Roger & Denise Underhill
- Carolina Shag InstructorS -
We are the founders and lead instructors of Underhill’s Swing and Shag Dance Collective. With a marriage of over 44 years and 15 years spent mastering the hardwood together, our partnership is built on the belief that partner dance is the ultimate "Third Place" - a community sanctuary for connection and joy, free from digital noise and commercial spectacle.Â
Train with Roger & Denise100+
100+
100+
100+
What You’ll Learn from Roger & Denise
Dance Technique
Learn how to perform pivots, breaks, and transitions smoothly and naturally. You will improve control of movement, balance, and rhythm for confident dancing.
Partner Flow
Develop a strong connection with your partner. Learn how to read movement, communicate through lead and follow, and create a natural flow in the dance.
Musicality
Learn how to hear the music and highlight rhythm and accents. 
This will make your dancing more expressive, dynamic, and stylish.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS
We are the founders and lead instructors of Underhill’s Swing and Shag Dance Collective. With a marriage of over 44 years and 15 years spent mastering the hardwood together, our partnership is built on the belief that partner dance is the ultimate "Third Place" - a community sanctuary for connection and joy, free from digital noise and commercial spectacle.Â
Our Mission: Substance Over SpectacleÂ
Our work is defined by Generativity: the practice of passing on technical mastery and social grace to ensure these authentic American art forms remain vibrant. For 12 of our 15 years in the community, we have focused specifically on the preservation and curation of:Â
- Carolina Shag: We hold a deep reverence for the Southeast legacy of the Shag. We teach you to stop "stepping" and start "painting the floor," prioritizing the smooth, grounded "sand-in-the-shoes" glide and the subtle, rhythmic footwork that defines this elegant dance.Â
- Vernacular Swing: From the high-energy foundations of the Charleston and Lindy Hop to the distinct, rhythmic styling of the Philly Bop, we honor the historical roots while making them accessible for the modern social floor.Â
The Kinetic Connection & "Combo Swing"Â
Through our workshops and publication, The Kinetic Connection, we move beyond the "what" to the "why." We help our students move past the "neurological traffic jam" of counting steps to achieve Structural Telepathy—a flow state where two independent nervous systems entrain to a single rhythm. We are also the architects of "Combo Swing," a "Skeleton Key" style designed for the modern social dancer. It is a system of fluency that allows you to seamlessly bridge 6-count and 8-count rhythms, "unlocking your entire playlist" from Southern Soul and R&B to Country and Pop.Â
The Pharmacy of the FloorÂ
Our "Substance-First" approach is backed by over 360 hours of instruction delivered to hundreds of students. Informed by research on neuroplasticity and the "Yale Study" on active aging, we view the dance floor as a Pharmacy. We help our students trade technical pivots for Nitric Oxide and syncopation for dopamine, literally "slowing down time" through mindful connection and novelty.Â
Join the ConversationÂ
As Curators of Pure Experiences, our goal is to provide Active Adult Excellence in every class. Whether we are teaching at our home base in Colonial Heights or guest-instructing at a regional gala, we invite you to move past the "show" and find the mindful, physical dialogue that makes partner dance a lifelong sanctuary. "The fingertips are where the soul of the dance lives. Come find your connection."Â
Find Your Rhythm
Whether you’re putting on your first pair of loafers or refining your pivot, 
we have a place for you. Explore by instructor, experience level, or type of training.
Donnie & Kelly Sanders
Workshop Recording - $68
Donnie & Kelly Sanders
Workshop Recording - $68
Donnie & Kelly Sanders
Workshop Recording - $68
Donnie & Kelly Sanders
Workshop Recording - $68
Donnie & Kelly Sanders
Workshop Recording - $68
What Our Students Say
— Sarah M.
"I’ve been dancing different styles for years, but Carolina Shag always felt unique to me. These lessons helped me understand not just the steps, but the rhythm and spirit of the dance. Donnie and Kelly teach in such a natural way that it almost feels like practicing with them on a real dance floor."
— James T.
"I really love how well these lessons are structured. Every detail is explained clearly and without rushing. You can tell the instructors have a lot of experience and genuinely want people to learn the dance, not just copy a few steps. The best part is being able to revisit the lessons anytime and practice at your own pace. Because of that I’ve started to understand the technique and the music much better."
— Michael D.
"These lessons are so much more than just dance tutorials. Donnie and Kelly share the spirit, history, and culture of Carolina Shag. When you watch the lessons it almost feels like you’re right there on the dance floor with them. They’re incredibly charismatic and explain things in a way that makes even complex movements feel approachable. For me these lessons have been a wonderful discovery."
— Lisa R.
"My husband and I decided to try these lessons just out of curiosity, but they quickly became a part of our routine. We practice at home a few times a week and always have a great time. It’s a wonderful way to spend time together, learn something new, and take a break from the everyday routine. The instructors also create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere."
