Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective

The Misunderstood "Push": A Lesson in Dance Language The room buzzed with energy, a mix of nervous laughter and determined footwork. I have noticed many beginner couples with the same frustration when I work with them one-on-one. I hear "He keeps pushing me," or "And when I push her, she just stands there!" A familiar wave of realization washed over me. This wasn't just a physical misunderstanding; it was a linguistic one. The word "push," so common in everyday language, has no place in the vocabulary of partnered dance. It conjures images of force, of resistance, of a battle rather than a graceful exchange. "Let's talk about that word 'push'," I interjected. "In dance, we don't push. We suggest. We indicate. We lead." I demonstrated, placing my hand gently on my partner's back, a feather-light touch guiding her into the turn. "It's a conversation, not a command. You're not forcing your par...

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...

Recently, while preparing for a workshop this weekend and reflecting on teaching a class last week, I had a significant realization: the rock step is the linchpin when integrating 8-count Lindy Hop into a dance foundation primarily based on 6-count swing. This seemingly simple step becomes the crucial moment where the rhythm shifts, the energy changes, and the dancers seamlessly transition between these distinct swing dance styles. This blog post will delve into the unique role of the rock step in bridging these dance styles and fostering a deeper understanding of this fundamental element. The Rock Step In the vibrant world of swing dancing, where intricate patterns and dazzling acrobatics often steal the show, there's one seemingly simple element that often goes unnoticed: the rock step. Often overlooked, the rock step is the foundation upon which much of swing dance is built. It's the rhythmic heartbeat, the moment of pause and preparation, and the key to smooth and seamless ...

Hey dance enthusiasts! Week 2 of our Swing, Carolina Shag, and Lindy Hop classes was a blast, and we dove headfirst into some exciting new territory. This week was all about building on the foundations we laid in week 1 and adding some serious flair. Let's take a look at what we covered in each class: General Concepts (Across All Classes): No matter which style you're learning, some fundamental principles apply across the board. This week, we reinforced the importance of solidifying the basics. All classes kicked off by revisiting patterns from week 1 – you know, those catchy 6-count patterns, those essential 6 and 8-count rhythms, and of course, the triple step patterns. Practice makes perfect, and revisiting these core moves is crucial for building a strong foundation for more complex steps. We also continued to emphasize the importance of warming up before each class to get our bodies ready to move. And, of course, week 2 marked a clear progression, introducing more...

This past week was an incredible start to our swing dance classes! 💃🕺 New SnapLock dance floor installed for classes The afternoon kicked off with the installation of our amazing new portable dance floor. This gift from the dance community is a game-changer, providing a perfect surface for dancing anywhere! By 6:00 PM, the room was buzzing with excitement as students of all ages (10 to 80+) arrived, ready to learn. We started with the basic swing rhythm, clapping and stepping to the beat, and then progressed to the 6-count rhythm that will be the foundation of our classes. Seeing the smiles, the "aha!" moments, and the pure joy on everyone's faces as they discovered the magic of swing dance was truly heartwarming. It's a privilege to witness this transformation and share the love of dance with others. ❤️ Week 1: Got Our Feet Tappin', Hearts Whippin'! Welcome to Beginner Swing Dance! (Beginner Wednesday & Thursday) Buckle up, because our Beginner Swing Da...

Love, like a good dance, requires rhythm, connection, and a willingness to move together. While the everyday hustle and bustle can sometimes leave little room for romance, learning to partner dance can be a surprisingly powerful way to reignite the spark in your life, whether you're currently in a relationship or not. More Than Just Steps: Partner dancing is more than just learning a series of steps. It's a journey of: Self-Expression: Dance is a powerful form of self-expression. It allows you to connect with your emotions and move your body in a graceful and joyful way. Confidence Building: Learning a new skill and mastering challenging steps can significantly boost your self-confidence. Social Connection: Dance studios and classes provide a welcoming and social environment where you can meet new people who share your passion for movement. Benefits for Singles: Improved Social Skills: Partner dancing enhances social skills like communication, interaction, and engaging...

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...