The Collegiate Shag or “Shag” is a partner dance done primarily to uptempo swing and pre-swing jazz music, 185-200+ beats per minute.
It belongs to the swing family of American dances that arose in the 1920s and 30s and has a history similar to other jazz and swing era dances, such as the Charleston, Lindy Hop and Balboa.
It is believed that the dance originated within the African American community[1] of the Carolinas in the 1920s, later spreading across the United States during the 1930s.
The shag – the dance – is known for its hopping basic step and high energy footwork that separates it from other forms of swing and other dances that use the shag name, such as Carolina Shag or St. Louis Shag.
It is still danced today by swing dance enthusiasts worldwide and it’s growing and growing.
Where to learn:
and growing!