Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective

Have you ever stood on the edge of a dance floor, watching couples spin effortlessly, and thought to yourself, “I am just not that kind of person” ? If so, you aren't alone. You are suffering from a cultural symptom that Dr. Peter Lovatt—a psychologist and passionate advocate known as "Dr. Dance"—has spent years trying to heal. Recently, we came across a quote, in a BBC piece "Why Dance Is Key To Our Humanity" , by Dr. Peter Lovatt, author of The Dance Cure , that perfectly articulates the battle we are fighting here at Underhill’s Swing and Shag Collective. He says: “A large portion of society thinks that they are not the right type of person to dance. Because we take something that’s really fundamental and natural and expressive in movement, and then we codify it. We make it very strict, We judge people for it. People feel self-conscious when they do it, and then people stop doing it.” At Underhill’s Swing and Shag Collective, we consider Dr. Lovatt a partner ...

Music is everywhere. It’s the soundtrack to our commute, the background noise at the grocery store, and the energy boost for our workouts. We hear it constantly, but how often do we truly listen? In a world saturated with sound, it's easy to let music wash over us without ever engaging with it on a deeper level. Most of us are passive listeners, experiencing music as an ambient backdrop. But there’s another way. This is where we trade passive hearing for active listening —the conscious, focused act of stepping inside the music and noticing its details, structure, and emotional currents. It’s not just a sense; it’s a skill you can develop. This post will reveal five surprising insights about how music works and how our brains process it. These aren't just interesting facts; they are tools that will transform you into an active listener and change your relationship with music forever. Takeaway #1: Your Brain Hears the Beat, It Doesn't Feel It You might think that the thumping...

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...

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 ...