Frequently Asked
Questions
Shag Related
Questions
1. What is Shag? The
Shag (or "Carolina Shag") is a member of the Swing dance family,
related to the Lindy, the Jitterbug, the Bop, the East &
West-Coast Swing, the Texas Push, etc. Shag is traditionally a
male lead and focus-oriented dance, but has evolved into a dance
where women can both show off and call a step as well. The
Shag is danced in a "slot", with the partners moving in accordian
fashion, rather than in a circle or side-to side. The Shag is
distinct from many of the Swing dances because of more intricate
footwork and the overall smoothness and flow which gives the
dance a graceful, effortless look.
2. Does everyone at the club shag? What
about other dances? Some of our
members and guests also hand dance, some jitterbug, some West
Coast Swing, and some line dance. (e.g. Tush Push, Continental,
Bus Stop, Electric Slide, etc.). Our instruction program
however, focuses on the Carolina Shag and selected line
dances.
3. Is Shag difficult to
learn? The Shag got started by creative,
energetic dancers with a good sense of rhythm who played and
improvised to move with the music. The Shag today offers a
challenge to dancers at any level, but learning it is easy with
our club instructors who can break down steps into easy-to-learn
sequences. We also offer a instructional "notebook" produced
by the Northern Virginia Shag Club for $10. It is available on VHS
or DVD.
BBC Related
Questions
1. Who belongs to the
BBC? The Club has almost 100 members, with a
mixture of married couples, dating couples, long-time single
friends, and club newcomers, both as singles and in couples. Our
average membership age is over 40, but we have members in their
30's as well as active retirees. What brings and holds this
diverse group together is the enjoyment of good times, good
company, and good musi
2. I don't dance so why should I
join? You don't have to dance to have
fun with this group. Do you enjoy listening to Carolina
beach music, rhythm & blues or contemporary music with a good
beat? Do you like to socialize and work with other people
on community service projects for worthy causes? Maybe you're
looking for someone to share your life outside of the Club.
The BBC is a safe and relaxing place to mingle and meet new
people. You will also learn about fun shag parties and other
events outside of Fredericksburg and make friends that might help
share travel or shelter costs and provide travel
companionship.
3. Do I need a partner for the dance
lessons? No, all steps are taught first
without a partner, then everyone is given a chance to try it
together. In any given class there are usually an unequal number
of men and women, so the instructors will ensure that everybody
gets a chance to practice by rotating the dancers around. This
ensures that you will not only dance, but with different
partners.
4. I'm not a very good dancer, even though I
enjoy it. Who would want to dance with me?
The BBC is first and foremost a social organization and every
dancer on the floor, no matter how good, remembers the embarassing
early years when they had two left feet. You will find that
everyone is approachable and we all have fun, regardless of
ability!
5. Who can I speak to for more
information? Any of the seven members from
the Board of Directors will be happy to speak
with you or answer questions about joining, the club,
the Shag, etc. Go to our Board contacts page, where you can send
an e-mail with your questions to any of the Board
members.