When you think of the word shag, what probably comes to mind is Shaggy from the cartoon Scooby-Doo. Well, today is the perfect day to introduce another “shag” that has more sophistication and indeed an all-time favorite.
In case you missed it, let me introduce to you shag dancing. In the 1930s the word “shag” became a blanket term that signifies a rather large family of jitterbug dances that all share particular characteristics. And as quickly as it is created, the dance rose in popularity among young people in the 1940s as they step and twirl to the rhythm of the music.
There are three known types of shag. There is Carolina shag that is primarily done to the beat of beach music. There is also the Collegiate Shag rocking to the up-tempo swing and pre-swing jazz. And last but not least is the St. Louis shag which has evolved from the combination of Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag, and Charleston. It is a fast, closed position dance that is usually done to stomp, jump, and boogie-woogie music.
Relatively speaking, shag is not a difficult thing to learn. However, it is physically tiring to do that you better think twice before you consider learning it.
To put it simply, it’s a lot of stepping forward and backward in those counts, switching your weight between your right and left sides throughout. And the key point here is to generally feel and look as if the partners are mirroring each other’s movements, completely in sync. This type of dance requires lots of leg strength and stamina so you can properly execute your routine.
The National Shag Dance Championships is the longest and continuously running shag dance contest in the United States.
Posted by National Shag Dance Championships on Saturday, June 10, 2017
This dance tilt started in Myrtle Beach in 1984. And from then on, it continues to produce countless spectacular dancers that rule the dance floor. Just like this amazing pair of talented people who will definitely blow your mind.
This young duo sets the dance floor on fire as they compete in the Junior II Division of NSDC.
At first, the judges weren’t paying close attention as the two dancers take the center stage. But as groovy notes waft in the air, filling the hall with a vibe you can’t resist, these two amazing performers light it up with their performance.
Kayla Henley and Jeremy Webb are young superstars in the making when it comes to shag dancing.
Just a few seconds into their routine and the audience is already whooping in cheers for these two. Not only did they get the crowd’s attention but the judges are all eyes on them now for they don’t want to miss a beat. Both Kayla and Jeremy are unstoppable on the dance floor like a raging storm and everyone is loving their energy.
Kayla gracefully glides her way on the dance floor, like a wind she spins with her long hair fanning out of her face.
Every kick of her feet and bend of her knees makes the people swoon over her outstanding performance.
Jeremy on the other hand is like a ball full of surprises.
He shuffles his feet in gravity-defying stunts making the spectators go wild. It’s like his body and legs are made of jelly as he shakes and twirls like he has no bones.
He dances to every beat of music impeccably everyone can’t help but clap throughout their fantastic performance. Both of them are amazing on stage. Their pair is a certified hit to the crowd.
Watch this jaw-dropping performance by checking out this video below!
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