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Carolina ShagThe Carolina Shag is a type of swing dance developed and practiced mostly in the American Southeast (Carolinas, Georgia, etc.). Like West Coast Swing, it is a slotted dance - the leader and follower move together and apart on or near an imaginary line on the floor. The basic pattern is 8 counts to 6 beats of music - both partners triple step (towards each other), triple step (backing away slightly), rock step. The timing is the same as an East Coast Swing basic, but done in open position in the slot, rather than in closed position side to side. The dance includes many 6 and 8 count patterns similar to those in other swing dances. The connection is more relaxed than West Coast Swing. Some distinctive elements of shag include: fancy footwork (rolls, shuffles, kicks, etc.); a tradition of steps being called by the follower and then led as requested; and a greater emphasis on showing off the leader, rather than the follower as in most other swing dance forms. Traditionally, shag is danced to R&B music, particularly the subgenre known as "beach music" (initially done by bands such as the Drifters and the Coasters). Since the mid-1990s Shag has undergone a good deal of crossover with West Coast Swing and even some with Lindy Hop, with music and dance influences going in both directions. It is the State Dance of South Carolina. External link
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