11 Carolina Shag
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.
*Instructional videos for Carolina Shag:
https://ncsu.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=aebda93d-ae66-4792-af8d-b2f000d5d1b8
- Basic Footwork
- Follower’s Turn
- Double Turn
- Start Up
- Arch Turn to Send Out
- The Pivot
- Sugar Foot
- Practice with Music
Basic (Lead)
| Directions | Count | Timing | Cue |
| Step L forward | 1 | Q | Forward |
| Step R beside L | & | Q | Forward |
| Step L backward | 2 | Q | Backward |
| Step R backward | 3 | Q | Backward |
| Step L forward | & | Q | Forward |
| Step R Backward | 4 | Q | Backward |
| Step L Backward | 5 | S | Backward |
| Step R Forward | 6 | S | Forward |
Basic (Follow)
| Directions | Count | Timing | Cue |
| Step R forward | 1 | Q | Forward |
| Step L beside R | & | Q | Forward |
| Step R backward | 2 | Q | Backward |
| Step L backward | 3 | Q | Backward |
| Step R forward | & | Q | Forward |
| Step L Backward | 4 | Q | Backward |
| Step R Backward | 5 | S | Backward |
| Step L Forward | 6 | S | Forward |
Carolina Shag’s basic step stands apart from other swing dances in several key ways:
- Six-Count, Eight-Step Pattern: While Carolina Shag, like East Coast Swing, uses a six-count rhythm, the Shag’s basic incorporates eight actual steps over those six counts. This is counted as “one-and-two, three-and-four, five-six,” with no repeat on the same foot in a row. This contrasts with some other swing dances that might allow repetition or use different rhythm structures.
- Sliding, Smooth Style vs. Bouncy Movement: Unlike the bouncy or upbeat movement characteristic of East Coast Swing, Carolina Shag emphasizes a gliding, shuffling motion. There is intentionally no bounce in the Shag’s step; the feet shuffle or slide along the floor, which is a significant contrast to the light bounce seen in other swing forms like East Coast Swing. Most of the movement originates from the waist down, keeping the upper body nearly still, as if “holding a drink without spilling”.
- Slotted Movement vs. Circular Motion: The Shag is danced in a “slot”—an imaginary narrow rectangle—where partners move back and forth along this line. This structured, linear movement is similar to West Coast Swing but differs from the circular motion typically found in East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop.
Key Takeaways
Carolina Shag single-hand hold position:
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The man’s left hand holds the woman’s right hand.
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Arms are extended from the elbow, with elbows close but not touching the body.
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The connection is usually made mainly by the two middle fingers, with the man’s index finger along the side of her hand and his thumb resting gently on the back of her hand.
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This creates a firm but relaxed connection, allowing a smooth lead.
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Partners face each other squarely, standing in an open position at around waist or hip height, holding hands.
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The hold enables the characteristic smooth, grounded, accordion-like movement called the Carolina Shag.
- Rhythm and Basic Pattern:
◦ The core rhythm is a 6-count pattern.
◦ It is counted as “1, & 2, 3 & 4, 5, 6”.
◦ The rhythm is described as “Forward, forward, back, back, in place, rock step”.
◦ The basic movement uses a “one-and-two, three-and-four, five-six” rhythm, involving two triple steps followed by a rock step.
- Footwork Fundamentals:
◦ Leaders step forward with the left foot on count 1.
◦ Followers step back with the right foot on count 1.
◦ Steps are generally small, tight, and low to the ground.
◦ The emphasis is on smooth, gliding footwork rather than hopping or bouncing.
◦ Dancers should keep their steps under their body and avoid reaching.
◦ Movement primarily comes from the lower body, while the upper body remains upright and relaxed.
◦ You alternate feet with each step, never moving the same foot twice in a row.
- Music & Timing:
◦ Carolina Shag dances to Beach Music, Classic R&B, or Shag tunes.
◦ The tempo is typically 100–120 BPM, which is slower than East Coast Swing.
◦ It’s danced to a laid-back, rhythm and blues style at 100–130+ beats per minute in 4/4 time.
◦ Dancers should stay on beat and sync with their partner, focusing on musicality and rhythm.
◦ The vibe of the music is generally relaxed yet joyful.
- Partner Connection:
◦ Maintain a light, relaxed frame, avoiding tension or stiffness.
◦ The dance is often performed in a single-handed hold position.
◦ Communication between partners is mostly through subtle cues.
◦ There should be light tension in joined hands for clear leading, but never a tight grip.
◦ Teamwork and mirroring each other’s movements are essential.
- Style & Social Feel:
◦ Carolina Shag is known for its cool, smooth, and elegant look.
◦ Posture is typically upright, confident, but casual.
◦ The dance encourages a smile and enjoying the groove, as it is a social dance.
◦ There is minimal upper body motion; the upper body remains generally static, with hands held at a comfortable level.
◦ While a basic is essential, experienced dancers incorporate personal expression, including style, slides, and individual “hot-dog” footwork.
◦ It originated in the Carolina beaches in the 1940s, evolving from African American swing styles, and is a key part of social dance culture in the Carolinas and beyond.
- Signature Elements:
◦ Partners often use mirror footwork, reflecting each other’s steps.
◦ An optional rock step or weight shift can mark transitions.
◦ Foot embellishments and syncopation are common, with followers often adding stylish foot variations and swivels.
◦ It is a slotted partner dance, meaning both partners move back and forth along an imaginary rectangle or “slot”.
