Shag Dance

Kassib 2012

History

• The term Shag originally referred to a nationally popular dance of the 1930’s (not the 70’s).– Similar to the Jitterbug, which is a swing dance.

• In the 40’s and early 50’s dancers personalized their steps and had their own signature marks.

• In the 50’s the Shag became more and more standardized. People were counting steps, turns and paying attention to every detail.

• In the late 50’s the teenage-rebel’s and beach party goers were shagging on every boardwalk and pavilion dance floor they could find!

Harry Driver“Father of the Shag”

• One of the most popular shag dancers from the 50’s.

• Won about every dance contest he entered, but he is old now and not as fun to watch. – Thanks for the good times Harry

• Here is a clip from the 2012 National Shag Championships– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gVs7A_bNNk&fea

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Shag Music• Over the years there have been great

debates over what "shag music" is. – A die-hard shagger will tell you that most of the

music should be referred to as "beach music", not shag music, and that not all of the "beach music" is "shag music" because some of it is too fast or too slow for shagging.

– Or, they may refer to music from those bands as "bubblegum beach".

– Next, he will probably tell you that " real shag music" is R&B music created in the 40's and 50's by various black artists.

– It is probably true that the refined shag dance originated by those listening to old R&B tunes.

• Today's shag music can encompass any tune that falls within a range of about 115-130 beats per minute that a person finds suitable for the shag.

Suitable Shag Songs• Earthquake - Ronnie Milsap – Country• Going Back To Louisiana - Delbert McClinton –

Country• The Flame - Fine Young Cannibals - Top 40/Rock• Do You Believe - Cher - Top 40/Rock• Picture Of You - Boyzone - Top 40/Rock

"Smoothie“• I Want To Hug You - John Lee Hooker – Blues• Never Make A Move Too Soon - B.B. King – Blues• As Soon As I Get Paid - Keb Mo – Blues• Mojo Boogie - Henry Gray – Blues• Shake, Rattle And Roll - Big Joe Turner - R&B

"Upbeat“• Your Heart's In Good Hands - Al Green - R&B• Donut And A Dream - Mills Brothers - R&B

"Smoothie"

Shag The MovieDance Contest

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TV9WACDEBV4&feature=player_detailpage

Learn How To Shag

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdadn1iT_58&feature=player_detailpage

Position, Count & Steps

• Closed Position

• Counts- 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 5, 6

• Guys-Forward left, forward right, back left, back right, weight shift left, weight shift right, back left, front right

• Ladies-Forward right, forward left, back right, back left, weight shift right, weight shift left, back right, forward left.

LET’S GET TO

SHAGGING!Gooooo Move & Groovers!