The Carolina Shag is considered a main form of Swing Dance. It is the Official State Dance of South Carolina (since 1984.) Originally, the Carolina Shag formed out of the Charleston, and Collegiate Shag. However, today there is no resemblance to them at all. The name, Carolina Shag originated at Myrtle Beach in So. Carolina in the 1930's, when back then, the dance was originally a mix of the Charleston and Collegiate Shag (according to 10/1938-Dance Index Magazine's article on the dance. "Carolina Shag" descriptions) with some of the original basic steps being called the: Cuban Step, Shuffle, Twinkle, etc.

    The original Carolina Shag is said to have originated in Atlantic Beach area, but most agree on the modern form of the dance being danced in the Myrtle Beach area (The Pavilion?) in the mid 1940s (WWII) when the R&B bands were playing the beaches and the clubs, the music slowed down

considerably and the dancers, the music and the times changed the dance up to to its current look and feel (It has a great feel by the way). Dancing on the beach (sand) helped change this dance as well, where it gets it's nickname "Beach Dancing" and/or "Beach Music."

    Today, it is basically a slotted East Coast Swing style dance with a splash of the West Coast Swing slot including both 6 and 8 count patterns. Today, the "Shag" consists mainly of fancy footwork by the leader, with the follower matching the leaders's footwork occasionally. In the past it was the lady who called out the footwork she wanted to "mirror" (The follower occasionally will call out a name of footwork or a sequence and the man will then lead it with her). Choreography usually is not done Socially or Competitively (but thats changing). There are very few patterns/spins done in Carolina Shag (due to beach/ sand dancing) however there is an immense amount of "footwork." Generally, there are very few times when both hands are used when leading ... (like two handed patterns/wraps etc.,) with almost the entire dance using only a one hand connection.

    Some claim the Carolina shag as pre-existing the Lindy Hop, due to some music title's having the Shag in its name or description, how-ever they are confusing the earlier "Collegiate Shag" with the later Carolina version. The earliest mention of the Carolina Shag I have found, with the actual words "Carolina Shag or it's modern day description" of the dance is 1938. (if anyone has other information, I would like to see it ... and will gladly make corrections ... not hearsay, myths etc.)

    Carolina Shag became known as "Beach Swing" and was done to "Beach Music," which was basically old Motown, Blues and Oldies music today. The Shag is done primarily in the Southern States such as Florida, the Carolina's, Virginia, Georgia, etc. and has a very smooth, and very connected feel with your partner and the music. Today, West Coast Swing and Shag are starting to merge by some folks and the best qualities of each of the two together and forming a newer, but not as popular style called SWAG ! It's really cool. However, the Carolina Shag will always be a mainstay in the Swing Dance community. Shag became the official state dance of So. Carolina in 1984.

    Many folks ask what style of swing (Jitterbug) is best, West Coast, East Coast, Whip, Push, Lindy, Shag etc. However, there is no best style. The best style would depend on what type of music you are dancing to at the time, Geographics, who your partner is, the theme of the dance being held, the speed in which the music is played and the dance knowledge of you and or your partner. If you're partner only knows one style of swing, then their style would be the best style to dance with them at that time. If they only know one style they usually will declare that the style they know is the best style above all other styles and usually will make derogatory statements for many varied reasons.

    Swing (aka Jitterbug) is a wonderful dance form in all it's versions that fits all types of Music, Personalities, Finances etc. Calling yourself a swing dancer means you can at least do the basics in many forms of swing and a few well. So learn to swing dance whatever style, you're unique and your dances should be varied and your style should represent your knowledge of dance that other, newer dancers (and they are the majority) don't possess, not limited to only one. However you will eventually find you like them all and soon you will understand the importance of them all as well as understand why there are different styles to begin with. So enjoy them and mainly smile, laugh and have fun.

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Basic Step ...

start in Open Position (Push Basic);
1) - Move towards each other, 123 (fwd. coaster step 1&2)
2) - Move away from each other 123 (back Coaster step, 3&4)
3) - Rock-Step and repeat 1-2 (5-6)