Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective: Mission & Health Benefits

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 manage chronic pain by increasing blood flow, strengthening muscles, and releasing endorphins. The collective highlights these benefits in class announcements, encouraging participants to get active.

Research shows that dance can dramatically reduce the risk of mental decline and diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The physical activity involved can improve sleep, which is crucial for the brain's ability to clean out toxins and reduce plaque buildup associated with these conditions. A study showed that a dance intervention improved white matter integrity in the fornix of older adults, a region important for processing speed and cognition.

Mental and Emotional Health Benefits

Dance acts as a powerful stress reliever and mood booster, promoting mindfulness by requiring focus on movement and music. It enhances creativity, reduces self-consciousness, and fosters resilience.

The cognitive load involved in learning dance, which includes sequencing, attention, and memory retention, serves as mental exercise, improving these skills and building new neural connections. Dances like Combo Swing are considered "beginner brain boosts" because they require the brain to constantly switch gears and test dance knowledge.

Dancing can help reduce depression. Social dancing fosters neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to adapt and rewire itself, engaging the hippocampus (the brain's memory headquarters) and improving multitasking abilities.

Social Connection and Community Benefits

Dance classes provide a welcoming environment to meet new people, expand social circles, and foster a sense of belonging. The collective actively seeks to build this community through events and outreach.

For couples, partner dancing deepens intimacy through close physical contact and shared rhythmic movement, significantly improving communication through subtle, non-verbal cues. The lead-follow dynamic becomes an "intuitive conversation" or "mind-meld."

The collective aims to create an inclusive cultural experience, enriching communities through spontaneous public dance events and fostering intergenerational connection. This directly addresses the challenge of social isolation and declining dance communities.

Personal Growth and Purpose

Learning a new skill like dance boosts self-confidence and self-esteem. It encourages authentic self-expression and helps individuals find purpose in the process of exploration, growth, and connection.

The "Flow State," a core concept for the collective, represents complete absorption, effortless action, and intrinsic reward in dancing. This state is achievable at all levels and fosters a sense of mastery and enjoyment for its own sake.

By offering accessible classes, fostering community, and emphasizing the joy and connection inherent in partner dancing, the Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective directly promotes activities that deliver extensive physical, mental, emotional, and social health benefits, thereby fulfilling its mission to revitalize partner dancing and enrich lives.

Swing Dance Shoes: Finding Your Perfect Pair for Lindy Hop, Shag, and Philly Bop

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 prioritize comfort. Blisters and discomfort are a dancer's worst enemy.

• Heels: Low heels or flats are generally recommended for stability and ease of movement.

Think dance sneakers with suede soles, jazz shoes, or classic dance oxfords. These types of shoes will give you the tools you need to really enjoy your Lindy Hop.

Carolina Shag: Smoothness and Precision

Carolina Shag, known for its smooth, gliding footwork and close partner connection, requires a different approach:

• Soles: Smooth leather soles are often favored, allowing for the characteristic gliding steps.

• Flexibility: Flexibility is still important for the subtle footwork and changes in direction.

• Fit: A snug, comfortable fit is crucial for maintaining close partner connection and executing precise footwork.

• Lightweight: Lightweight shoes enhance agility and allow for effortless movement.

• Heels: Low heels, or flat soled shoes are the most common.

Dress shoes with smooth leather soles or dance-specific shoes with leather soles are excellent choices for Carolina Shag.

Philly Bop: Style and Flow

Philly Bop emphasizes smooth, flowing, and syncopated footwork, with a strong focus on style and individual expression:

• Soles: Smooth leather or suede soles are preferred for smooth slides and turns. The required sole can vary somewhat based on the specific location where the dance is being done.

• Flexibility: Shoes must be flexible enough to accommodate the intricate footwork and stylistic variations.

• Style: Philly Bop dancers often prioritize style, so shoes that complement their overall look are important.

• Comfort: Because this dance is done for long periods of time in social settings, comfort is a very high priority.

• Heels: Low heels or flat-soled shoes are most common.

Stylish dress shoes with leather soles or dance sneakers are popular choices.

General Tips for All Swing Styles:

• Always prioritize a good fit and adequate support.

• Consider the dance floor surface, as it can affect your choice of sole.

• Ultimately, the best shoes are the ones that allow you to dance comfortably and confidently.

Investing in the right shoes can significantly enhance your swing dance experience. So, take the time to find your perfect pair, and get ready to swing out in style!

Dancing on Concrete - A Swing Dance Club's Plea

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' joints. It is also easy to set up and take down, so it can be used for a variety of events.

The cost of a 21’ x 21’ Snaplock portable dance floor is about $4,300. We have a generous donor that has offered to match donations up to $5,000 which would result in our ability to get a 30' x 30' floor! Let's make it happen! We are asking for your help to raise this money so that we can provide a better dancing experience for our members. It also allows us to set up on a myriad of other indoor or outdoor flat surfaces of dirt, sand, grass, asphalt, etc.

How You Can Help

There are many ways that you can help us to raise funds for our Snaplock portable dance floor. Here are a few ideas:

• Donate to our spotfund campaign: We have set up a spotfund campaign to collect donations for the dance floor. Please visit our page and donate whatever you can.
• Attend our events: We hold a variety of events throughout the year, such as classes, workshops, and social dances. By attending these events, you will be supporting our club and helping us to raise funds for the dance floor.
• Spread the word: Please tell your friends and family about our fundraising campaign. The more people who know about our cause, the more likely we are to reach our goal.

With your support, we can create a space where dancers of all levels can come together to enjoy the music, connect with friends, and move their bodies without fear of injury. Your contribution will help us build a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant dance community.

Donate Today!

Swing Dance Your Way to Less Pain: A Footstompin' Guide to Pain Management

 

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 meditation that can help manage stress and anxiety, which often exacerbate pain.
• Social Butterfly Benefits: Swing dancing is a social activity. Connecting with others, laughing, and feeling part of a supportive community can significantly boost mood and well-being, reducing the perception of pain.

From Wobbly Steps to Pain-Free Spins and Circles, before you lace up your dancing shoes, remember:

• Listen to Your Body: Start slow and gentle, gradually increasing intensity as you get stronger. Pain is your body's way of talking, so don't push yourself too hard.
• Find Your Fit: Different swing styles have different demands. The early jazz dances like the Charleston, Lindy Hop or Carolina Shag might be gentler on your knees than Collegiate Shag. Explore and find what feels best for you.
• Comfort is Key: Wear supportive shoes and clothes that allow for free movement. Don't be afraid to modify steps to suit your needs.
• Seek Guidance: A qualified swing instructor can teach you proper technique to avoid injury and maximize pain relief.

So, put on your dancing shoes, crank up the tunes, and swing your way to a happier, healthier you! Remember, it's not about perfection, it's about the joy of movement and the power of community. And who knows, you might just surprise yourself with what your body can do.

Bonus Tip: Check out adaptive swing dancing classes specifically designed for people with pain or mobility limitations. You'll be amazed at the inclusive and supportive environment!

Let's share the beat and spread the word! Share your swing dancing pain management story in the comments below!

I hope this blog post helps you tap into the pain-relieving power of swing dancing. Remember, consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise program, and most importantly, have fun!