Our Mission

Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective's mission is to rekindle the social connection and joy of partner dancing 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 our communities. We envision a future where partner dancing is a thriving and inclusive cultural experience, enriching communities through spontaneous public dance events, fostering intergenerational connection, and instilling a lifelong love of movement.

Friday, November 22, 2024

Dance Your Way to Playfulness: Rediscovering Joy in Movement

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: Dancing with others creates a sense of community and shared experience.
    • Communication Beyond Words: Dance can express emotions and ideas that words alone cannot convey.
    • Strengthened Relationships: Engaging in a fun and playful activity like dance can deepen bonds with friends and loved ones.
  • Mindfulness and Presence:

    • Focus on the Present Moment: Dance requires full attention to the body's movements and the music, promoting mindfulness.
    • Reduced Self-Consciousness: Immersing yourself in the dance can help you let go of self-judgment and embrace the moment.

How to Incorporate Dance into Your Life

  1. Take a Dance Class: Whether it's ballet, hip-hop, or salsa, learning a new style can be both challenging and fun.
  2. Dance Parties: Organize dance parties with friends and family, or attend local events that feature live music and dancing.
  3. Dance at Home: Turn on your favorite music and let loose in your living room.
  4. Dance Therapy: Consider dance therapy as a way to explore emotions and improve mental well-being.

Remember, the key to playful dance is to let go of inhibitions and enjoy the process. Don't worry about being perfect or following specific steps. Just move your body to the rhythm of the music and have fun!

So, why not rediscover the joy of dance and let your inner child shine? Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you.

We are Underhill's Swing and Shag Dance Collective and we can guide you towards the discovery of dancing your way to playfulness and lean in to the power of play!



Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Exciting News! New Venue, New Classes, and a Big Thank You!

We're thrilled to share some fantastic updates about the Colonial Heights Swing Dance Club!

First, the good news about our fundraising efforts:

We're so close to our goal of $4,500 for the SnapLock portable dance floor! Thanks to your generous contributions, we're currently at $3,950. We're hopeful that we'll be able to order and receive the floor before the end of December.

New Venue and Class Schedule:

To accommodate our new dance floor, we're excited to announce that we'll be moving our classes to the Colonial Heights Optimist Building starting in January 2025. This new venue will allow us to make some exciting improvements to our class offerings:

  • Earlier Start Time: Classes will now begin at 6:00 PM, giving you more time to enjoy the evening.
  • Extended Beginner Lesson: The beginner lesson will be extended to an hour and a half, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM.
  • Flexible Class Structure: The Optimist Club is graciously allowing us to set up the dance floor on Wednesday evenings and leave it up until Thursday evenings. This means we can offer both Wednesday and Thursday night classes at this convenient location.

Here's the new class schedule for the next 6-week series:

Wednesday Nights (Starting January 22, 2025)

  • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Beginner Basic Swing Dance
  • 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Beginner to Intermediate Carolina Shag

Thursday Nights (Starting January 23, 2025)

  • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Beginner Basic Swing Dance
  • 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Beginner to Intermediate Lindy Hop

Register Now! Please register for your desired classes by filling out this form: https://forms.gle/mMyFnp5EVdNqHZLV9

A Heartfelt Thank You:

We want to express our sincere gratitude to the Colonial Heights Moose Lodge for allowing us to use their space for the past year. We appreciate their support and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

We're excited about the future of the Colonial Heights Swing Dance Club and can't wait to see you on the dance floor!

Best regards,

Roger & Denise Underhill

Dreaming of Swing and Carolina Shag in Our Community: Join the Vision!

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