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...

On an early march evening at Atlas42 in Richmond, VA, we found ourselves immersed in the muffled, but vibrant sounds* of the Crain Brothers band. The air buzzed with energy, and the music, mostly a blend of classic rock, filled the smooth concrete dance floor. But amidst the rhythm and revelry, a question kept popping up: "Can you dance to that?" Our response? A resounding, "Watch!" It's a question we've heard countless times, often accompanied by a raised eyebrow or a skeptical glance. And it’s a challenge we absolutely adore. Because what we've discovered is that the partnered dance style we've cultivated, a beautiful blend of 6-count and 8-count rhythms influenced by Lindy Hop, Balboa, East & West Coast Swing, Bop, Carolina Shag and others, is remarkably adaptable. We've learned to listen deeply to the music, to feel the nuances of the rhythm and the emotions woven into the melody. Whether it's a slow, soulful ballad or a high-energy, ...

My wife and I love to dance. We've developed a style that's a bit of a melting pot, drawing inspiration from Lindy Hop, Balboa, East Coast Swing, Carolina Shag, West Coast Swing, and even a touch of the Bop. We seamlessly blend these styles, transitioning between them fluidly, creating something that feels uniquely ours. But it also creates a fun, and sometimes puzzling, experience when we're out dancing. Over the past few months, as we've hit different venues, we've been showered with compliments, which is always lovely. But what's even more interesting is how people describe what they're seeing. It's like a dance Rorschach test! One night, someone will come up and say, "That looks just like Carolina Shag!" The next venue, a couple will exclaim, "We see you doing some great Chicago Steppin'!" Most recently, we even had someone tell us, "You guys are doing some fantastic DC Hand Dancing!" It's fascinating, and i...

Who says dance is just for kids? As adults, we often get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, forgetting the simple joy of movement. Dance, however, offers a delightful escape, inviting us to reconnect with our playful side and experience the numerous benefits it brings. Why Dance is the Ultimate Playful Pursuit Dance is more than just physical exercise; it's a holistic experience that nourishes both body and mind. Here's how: Physical Well-being: Stress Relief: The rhythmic movements of dance release endorphins, natural mood elevators, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Improved Mood: The combination of physical activity and music can uplift your spirits and boost your overall mood. Enhanced Creativity: Dance encourages creative expression, allowing you to explore different movements and styles. Boosted Confidence: Learning new dance moves and performing them can increase self-confidence and self-esteem. Social Connection: Shared Experience: D...