Today, the "Shag" is known as an East Coast Swing dance with some West Coast Swing influence. The "Shag" is comprised of fancy footwork by the leading partner, with the follower partner matching the leaders's footwork occasionally. Originally, it was the lady who called out what footwork she wanted to follow. There are only a few patterns performed in Carolina Shag but a large amount of footwork is required.

Carolina Shag became known as "Beach Swing" and was done to "Beach Music", influenced by Motown, Blues and Oldies music as it is presently known. The Shag is performed mostly in states such as Florida, the Carolina's, Virginia and Georgia. It has a smooth feel and became the official state dance of South Carolina in 1984.