Entertainment
4 Couples band together at competition to give shag dancing a whole new twist
I wouldn't last 10 seconds into this dance even on my best day.
Jessica Adler
02.08.21

A lot of people wish they could go back to the โ€œgood old days.โ€ While itโ€™s technically not possible, one teamโ€™s dance performance might have you feeling like you did indeed travel through time!

The video takes place at the Camp Hollywood National Jitterbug Championships. A team called LA Shag took the dance floor wearing old-fashioned clothing, ready to compete. But instead of the four couples jumping in with tons of energy โ€“ their routine starts out a little more unusualโ€ฆ

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It may seem like itโ€™s all about the current trends. However, classic dance styles are still being practiced across the country, and there are even competitions where enthusiasts show off their skills. Fortunately, many of these performances are captured on film, including the one below.

The LA Shag members begin their dance pretending to be fast asleep. But donโ€™t worry, itโ€™s not a โ€œsnooze-fest.โ€

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Time to rise and shine.

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One by one the couples โ€œwake upโ€ from their slumber and it transforms into an incredible Collegiate Shag routine! Just be ready because their quick-moving legs are mesmerizing to watch โ€“ especially with there being so many of them (16 to be exact).

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Even the music adds to the old-fashioned vibe.

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Playing in the background is a jazzy tune called โ€œSan,โ€ and itโ€™s a rendition by the California Feetwarmers. The sound makes it seem like itโ€™s from decades ago โ€“ but California Feetwarmers is actually a current musical group whoโ€™s passionate about hot jazz, ragtime, and โ€œstompyโ€ blues. The song itself might have you tapping your foot right along with them.

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All of the couples dance with great skill. Amazingly, theyโ€™re also able to stay synchronized as a troupe during the performance.

The dancersโ€™ Shag moves are fast-paced, and quite frankly, itโ€™s a style that looks like an absolute blast to try out (although tiring). According to the website CollegiateShag.com, it originated back in the 30s and involves โ€œhigh energy footworkโ€ and a โ€œhopping basic step.โ€

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A viewer commented:

โ€œWowโ€ฆ.10 seconds into this dance and I would be on the floor! Bravo to all the dancers!โ€

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Others felt beamed back to their own younger days, and itโ€™s not just because of the vintage hairstyles, shoes, and clothing. The actual dancing brings up good memories too.

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Someone wrote: โ€œGreat dancing โ€“ Reminds me of when we were teensโ€ while another said: โ€œOh to be young againโ€ฆโ€

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Thereโ€™s never a dull moment during the routine.

Using tons of energy, the members of LA Shag fly across the floor and switch up their positions the entire time.

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They include a variety of entertaining moves like when the males steal a kiss (only to get โ€œslappedโ€ in return). Or, when the dancers form two lines and do massive bunny hops.

Another viewer wrote:

โ€œThis is completely and totally awesome. And, it looks like such fun. Great job, dancers!!โ€

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Cheers can be heard during the troupeโ€™s spectacular performance. However, in the end, they have the crowd going totally wild.

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According to the Camp Hollywood website, LA Shag brought home the first-place prize in the 2014 competition within the โ€œteamโ€ category. That wonโ€™t be very surprising after you see how talented they are!

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If youโ€™re in need of something to put a spring in your step, this could help do the trick. Press play below to watch this amazing Shag dance for yourself!

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