Carolina Shag! This is how it works!!

LEADERS BASICFOLLOWERS BASIC

*Start on left foot                                                                    *Start on right foot

*Use left hand to lead (most often one hand only)              *Use right hand to rollow (RELAX your arm

*Relaxed hold - no grips - more like a handshake               *Relaxed hold - no grips - more like a handshake)

*Right hand is relaxed at hip (no dead arm                        *Left hand is relaxed at hip (no dead arm

        with right arm just dangling at your side!)                                  with left arm just dangling at your side!)

*When learning or practicing - COUNT - OUT LOUD!      *When learning or practicing - COUNT - OUT LOUD!

Learning the rhythm and count of the dance is one of the most important things. We dance swing dances in a certain rhythm. Try this - Count out loud as you move your feet - think about standing on a diving board and moving your feet in the pattern described below (again understanding that each time you say a word (i.e up-together-back or 1 & 2 - you are changing weight on your feet). Example: L (means weight is on your left foot) R means your weight is on your right foot) you should be able to pick up the NON weighted foot. One of these counts will get you going! Which works best for YOU?

Up-together-back , back-in-place, step, step                      Up-together-back, back-in-place, step, step

                                         

                            OR                                                                                           OR

                   1 & 2, 3 & 4, 5, 6                                                                   1 & 2, 3 & 4, 5, 6

                           OR                                                                                             OR

                 L R L, R L R, L, R                                                                    R L R, L R L, R, L

                           OR                                                                                             OR

          Trip-le-step, trip-le-step, step, step                                   Trip-le-step, trip-le-step, step, step

Practice this several times until the movement feels comfortable to you. Now put on a favorite song (I love Tracey Chapman's "Gimme One Reason,"  Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" or "My Girl" by the Temptations to practice basic rhythm and count too and try to move to the music using this count and foot placements. Before you know it...you'll be wanting to learn and dance more Shag! And we hope you do! Come out to our club dances and practice what you know and learn more with our fun group of dancers!!