Dance History--The Shag

Dance History

The Shag

There are at least three different types of shag dancing alive today: early-mid 1930's Shag (aka Collegiate Shag), Carolina Shag, and St. Louis Shag. All can be done with ease to fast music.
The 1930's Shag (a.k.a. Collegiate Shag) This dance was extremely popular on the West Coast, where it was used in dace competitions such as The Harvest Moon Ball. The basic consits of a 6 count pattern: slow (2 counts), slow (2 counts), quick, quick (1 count each.) Today the dance has been taken to a new level by the addtition of aerials and intricate footwork patterns.
Carolina Shag Born in the 1950's around the Myrtle Beach area, this style is still popular today in the Southeastern part of the U.S. In fact, it is South Carolina's State Dance. It consists of 6 and 8 count patterns. It has the appearance of someone doing West Coast Swing with rubber legs and tight footwork. St. Louis Shag (a.k.a Speed Shag) Is an 8 beat style of Shag which can be done at very high speeds. The dance is most comforatable at a tempo of 200-300 beats per minute. It is an offshoot of the original Charleston dancing. The basic patterns are close together with no basic step patterns such as you see in West Coast Swing.
Return to Dance History
	Top