How to Dance the Shag: 14 Steps (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

The Shag, or better, Carolina Shag, is a couple dance that is mainly danced with beach music. The basic step in the Shag can be called a six-bar step, with a rhythm similar to the triple step or rock step. If you wish to learn the Shag, start with step number 1.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Get familiar with the basics

Step 1. Learn to count "one-and-two, three-and-four, five-six"

Repeat until you are familiar with the eight-beat rhythm. Here's what you need to know.

• There are eight steps in the Shag, each of which corresponds to a beat.
• The "one-and-two" and "three-and-four" pulsations should last as long as a full "five-and-six".

• Get some good Shag music to practice. Here are some of the most suitable songs:

  • "The Flame" by Fine Young Cannibals
  • "Do You Believe" by Cher
  • "Never Make a Move Too Soon" by B. B. King
  • "Your Heart's in Good Hands" by Al Green
  • "Mojo Boogie" by Henry Gray

  

  Step 2. Learn to follow the eight-beat rhythm

  The count of the beats is used to give a rhythm to the feet. The feet move with each count, including both numbers and "and's" (one-And-two, etc.).

  • Before learning the shag moves, learn the steps. Alternate the right foot and the left foot. Continue until you are familiar with the rhythm and alternation of the feet. In the Shag, you never step twice in a row with the same foot.
  • This dance must be performed in a fluid, not convulsive way like some modern dances. Think of your forward and backward movement as the movement of a dangling pendulum. Do not hesitate, and move smoothly from one step to another.

  

  Step 3. The man and the woman should perform the same meals with opposite feet

  This concept is very important and you need to have it in mind right from the start. Imagine your partner as a mirror. If suddenly you don't know what to do and you have a good partner, all you have to do is copy his steps just as if you two were in the mirror.

  • The woman should perform the same steps as the man with opposite feet. The woman, therefore, should start with the right foot.
  • As you begin to move your foot, remember that it is your lower body that should do most of the work. Keep your body straight and avoid wavering.
  • Both men and women should wear shoes with leather soles. Women must wear flat shoes to avoid slipping.

  

  Step 4. Understand the starting position

  The man and the woman should turn towards each other and keep their feet apart, relaxed and opposite to those of the partner, with the length of about an arm between the feet of the man and those of the woman.

  • The man should hold firmly, without exaggerating, the woman's right hand in his left to guide her. The forearm should be parallel to the floor and not dangle to the sides or even move up and down.
  • The couple should keep the free arm in a relaxed position, but bring it slightly forward, almost dangling.

  Part 2 of 2: Mastering the steps

  

  Step 1. The man should walk forward with his left foot

  The steps should not be longer than the length of the foot. While the man executes his step, the woman should move forward with her right foot.

  This step is performed on the first measure

  

  Step 2. The man should step forward with his right foot

  While doing this, the woman should lean forward with her left foot, as if moving in a line, keeping her feet similarly positioned close to the floor.

  This step must be performed during the "E" of the first pulse (1-E-2). From the starting position, it is as if the man had simply advanced one "space"

  

  Step 3. The man should go back one step with his left foot

  This foot should now be in its starting position. While the man takes a step back, the woman should take a step back with her right foot bringing it back to the starting position.

  This step must be performed during the "two" of the first measure

  

  Step 4. The man should step back one step with his right foot and place it behind the left foot, one foot apart

  Thus, the right foot should move approximately two feet from its current position and be positioned one foot away from the left foot. Instead, the woman will have to take two steps back with her left foot to bring it behind her right foot one foot away.

  This step must be performed on the three of the second measure

  

  Step 5. The man should put all his weight on his left foot

  If he wants, he can bring himself into position by moving his foot slightly to the side, but he absolutely must not move his foot forward or backward. The woman should carry her weight on her right foot, making sure not to move it forward or backward.

  This step is performed during the "E" in measure 3-E-4

  

  Step 6. The man should carry his weight on his right foot

  He should do the same thing he did with his left foot, being careful not to move his foot forward or backward as he puts his weight on the other foot. At the same time, the woman should carry her body weight on her left foot.

  This step must be performed on the four of the second measure

  

  Step 7. The man should take a step back with his left foot to bring it to the height of the right

  The right and left feet should now be parallel, as if he had placed his feet in line, moving back a full "space" from the starting position. At the same time, the woman will obviously have to step back with her right foot to align it with her left foot.

  This step must be performed on the five of the third measure

  

  Step 8. The man at this point should bring his right foot forward

  The right foot will now be one foot forward of the left foot. At the same time, the woman should step forward with her left foot.

  This step is performed on the six of the third measure

  

  Step 9. The man should step forward with his left foot, repeating the first step

  At the same time, the woman should step forward with her right foot, repeating the first step.

  This step must be performed by starting the count from "one" again

  

  Step 10. Repeat all the steps

  Keep counting and moving your feet the same way you have done so far. As you become more experienced, you will be able to insert movements with pirouettes, turn your partner, exaggerate your steps or move your arms a little.

  • The woman can also do a pirouette to add spectacularity to the dance.
  • Although the traditional hand position involves extending one hand to the partner and leaving the other free, the man can place his hand on the woman's back during the dance or during parts of the dance.
  • One partner can also dance behind the other, keeping the hand of the other close to his behind his back.

  Advice

  • Both men and women should wear leather shoes. The feet must drag on the floor, keeping the body weight mainly on the sole and not on the heel.
  • Practice dancing to the rhythm of music using a metronome. With a lot of practice you will learn to keep time.
  • Following this rhythm, beat 5-6 should last as long as beat 1-2 and 3-4 together.