Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective

We’ve all heard the old adage: "Dance like nobody's watching." It’s a nice sentiment. It encourages us to let go of our inhibitions and find freedom in movement. But recently, after a night out on the floor with my wife, I realized that this saying misses a crucial part of the social dance experience. The truth is: People are watching. But here is the secret: They generally aren’t looking at your feet. They aren’t counting your beats. They aren’t grading your anchor step. They are watching your face. They are watching your connection. They are watching to see if you are having fun . The Compliment That Changed My Perspective Recently, my wife and I were out dancing, enjoying the music and each other's company. Throughout the night, several people approached us. We expected the usual questions about where we teach or how long we’ve been dancing. Instead, the most common comment was: "You two look like you are happy and very much enjoy what you do!" It wasn’t ...

Friends and fellow dancers, For a couple years on this blog, we've explored the joy of swing and shag dance. We've focused on the steps, the music, the history, and the wonderful community we're building together. We've worked on the "how" of dancing. But I've always been fascinated by something deeper. I'm endlessly curious about the "why." Why does partner dance feel so magical? Why does it forge such a powerful, non-verbal bond between two people? I believe that what we learn on the dance floor—trust, non-verbal communication, being present, and moving as one—are the exact same skills that build incredible, resilient, and deeply connected romantic relationships. This topic is bigger and more personal than a single blog post. It deserves its own dedicated space to explore. That's why I am so excited to announce a new, separate project: The Kinetic Connection . This will be my new Substack newsletter, and it has a specific mission: to...

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 ...

As a passionate advocate for social partner dancing, I've been watching a trend emerge that fills me with both understanding and deep concern. It's happening in Carolina Shag clubs, in general dance halls, and at social events across the country: line dancing and other solo-in-a-group choreographies are increasingly offered as a substitute for, rather than a supplement to, partner dancing. And frankly, I think it poses a significant threat to the very essence of what makes partner dancing so special. The Allure of the Accessible: Why Line Dancing is Booming Before we delve into the potential dangers, let's be fair. It's not hard to see why line dancing has exploded in popularity: No Partner Needed: This is the big one. Show up alone, and you can still hit the dance floor immediately. No awkward asking, no waiting to be asked, no uneven lead/follow ratios. Lower Barrier to Entry: Most line dances are based on memorizing a sequence of steps. While they require coordinat...

Ever feel like your brain is just mush after a long week? What if we told you the cure might be as simple as hitting the dance floor? Forget complicated science for a second and let's get real: dancing is one of the most fun ways to give your brain a serious upgrade. Turns out, a huge study called the U.S. POINTER trial found that a little bit of everything—moving your body, eating well, staying social, and challenging your mind—can make your brain sharper as you get older. The best part? Dancing hits all four of those things at once! It's like your favorite hobby is secretly a ninja workout for your mind. Why Dancing is Your Brain's Best Friend You're getting your cardio on. Dancing is a low-key way to get your heart pumping and send some fresh, oxygen-rich blood up to your brain. It's exercise, but with way better music. It's mental gymnastics. Learning new moves, remembering a routine, and trying not to trip over your own feet is a legit mental challenge. ...