The National Shag Dance Championships are held every year at Myrtle Beach. It is fitting as the Shag is said to have been born on the beaches of South Carolina. They started in 1984 and it is the longest continuously running shag dance contest in America.
The dance is a six-count style of the Swing born around the 1940s. They stepped and twirled to “beach music” for the parties back then. Like the Swing, it is fun to watch as it requires a lot of energy and smoothness.
They rocked the beaches of the South.
The NSDC has helped with the resurgence of the Shag that even kids are getting into it once again. Some even compete for the trophy and bragging rights. And by no means is it an easy feat.
Billy West and Brooke Farrior are two of the more popular youngsters making waves in the Shag world.
Billy and Brooke are competing in the 37th annual championships.
For fans and viewers who placed bets on these two, they went home a little bit wealthier as West and Farrior won the Junior I division championships.
That’s quite an achievement for a couple of seventh graders from North Carolina. Most kids their age would be playing video games or with noses buried in gadgets but these two went for gold.
They must have been a crowd favorite because they’ve barely begun and yet listen to those cheers.
With confidence and determination, they display incredible footwork and proceed with the familiar forward and backward steps with hips swaying. These kids are smooth!
For every step, spin, and twirl, the crowd gives an approving roar and even the judges can’t help but smile. It’s one of those moments in a competition where they know they’re looking at something special.
It’s like they’re walking on air with such fancy footwork.
These two are so much fun to watch. They seem to embody the true spirit of the Shag with those smiles and steps.
Billy has the legs that would catch the attention of the more seasoned dancers. His body control and balance is out of this world and those legs stretch and bend in unbelievable angles. Any normal guy would have hurt himself!
Billy defying gravity must be part of his daily routine.
The audience lets him know how they feel too. Cheers, whoops, and wide smiles accompany each kick, crouch, and cross that the young West is unleashing. Even Brooke looks on in amazement and she’s no slouch!
Brooke is one confident young lady who moves with poise and grace.
Even though the Shag is primarily a male-led dance, Brooke stands out with her flawless footwork and radiant smile. It’s clear to see how hard she prepared for this. Her every move complements Billy’s and she twirls and sways with him every step of the way.
The young Farrior is a warrior on the dance floor!
West and Farrior may very well have been friends before they got in to dancing. There is a chemistry to them and they constantly exchange knowing smiles all through out their routine.
They hug one another as the dance ends and that standing ovation looks good with the title of champions.
Watch these awesome seventh graders dance their hearts out in the video below.
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Source: YouTube, Southern Living
