Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective

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 ...

The Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective's mission to rekindle the social connection and joy of partner dancing directly aligns with the extensive documented health benefits of dance, promoting overall well-being for individuals and the community. The collective's core mission is to rekindle the social connection and joy of partner dancing. They do this by providing accessible instruction , promoting public dance events, and empowering a network of passionate instructors and ambassadors to bring swing and shag back into the heart of communities. Their vision is to foster a thriving, inclusive cultural experience that enriches communities, promotes intergenerational connection , and instills a lifelong love of movement. The documented health benefits of dance directly support and are promoted by various aspects of this mission. Physical Health Benefits Dance is a low-impact, full-body workout that improves physical health, coordination, and flexibility. It also helps...

Swing dancing is a vibrant and joyful activity, but did you know your shoes can make a world of difference? Choosing the right footwear isn't just about style; it's about comfort, safety, and enhancing your dance experience. Today, let's delve into the crucial role of shoes in three popular swing styles: Lindy Hop, Carolina Shag, and Philly Bop. Lindy Hop: Energy and Dynamic Movement Lindy Hop, with its energetic swings, turns, and aerials, demands shoes that can keep up. For this dynamic dance, you'll want: Soles: Suede or smooth leather soles are your best friends. They offer that sweet spot between slip and grip, allowing for smooth turns without losing control during complex footwork. Flexibility: Your shoes need to be flexible enough to handle kicks, swivels, and quick changes in direction. Support: Strong ankle and arch support is vital, especially if you're venturing into fast-paced sequences. Comfort: Lindy Hop sessions can be long and intense, so priori...

We are the leaders of Colonial Heights Swing Dance Club, and we are passionate about bringing the joy of swing dancing to our community. However, we are currently facing a challenge that is hindering our ability to provide a safe and enjoyable dancing experience for our members. Our current dance floor is made of concrete or tile-covered concrete, which is a very hard and unforgiving surface, this can be further complicated when the floor is not well maintained and becomes sticky. This surface can cause injuries, such as ankle sprains, knee problems, and hip pain, especially when dancing for extended periods of time. We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable dancing experience for all of our members. To achieve this, we are raising funds to purchase a Snaplock portable dance floor. This dance floor is made of polypropylene  base with various commercial grade laminate top surfaces that look like wood  that is designed to absorb shock and reduce stress on dancers' ...

  Swing dancing – it's not just about the Charleston, Lindy Hop, East Coast, West Coast, or Shag, it's about a community, a celebration of music, and, surprisingly, a powerful tool for pain management. Chronic pain can feel like a heavy shadow, but swing dancing can offer a lighthearted reprieve, and even some long-term relief. How Swing Helps Your Swing at Pain Movement is Medicine: Swing dancing gets your body moving in all sorts of ways, increasing blood flow, improving flexibility, and strengthening muscles. This can ease pain caused by stiffness, tension, and even some chronic conditions. Endorphin Express: Remember that post-workout high? Swing dancing triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. So, not only will you be having fun, but you'll be feeling good too! Mind Over Matter: The focus and concentration required to learn and execute swing steps can take your mind off the pain. It's a form of moving medi...