Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective

As a dance instructor, I’ve been fascinated by the journey dancers take from beginners to experts. It's more than just learning steps; it's about developing a deep connection with the dance and growing as an individual. Recently, while attending a USTA (United States Tennis Association) course, I discovered a powerful framework that beautifully aligns with this journey: the 5 C's from the American Athlete Development Model. These principles - Competence, Confidence, Character, Connection, and Creativity - are essential for mastering any skill, including dance. Let's explore how these 5 C's can guide dancers on their path to excellence: 1. Competence The foundation of any skill is competence. In dance, this means mastering the basic steps, techniques, and rhythms. As dancers gain proficiency, they build a strong base upon which to develop their skills further. 2. Confidence As dancers become more competent, their confidence grows. This confidence is essential for ta...

Are you ready to groove to the rhythm of swing and shag? Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective is excited to announce a series of upcoming events that will have you dancing the night away. Beginner and Intermediate Classes Wednesdays starting September 11th: Beginner class at 7:30 PM and Intermediate class at 8:30 PM at the Colonial Heights Community Building. Thursdays starting September 12th: Beginner class at 7:00 PM and Intermediate class at 8:00 PM at the Colonial Heights Moose Lodge. Friday Night Fas' Dancin' Join us for a night of fun and dancing on Friday, September 13th at the Colonial Heights Moose Lodge. Enjoy a beginner-friendly lesson at 6:00 PM followed by a DJ dance until 10:00 PM. Feature Attraction Band Get ready to rock the night away on Saturday, October 12th with the Feature Attraction Band. This talented group will be playing classic beach music, rhythm and blues, and rock-n-roll at the Colonial Heights Moose Lodge. Tickets will be on sale so...

This past weekend, we had the privilege of attending the Summer Instructors Ball in Philadelphia, PA. This incredible event brought together dance instructors from across the region, from New York to Virginia, showcasing a diverse array of dance styles. What truly struck me was the power of dance to bridge cultural gaps and foster a sense of community. A Melting Pot of Dance The Summer Instructors Ball was a vibrant celebration of dance, featuring everything from Detroit Ballroom to Carolina Shag. Instructors, accompanied by their students, took turns performing short showcases, providing a glimpse into their unique styles and the rich histories behind them. A Social Dance Haven Between the showcases, the social floor was a bustling hub of activity. Dancers of all levels and backgrounds came together to share their passion for dance. The blend of different styles created a mesmerizing tapestry of movement, as dancers communicated through lead and follow, exchanging steps and rhythms. B...