The Mid-Winter Shag Classic is one of three major shag dancing events hosted annually by the Society of Stranders in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The shag is a swing dance, focused mostly on footwork rather than turns like its cousin, the jitterbug. The shag is generally danced to "beach music." People may recognize this swing beat in songs like "Under the Boardwalk" or in the music of the group The Tams, although the shag can be danced to west coast swing or Motown music.
The city of North Myrtle Beach is considered the birthplace of shag dancing, while the Las Vegas Strip of shag dancing is the
Ocean Drive Beach area of the town. This enclave features night clubs that cater to shag aficionados, with their slick hardwood floors and beach music.
The Society of Stranders (this area of South Carolina is known as the Grand Strand) hosts the three-day Mid-Winter Shag Classic in January, bridging the gap between the holidays and the spring. More than 12,000 dancers attend the SOS events, and the bars, clubs, and lounges of
Ocean Drive welcome them with open arms. Most are within walking distance of Main Street. Some places may have a cover charge with this event, but SOS members may have their fees waived at most places.
North Myrtle Beach is accessed via Interstate 95. Take the S.C. Route 9 exit south to U.S. Highway 17 South. Turn left onto Main Street to reach the
Ocean Drive Beach area. For more information about the Mid-Winter Shag Classic or the Society of Stranders, visit
www.shagdance.com.
