens when you stop crunching numbers and start feeling the dang music in your body.

Seriously. We're talking about a whole new way to approach swing dancing – less like a math test and more like, well, dancing!

From Brain Drain to Body Bliss

Imagine this for a second: Instead of your brain yelling "MOVE NOW!", you just chill out, loosen up, and let the music kinda flow through you. For dances like Philly Bop, East Coast, West Coast, Carolina Shag, and Hand Dancing, this "feel-it-in-your-guts" thing is HUGE.

It's about:

• Getting Groovy: Not just hearing the beat, but feeling that pulse and flow everywhere – from your toes to your nose. Let the music just... move you.

• Catching the Vibe: "Swing" isn't just a word; it's a bounce, a stretch, a smooth glide. When you surrender, you're letting that specific "swing" vibe take over your steps, your connection, everything. It's like the music tells your body what to do.

• Intuition is Your Co-Pilot: This means you're not constantly thinking, "Okay, now I need to do a triple step on three." Instead, your body just knows what to do because it's so locked into the music. It's like second nature, but way cooler.

Why Your Swing Dance Needs This (Like, Yesterday)

Find your flow!

Especially for partner dances, this "feel-good" approach changes everything:

• Mind-Meld with Your Partner: Leading and following stop being about bossing each other around or trying to predict steps. It becomes a super chill conversation where you both feel the music and communicate through subtle pushes, pulls, and shared momentum. It's like dancing with one brain!

• Dance the Song, Not Just the Steps: Your movements suddenly get way more interesting! You're not just doing a step; you're interpreting the music. Got a smooth part? Glide. A sharp accent? Hit it! Your dancing becomes part of the song.

• Roll with the Punches: At a social dance, you're interacting with different partners, different songs, different speeds. Counting everything makes you stiff. Feeling the music means you can adapt and just keep grooving, no matter what.

• It's FUN! Seriously, who wants dancing to feel like homework? When you stop overthinking and start feeling, it just becomes pure joy. And isn't that why we dance?

Hold Up! Don't Skip Your Basics!

Now, before you go tossing your dance shoes in the trash and declaring yourself a "purely intuitive" dancer, let's be clear: you still gotta learn the basics!

Think of it like learning to drive: You gotta know how to turn the wheel and hit the gas before you can cruise down the highway jamming to tunes. Same for dance:

• Body Smarts: Learning basic steps, how to balance, where to put your weight – that's like learning your ABCs. You need 'em to build sentences (or, you know, dance moves).

• Freedom Through Fundamentals: Once you've got those basic steps down cold, you don't have to think about them anymore. They become automatic. And that's when your brain is free to just soak up the music and tell your body to really feel it.

• Stay Safe: Good technique keeps you from twisting an ankle or hurting your partner. Basic moves are your dance safety net.

The Sweet Spot

So, here's the deal for all you awesome Philly Bop, East Coast, West Coast, Carolina Shag, and Hand Dancing fans: The real magic happens when you nail your basic moves so well that your body just does them, freeing your mind to tune into the music, feel the vibe, and surrender to that awesome swing.

When you hit that sweet spot, you're not just doing steps; you're dancing. And that, my friends, is where the true fun begins. So go on, get out there, listen to that beat, and let your body do the talking!

Beyond the Steps: Finding Flow in Swing & Shag Dance

 Have you ever had a dance where everything just clicked? The music seemed to move through you, your partner's intentions were crystal clear, and your feet just knew what to do without a moment's thought. Time seemed to melt away, and you weren't thinking about the next step or how you looked, but simply being the dance.

If you've felt that, you've touched upon what psychologists call the Flow State, a concept pioneered by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. My wife and I often experience this, and it's exhilarating. What's even more fascinating is when people watching Denise and I dance, they describe that exact feeling – a seamless connection, an effortless joy – they're describing us in flow.

But what exactly is this 'flow,' and how does it manifest itself on the social dance floor?

What is the Flow State? The Psychology of Optimal Experience

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a renowned psychologist, dedicated his life to understanding what makes people truly happy and deeply engaged. He was inspired to study this state by observing artists who would become so engrossed in their work that they'd forget basic needs, driven purely by the joy of creation. He discovered that genuine satisfaction often comes from a state he called "flow," a state of complete absorption in an activity. It’s often referred to as "being in the zone."

While it can vary slightly from person to person and activity to activity, the core characteristics of the flow state are universal:

• Complete Immersion & Intense Focus: You're so absorbed in what you're doing that distractions melt away. The chatter in the room, worries from your day, your to-do list – it all vanishes. Your attention is fully, effortlessly concentrated on the task at hand.

• Effortless Action & Intuitive Movement: It feels like your body knows what to do without conscious effort. Steps aren't "remembered" or actively planned; they just happen. Each movement flows seamlessly into the next, guided by an inner knowing.

• Loss of Self-Consciousness: The internal critic quiets down. You stop thinking about how you look, if you're doing it "right," or what others might be thinking. Your ego recedes, and you become one with the activity.

• Distorted Sense of Time: This is a hallmark of flow. A five-minute song can feel like 30 seconds, or an entire hour of dancing can feel like mere minutes. Time ceases to be a relevant factor.

• Clear Goals & Immediate Feedback: Even in spontaneous activities, there's an underlying sense of purpose and a constant stream of information telling you how you're doing. In dance, this is subtle: feeling the music's pulse, sensing your partner's weight shifts, adapting to their subtle cues – all provide instant feedback that guides your next action.

• Balance Between Challenge and Skill: The activity is challenging enough to keep you fully engaged, but not so overwhelming that it causes anxiety or frustration. It's that sweet spot where you're gently pushing your abilities, leading to a sense of mastery and growth. Crucially, this means flow can be experienced at all levels of dance, from the absolute beginner delighting in a perfectly executed basic step to the most advanced dancer navigating complex improvisations, as long as you give yourself fully to the process.

• Intrinsic Reward (Autotelic Experience): You're not doing the activity for an external reward, for applause, or to get through it. The act of dancing is the reward itself. It's pure enjoyment for its own sake.

Flow in Swing & Shag: A Shared Journey

While flow is often discussed in solo endeavors like painting or running, its manifestation in social dances like Swing and Shag is particularly beautiful. Here, flow isn't just about an individual being "in the zone"; it's about a shared, collective state of optimal experience.

• A Merging of Minds: The lead-follow dynamic becomes less about explicit "commands" and "responses" and more about a continuous, intuitive conversation. It's like two consciousnesses merging, anticipating and adapting to each other's movements with effortless synchronicity. My wife and I often feel this when we dance; it's as if we're sharing a private, wordless dialogue on the floor.

• The Music as Your River: The music transcends being mere background noise. It becomes the current that carries you both, guiding your collective movement and emotion. You're not just dancing to the music; you're dancing as the music, embodying its rhythm and melody.

• Effortless Interplay: When partners are truly in flow, the dance appears seamless, almost magical, to observers. They might describe you as "becoming one" or "effortlessly floating across the floor," precisely because they are witnessing this deeply absorbed, harmonious state.

Why Understanding Flow Matters for Your Dance Pleasure

Defining flow isn't just an academic exercise. Understanding what it is and how it manifests can help us consciously cultivate more of these truly joyful, connected moments on the dance floor. It shifts our focus from merely perfecting steps to cultivating presence, from "doing" to "being." When we dance in flow, we transcend the mechanics and tap into the profound, intrinsically rewarding essence of partner dancing.

So, we want to hear from you:

• When have you felt closest to this "flow state" in your own dancing? What did it feel like for you?

• When you're watching other dancers, what makes them truly captivating to you? Are there certain qualities you see that suggest they're completely lost in the moment and "in flow"?

• What's one thing you could try to let go of (like self-consciousness or over-thinking the next move) to open yourself more to the flow experience in your next dance?

Let's dive deeper into this incredible aspect of dance together in the comments below!

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.