Perhaps you have heard of Shag dancing from the 1988 movie “Shag” or from your time along the Carolina coast. The combination of smooth footwork and upbeat beach music makes this regional dance something to be celebrated and cherished. Take a deep dive with us into the history of the Shag dance and learn about the roots of this iconic Carolina tradition.
Your Guide to The History of the Shag Dance
Shag Origins
If we rewind to the 1920s, we begin to see dancing rooted in various African American dance styles. Originating along the Atlantic coast, specifically North and South Carolina, dancers adopted dance steps influenced by the jitterbug, the swing, and the jump blues. Infused into the dance culture through the 1930s and 1940s, throughout coastal beach clubs and pavilions, a new dance style was born.
The Evolution of “Shag”
The term “Shag” was initially used as a broad term for several different swing dances, but by the 1930s and 1940s had been adopted by college students, preferred for its quick and bouncy footwork. This was referred to as Collegiate Shag.
Birth of the Carolina Shag
During the 1940s and 1950s, the beaches along North and South Carolina were a popular vacation destination. Popular attractions included beach pavilions and dance halls (aka Juke Joints), frequented by white teenagers and young adults. This was during the time of Southern segregation, and young people of different races were not permitted to dance together or visit the same establishments.
Having observed African American dance styles, young white dancers brought these moves to popular clubs along Ocean Drive in North Myrtle Beach and beyond. The adaptation and blend of swing and beach culture created a new mid-tempo dance called the Carolina Shag.
The Golden Era of the Shag
From the 1950s through the next few decades, beach culture along the east coast was revolutionized by Shag dancing. The laid-back and synchronistic footwork, typically danced as couples, became a regional phenomenon. Encapsulating a time in American culture from post-WWII through the pre-Vietnam War era, coastal beach towns were rocked by a surge in the popularity of beach music and Shag dancing.
The basic, six-count step was performed with a focus on body control and a graceful appearance. Despite complex footwork, the dance became highly fashionable.
However, the history of the Shag dance can’t be told without also examining its decline in popularity as disco music and dancing became the new trend.
The Shag Revival
The 1980s and 1990s brought a revival of Shag dancing by older dancers who sought to preserve the dance and engage in cultural nostalgia. Shag competitions allowed for a more formal structure to this regional tradition and led to the creation of the National Shag Dance Championship in 1984—this renewed interest in beach communities and beyond.
Shag clubs and other organizations also formed, giving way to events like the Spring Safari and the Fall Migration in North Myrtle Beach.
Shag Dancing Today
Today, Shag dancing is recognized as a cultural treasure throughout coastal Carolina. It is now an intergenerational tradition where young and old can enjoy the smooth steps and sounds of a bygone era.
Shag workshops, classes, contests, festivals, and DJ nights are available in North Myrtle Beach and other coastal towns. Fat Harold’s is an iconic beach club where dancers and observers go to Shag the night away. The Spanish Galleon and Hoto’s Restaurant and Beach Club are also popular locations for Shag events and beach music.
Book Your Stay at Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort
Whether you are booking a family vacation, a romantic couples retreat, or a girlfriend’s getaway, Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort is a premier destination. Choose from our clean and well-maintained selection of ocean-view rooms, oceanfront rooms, and oceanfront suites in North Myrtle Beach. Guests enjoy incredible amenities such as easy beach access, a lazy river, a pool, an on-site restaurant and bar, and more! Take advantage of being within easy walking distance of Fat Harold’s Beach Club and be prepared to dance the night away.