Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective

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...

Intermediate Carolina Shag: A 6-Week Journey Intermediate Carolina Shag Dance Your Way to a Sharper Mind & Effortless Flow 🧠 Enhance Brain Health Connect dance practice with scientifically proven benefits for memory, plasticity, and cognitive function. 💃 Master the Dance Deepen your mastery of Shag's smooth style, intricate footwork, and partner connection. 😊 Find Your Flow Cultivate musicality and improvisation to experience the exhilarating "Flow State" on the dance floor. The 6-Week Journey to Mastery ...

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...

Ever hit the dance floor, thinking you know "East Coast Swing," only to encounter a completely different vibe? You're not alone! While often lumped under one name, East Coast Swing actually has a fascinating duality: the polished, structured ballroom version, and the relaxed, soulful "street" version, embodied beautifully by dances like the iconic Philly Bop and Carolina Shag. Let's dive in and unpack these two distinct, yet related, worlds of swing. The Ballroom Belle: East Coast Swing When you sign up for a typical swing class at a dance studio, you’re most likely learning Ballroom East Coast Swing . This style emerged in the 1940s, primarily as a simplified, standardized version of the more complex and improvisational Lindy Hop. Its goal was to make swing accessible to a broader social dancing public and suitable for formal ballroom settings. The dance is known for its "rock step, triple step, triple step" rhythm, with a clear, repetitive patter...

When you think of the Carolina Shag, you probably picture a warm summer night, some cool "beach music," and a couple gliding effortlessly across a dance floor. And while that image is a big part of the shag's appeal, it only tells half the story. The truth is, the shag is a much more complex and unique dance than it gets credit for. It's not just a simpler version of swing; it’s a living museum of dance history and a masterclass in partner communication. A Hidden History in Every Step Digging into the shag's history is like finding a hidden message in a bottle. What we call "the shag" today actually started as something else entirely—the Carolina Jitterbug . In the 1940s, as the fast-paced big band swing music of the era began to slow down, so did the dancers. The bouncy, energetic steps of the jitterbug transformed into the smooth, low-to-the-ground shuffle we know today. But those old moves never really went away. They just got a makeover. Take the Boo...

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. ...