About the Hepcats

The Hepcats is a community-focused organization dedicated to the furtherance of the original swing dances of the 1930’s and 40’s, and the original swing music of that great era!  These dances include the Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston and Collegiate Shag.  For music, we like to dance (and listen) to a variety of musical genres, but especially the music of the great Big Bands, such as Duke Ellington, Jimmie Lunceford, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Chick Webb, Artie Shaw; and the jump blues music of artists such as Louis Jordan,
Big Joe Turner and Wynonie Harris; just to mention a few!
If you want to learn the original swing dances, Lindy Hop and Balboa,
the Hepcats is the place for you!


What makes the Hepcats really unique is our efforts in creating a community of swing dancers through classes, workshops, swing dances (some with live music!) and performance groups.

In keeping with those efforts, the Hepcats promote swing dancing in the Lexington/central Kentucky area, to include awareness and appreciation for the swing era as a historical and cultural asset.  We believe you can't separate the dance from the music -- ask anyone that has attended a Hepcats event:  we have the best music in town!  We are proud of our collaborations with local, regional, and national musicians, but especially so with the University of Kentucky School of Music and the Kentucky Jazz Repertory Orchestra
The Hepcats want to share all the great things about swing dancing and swing music with you!


About Mike & Mary

How did you get started dancing?

Mike & Mary began dancing in 1999 and quickly discovered their true love was the original swing dances of the 1930’s and 40’s:  Lindy Hop and Balboa.  Unable to find any instruction in Lindy Hop or Balboa in the Lexington area, they began to teach themselves, view vintage films and movies, and attend regional and national level workshops and competitions. 

By attending Lindy Hop and Balboa workshops, competitions and events all over the U.S., they have taken lessons and learned from many of the best instructors (and some of the original swing dancers!) in the swing dance community.
 

Why should someone take lessons/learn to swing dance from Mike & Mary?

Mike & Mary Richardson have been teaching swing dancing for over 8 years.  They are the most experienced swing dance instructors in the Lexington/central Kentucky area and are passionate about sharing all the great things about swing dancing and swing music!   Not only have they taught hundreds of people to dance via Hepcats classes and dances, they have also taught at numerous local and regional swing dance workshops and events.  

Mike & Mary believe that learning to swing dance is a journey, not a destination.  They often travel to out of town swing dance workshops and dances to improve and hone their skills.  They also regularly compete in Couples, Jack & Jill and Performance Group competitions.  Mike & Mary have won and placed in the finals at numerous local and regional Lindy Hop and Balboa competitions.  They also compete at the national level.
 
Mary's musical theatre background and love of swing-era music, movies, fashion and clothes (especially shoes!) is the catalyst for her creativity, not only on the social dance floor, but as the choreographer for the Rhythm Cats performance group, and the "Razz Ma Tazz" (a 1920's Charleston "Flapper Girls" performance group).

Mary willingly shares her knowledge of swing-era fashions with local swing dancers.  In addition,
she has also provided her expertise on swing-era clothes, hairstyles, make-up, and dancing to area musical theater groups.  Mary is a good source of information on where to obtain swing-era clothes, shoes and accessories.

Mike is also a well known DJ, respected for his thorough knowledge of swing-era music, genres and styles.  His love of swing dancing naturally meshed with his love for the great music of the swing era.  As a youngster much of the popular music of Mike's day was the sound of Motown and Stax records, and he sometimes spins tunes from that great era of soul music.  But more often than not, Mike was listening to the “oldies” music played on the radio, which at that time was the 1930’s and 40’s big band and jump blues music, his true loves in swing music! 

Mike is the primary DJ for Hepcats events in Lexington, and has also DJ’d at numerous regional and local events in Louisville, KY, Cincinnati, OH and Columbus, OH. 
For Hepcats dances, Mike likes to play great music that's really fun for swing dancing, to include Big Band, Jump Blues, R&B, 50's, Rockabilly, etc..., at a variety of tempos from his collection of over 10,000 songs!  The Hepcats play the best music in town!
 

How would you describe your teaching style?

Mike & Mary's love of swing dancing has created a teaching style that is based on learning, laughter and fun!  They believe that solid fundamentals in movement, connection and technique are key in partnered swing dancing.  They break down individual steps and patterns in an easy, step-by-step manner that allows each student to not only learn the move, but also understand how it works.

If you're a beginner, Mike & Mary's teaching style will provide you that initial solid foundation and self-confidence so you can shine on the dance floor!  You'll also develop the skills necessary to continue to learn more intermediate and advanced steps and patterns. 

For swing dancers with more experience, Mike & Mary can help you take your dancing to the next level, to include learning more complicated material, developing musicality in your dancing, and even preparing for competitions.
 

What about the swing dance scene in Lexington/central Kentucky?

Mike & Mary have been instrumental in establishing and developing the swing dance scene in Lexington and central Kentucky.  They strongly believe awareness of and appreciation for the swing-era as a historical and cultural asset is important for the Lindy Hop and Balboa dancer.  Through their dedication, vision and leadership, the Hepcats offer regular monthly/twice a month swing dances (some with live music!); sponsor weekend and one day workshops; and sponsor performance groups, such as the Rhythm Cats and the Razz Ma Tazz

They established a collaboration for semi-annual Big Band Swing Dances with the Kentucky Jazz Repertory Orchestra (KJRO), a 17 piece big band co-directed by University of Kentucky School of Music faculty that consists of the most talented faculty, alumni and musicians from Kentucky area colleges and universities.  KJRO authentically re-creates the original swing-era arrangements of artists such as Duke Ellington, Jimmie Lunceford, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Harlan Leonard, and others.   As a result of this collaboration, KJRO was inspired to record and release a CD especially for swing dancers, Flying Home.

Don't wait!  Join Mike & Mary at a future Hepcats event for great dancing, great music and great fun!
 


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Mike at 859-420-2426, or info@Luv2SwingDance.com.