Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective

Exciting News!   We're thrilled to announce our plans to purchase a  Snaplock portable dance floor  for the Colonial Heights community. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we're one step closer to making this dream a reality. Our Vision Our goal is to create a valuable asset for the local dance community by establishing the Colonial Heights Swing Dance Club as a 501c(7) nonprofit organization. This will enable us to: Own the dance floor:  The floor will become a club asset, ensuring its long-term availability. Manage club finances:  We'll establish a board and a checking account to handle business transactions efficiently. Offer rentals:  The dance floor will be available for rent to the public for private events, dances, parties, and more. How Rental Income Will Be Used: Reimbursing Donors:  If requested by our donors, our top priority is to repay the generous individuals who have contributed to this project. Funding Club Activities:   Once i...

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' ...

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...

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...

This 2-hour workshop is your chance to explore the rich history of swing dance through its footwork evolution . Get ready to tap your toes and learn how swing dancing transformed across the decades! Here's what you'll get for your $25: Charleston Craze: Master the iconic Charleston steps of the 1920s, including the side-by-side and the shimmy. *To learn more about the history, here a quick video:  Abbreviated Charleston History - Lindy Hop and Swing Dance Partnered Charleston: Learn how the Charleston transitioned into a fun and flirty partnered dance in the 30s. Balboa Basics: Discover the smooth and close-bodied Balboa style from California, known for its lollies, paddles and more. Swingout Showdown: Explore the footwork differences between East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop, two major swing variations. Timeless Fun: Socialize with fellow swing enthusiasts, learn from experienced instructors, and most importantly, have a blast! Gourmet Pizza: Choose your favorite pizza...

Have you ever watched a couple swing dancing and been captivated by their effortless twirls and infectious energy? Swing dancing is more than just a fun activity; it's a gateway to a more flourishing life.  While achieving ultimate fulfillment involves various aspects, here's how swing dance can significantly contribute: Body and Mind in Harmony: Swing dancing isn't just about fancy footwork, think the Carolina Shag. It's a full-body workout that gets your heart pumping, improves coordination, and boosts flexibility.  The rhythmic nature of the music and the focus required to learn the steps can also elevate your mood and combat stress.  Find Your Tribe: Swing dance classes are a fantastic way to meet new people who share your enthusiasm. This fosters friendships, creates a sense of belonging, and combats feelings of isolation.  Imagine a room filled with individuals eager to learn, laugh, and celebrate the joy of movement together. Confidence Through Movement: Le...

  Last night's intermediate class was pure magic!  As we guided our students through building dances in layers and linked patterns,  we witnessed something truly special:  the seed of  collaboration  blossoming within our dance community. It wasn't just about mastering moves (though those footwork combos were on point! ),  it was about  connecting ,   responding ,  and  building together .  Watching them  weave improvisations into each other's sequences ,  supporting each other with  encouraging smiles and playful energy ,  and  creating spontaneous moments of shared joy  filled our hearts with so much warmth. This is exactly what we dreamed of when we introduced this teaching approach.  We wanted to  encourage communication through movement ,  to  break down barriers between dancers ,  and to  spark a sense of shared ownership in the creative process .  And last ...