SOS Fall Migration - Bring Your Shaggin' Shoes!
What better way to celebrate the coming winter than with the Society of Stranders Fall Migration! Join as the the Society's thousands of members make a "pilgrimage" to Shag, South Carolina, and slip on their "shaggin' shoes" for days and nights of fun before the winter weather sets in.
Wondering exactly what "shag" is? It is a style of dance developed in South Carolina in the 1940's and 50's. It's a basic six count basic dance pattern with East Coast Swing. There is a rearrangement of the footwork, giving shag a unique look and feel. Almost all of the movement occurs below the waist. Instructors teach a very basic pattern to beginners. True "shaggers" adopt their own version of the dance, with each being very distinctive. The dance uses the balls of the foot, creating a very smooth style of dance. "Shag" is very serious in the area. Churches plan revivals around the Fall Migration, and brides-to-be have contacted the organization to make sure they aren't booking weddings during the Migration!
The Society of Stranders was formed to provide a means to guide shag dancing and the lifestyle surrounding it into the future, while keeping those involved in touch with its history and place of birth. The group plan events year round for "shaggers" to enjoy, culminating in the Fall Migration. The other major gathering is the Spring Safari, which kicks off the spring and summer season. The Society began the gatherings in 1980, and has not missed a year since.
