The Shag is our hometown dance here in the Carolinas. The good thing is that it is a fun dance that we can be proud of. The bad thing is, whenever we go anywhere else in the world, nobody else knows it so we have a hard time finding a partner to dance it with. Still it is a Carolina culture and everyone should learn the laziness to the dance. The Shag is danced with a one-hand hold (man's left to lady's right) so the other hand is designated to holding a drink. The knees should be very relaxed, and all steps slide through the ball of the foot before becoming a flat step. The body should always be tall and never slouchy. Practicing with a penny on your head may help with this even though you may feel a bit silly at first. If all is done correctly, this dance will be easy to pick up, and you will be moving on to the advanced basic step in no time at all.

15 Sec Music Clip
(Otis Redding - Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay)

Man's Footwork

Lady's Footwork