The Grand Nationals Dance Championships is an annual event that brings together the best dancers of various categories in America. The dances highlight shag and swing styles.
Though the Championship is held as a competition, the event promotes a supportive environment where dancers can be inspired by one another’s skills.
Two young dancers
Mack West and Trinity Davis are a dancing duo who can proudly say they’re Grand Nationals champions.
The shag
The couple’s style of dance, the shag, is most commonly associated with the beach towns of North and South Carolina.
This two-person dance is traditionally led by the man, and the basic steps that are used open up for plenty of creative interpretation.
It’s a dance that looks easy, when it’s actually far from so.
Though the history of shag is relatively unknown, we know that “modern shag” became most popular amongst the youth who would frequent the bars and beaches around the 1940s and 1950s.
Talented young teens
Mack and Trinity might only be in their mid-teens, but as we frequently see in competitions like The Grand Nationals, age is just a number when it comes to dancing talent.
The dance is choreographed to Kelley Hunt’s “Queen of the 88’s”, and the couple has paired their outfits well to the era they’re representing.
Bright outfits and smiles
Trinity wears a jumpsuit of bright yellow, and Mack looks every inch the mini grandad in a v-neck sweater vest.
With beaming smiles on their faces, the pair step onto the stage – and we know they’re here to put on the best of shows for the crowd.
When the piano intro kicks in, the couple two-steps and twists from side to side. Then it’s Mack’s time to shine, proving that not all dance is centered on the woman.
Rubber legs!
His fancy footwork has audience members smiling in awe, and it’s easy to see why: it’s like his legs have no bones!
Mack’s movements are smooth enough to look easy, but too quick to keep up with. While he moves with fluidity and grace, these are the signs that the dance is difficult and took years to practice – not the other way around.
With big smiles on their faces, both Trinity and Mack look like they’re having a great time.
All the moves
The pair move in perfect synchronization, dipping, swinging and spinning together, showcasing moves that would make most of us dizzy in no time.
This certainly isn’t a dance for people with dodgy joints, as Mack proves when he crouches down on the floor.
A couple of spins
He bends his knees left and right, then throws in a couple of pro spins for good measure.
Perhaps in a few years, his knees won’t be up for the challenge, but for now, it looks like he’s enjoying every moment!
Like many of The Grand Nationals Dance Championships performances, this one was recorded and shared on YouTube.
Attracting attention
It quickly went viral, with more than 235,000 views and tens of comments.
Mack and Trinity have built up a solid online fanbase, with one person commenting:
“I have watch these two dance ( and win ), and I must say that it’s a great pleasure to see them dance again. Both are naturals, and light on their feet. Well done kiddos, and belated congratulations 👍👍”
They certainly gave their competitors a run for their money – and it’s not surprising at all that they won 1st place!
Watch the duo’s incredible performance in the video below. They know exactly how to get the crowd going!
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