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Discover the Carolina Shag: South Carolina's Official Dance in Myrtle Beach

Discover the Carolina Shag: South Carolina s Official Dance in Myrtle Beach

No, we're not talking about Austin Powers or carpeting—the shag is South Carolina's official state dance. Myrtle Beach, especially North Myrtle Beach, is the premier destination to learn it, watch expert shaggers, and groove to upbeat beach music (distinct from surf rock).

This smooth, relaxed partner dance is often called the "swing dance of the South" or a "slow jitterbug." Its origins trace back to the heat of pre-air-conditioned oceanfront pavilions, where Southern dancers adapted the faster jitterbug in the 1940s and 1950s.

Debate surrounds its exact beginnings, but it's widely accepted as emerging in North Myrtle Beach's Ocean Drive area. An early swing variant akin to the lindy hop, it includes the Collegiate Shag (from 1920s New Orleans) and the popular Carolina Shag, which thrived between Myrtle Beach and Wilmington, N.C., in the 1940s.

Discover the Carolina Shag: South Carolina s Official Dance in Myrtle Beach

The Myrtle Beach region draws shag enthusiasts year-round. The Society of Stranders (SOS) hosts three annual "migrations," attracting thousands. The National Shag Dance Championship takes place here each March, and venues from Little River to Pawleys Island offer nightly dancing.

Shag central is downtown North Myrtle Beach. Iconic Fat Harold's Beach Club opens nightly for dining and dancing, with free lessons every Tuesday at 7 p.m. Across Main Street, Duck's Night Life kicks off at 8 p.m. Nearby clubs abound, and along Main Street and Ocean Boulevard, bronze platters honor the Shaggers Walk of Fame.

As quintessential to South Carolina as sweet tea and grits, the shag embodies coastal fun. Visit North Myrtle Beach to try it yourself or simply enjoy the lively performances and infectious beach music rhythms. The 1988 film Shag, starring Phoebe Cates, Bridget Fonda, and others, was partially shot here.

SOS events like the Spring Safari bring dancers nationwide to the Grand Strand. Although the 2021 edition (September 16-26) followed a pandemic cancellation, these gatherings continue annually. Check our events page for the latest local shag happenings.


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