11 Carolina Shag

The Lindy dance, named after pilot Charles Lindbergh, originated in the Savoy Ballroom in 1927 and was danced to swing music. It is believed to have its roots in the Fox Trot. The dance featured a syncopated two-step accenting the offbeat, followed by the breakaway, which was the main feature of the dance. The steps used in the Lindy were not new, as they had already been used in other dances like the Shag, Texas Tommy, and vaudeville shows.

Initially, the dance was mainly limited to Harlem and the Savoy during the late 1920s. Still, during the 1930s, the popularity of ballroom dance experienced significant growth despite the Depression and hardships. By the end of 1936, Lindy was called the jitterbug, jive, and swing. However, most serious dance teachers felt that the Lindy/Swing would not last and were very negative towards its use. Opposition gave way to acceptance with time, and the “Lindy Hop” was refined to suit more social settings.

In due course, dance organizations standardized a six-beat count, which dancers throughout the United States adopted. Lindy hop, shag, jitterbug, swing, and similar dances continue to maintain their popularity and appeal, primarily among teenagers and college students. Most cities and states have their version of dancing to swing music.

The Carolina Shag, more commonly called the Shag, is one of two state dances of North Carolina. It is also one of three state dances in South Carolina. It is a popular partner dance found throughout the South and is typical of beach communities where it originated.

The dance is characterized by its smooth and subdued nature. It is fast, has tight footwork, and has “controlled wildness” (SCETV, 1986). It is traditionally danced to music with a rhythm and blues or soul feel. It appears that the history of the name and several of the dance variations originated in vaudeville. The dance “The Shag” was performed as early as 1928 in Wilmington, North Carolina (Hall, 1975). In the 1930s, the Shag was featured at clubs in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and the Big Apple dancers of New York City performed it. As such, shag roots intertwined with the dances known as Jitterbug and Lindy. By the 1950s, the Shag had seemingly adopted the feel of rhythm and blues, a precursor to rock and roll, typical of the music of that era. A variety of local beach bands began playing the circuit of shag clubs and grew in popularity. A beach culture of shaggers not only existed near the ocean but also at inland lakes and along rivers. In Columbia communities, North Carolina cities such as Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro, Fayetteville, Wilmington, and South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach strongly followed the dance. Some towns had popular radio stations that specifically broadcast beach music for dancing or frequently featured the dance on local television.

The Carolina Shag is a smooth and laid-back partner dance that originated in the coastal regions of the Carolinas, particularly in South Carolina. It is often danced to beach music, a genre that blends R&B, soul, and oldies. Here are the key elements that define the Carolina Shag dance style:

Timing and Rhythm: The Carolina Shag is typically danced to music in 4/4 time with a moderate tempo. The basic rhythm pattern is counted as “1&2, 3&4, 5-6,” where the first four counts are quick-quick-slow, and the last two counts are slow steps.

Footwork: The dance features intricate footwork with many syncopations and foot shuffles. The primary step consists of a six-count pattern, which includes a series of triple steps (or shuffles) and a rock step. Footwork is smooth and precise, with minimal up-and-down motion.

Smooth and Low-to-the-Ground Movement: Dancers maintain a smooth, gliding motion, staying low to the ground, which creates a relaxed and effortless appearance. Unlike some other dances, there is no rise-and-fall or exaggerated hip motion.

Connection and Frame: The Carolina Shag is a partner dance with a semi-closed or closed position. The connection between partners is light but firm, allowing for clear lead and follow. The dance frame is relaxed, with partners maintaining a close distance but not too tight.

Styling and Expression: The Carolina Shag is often described as calm and laid-back, reflecting the beach culture from which it originated. Dancers focus on smooth, effortless movement and frequently add personal style and flair through subtle variations in footwork and body movement.