For nearly a century, there has been a dance so influential and intoxicatingly joyful that it has captured the spirit of the coast, with pivots, belly rolls, and boogie walks defining its unique whirling cadence.
This dance, which has become more of a social phenomenon, is the Carolina Shag.
Having been described as ‘a cold beer on a warm night with a hot date and no plans for tomorrow’, ‘doing the jitterbug on Valium’, and the ‘swing dance of the South,’ the dance truly lives in a class of its own.
The Carolina Shag was declared the official state dance of South Carolina in 1984; however, its origins date back all the way to the 1930s to the traditional Shag, which was then slowed to the rhythm of the Carolinas.
The dance owes its flair to the influence of Black dancers and musicians and has evolved from a combination of dances into one big melting pot that is still celebrated and practiced today.
This quick, fun, and sociable dance’s popularity is due, in part, to the fact that anyone can learn the moves, no matter age or previous dance experience. It breaks down barriers and brings people together with a singular purpose – to have fun and enjoy the moment. The basic dance step is a smooth six-count, eight-step pattern danced in a slot.
The best Shagging spots in Myrtle Beach today are the Spanish Galleon Night Club and Fat Harold’s Beach Club, where you may be lucky to see a few Shag legends tearing it up on the dance floor on any given evening. There’s even an annual national competition in Myrtle Beach, exemplifying how popular and culturally significant the dance remains.
The sheer power of the dance and the timeless appeal make it a must-do activity for anyone visiting the area. If you’re looking to take part in a true South Carolina tradition, do the Carolina Shag.
