Official State Dance of South Carolina since 1984. Originally, the Carolina Shag formed out of the Charleston, and Collegiate Shag, However, today there is no resemblance to them at all. The name, Carolina Shag originated at Myrtle Beach in So. Carolina in the 1930's, when back then, the dance was a mix of the Charleston and Collegiate Shag (according to 10/1938-Dance Index Mag. "Carolina Shag" descriptions) with some of the original basic steps being called the: Cuban Step, Shuffle, Twinkle etc.

The original Carolina Shag is said to have originated in Atlantic Beach area, but most agree on the modern form of the dance being danced in the Myrtle Beach area (The Pavilion?) in the mid 1940s (WWII) when the R&B bands were playing the beaches and the clubs, the music slowed down considerably and the dancers, the music and the times changed the dance up to to its current look and feel (It has a great feel by the way). Dancing on the beach (sand) helped change this dance as well, where it gets it's nickname "Beach Dancing" and/or "Beach Music."

Today, it is basically a slotted East Coast Swing dance with a splash of the West Coast Swing slot including both 6 and 8 count patterns. Today, the "Shag" consists mainly of fancy footwork by the leader, with the follower matching the leaders's footwork occasionally. In the past it was the lady who called out the footwork she wanted to "mirror" (The follower occasionally will call out a name of footwork or a sequence and the man will lead it with her). Choreography usually is not done socially or Competitively (but thats changing). There are very few patterns/spins done in Carolina Shag (due to beach/ sand dancing) however an immense amount of "footwork" can be seen.

Some claim the Carolina shag as pre-existing the Lindy Hop, due to some music title's having the Shag in its name or description, how-ever they are confusing the "Collegiate Shag" with the later Carolina version. The earliest mention of the Carolina Shag I have found, with the actual words "Carolina Shag" and descriptions of the dance is 1938. (if anyone has other information, I would like to see it ... and will make corrections ... not hearsay, myths etc.)

Carolina Shag became known as "Beach Swing" and was done to "Beach Music", which was basically old Motown, Blues and Oldies music today. The Shag is done primarily in the Southern States such as Florida, the Carolina's, Virginia, Georgia, etc. and has a very smooth, connected feel with your partner and the music. Today, West Coast Swing and Shag are starting to merge the best qualities of each of the two together and forming a newer style called SWAG! Its really cool. However, the Carolina shag will always be a mainstay in the Swing dance community. Shag became the official state dance of So. Carolina in 1984.

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