It’s not very often that a father gets to dance with his daughter in front of a crowd.
Wedding receptions are probably the most common place where this might happen – and typically, the sight of a bride dancing with her dad leaves everyone needing tissues. This is just one of the reasons why the video below is extra-special.
Sam West and Sydney Kemble West aren’t just champion dance partners.
As you might have guessed, they’re actually father and daughter! During the National Shag Dance Championships (NSDC) in Myrtle Beach, the duo wowed judges while dancing to a version of “Stand By Me.”
But on top of bringing home incredible titles from the event – their performance is winning the internet’s heart too.
A talent for dancing certainly runs in the West family.
Sam began learning the Shag at the young age of nine, and through the years he’s racked up numerous titles and awards in the style. In fact, he’s been named the Overall Champion of the NSDC many times over the years, including in 1995 with his sister (and dance partner) Sarah. Sam’s also brought home multiple titles dancing with his wife Lisa.
As a team, they’ve been instructing and spreading their passion for Shag around the U.S., and have put on workshops in other countries as well.
With such a talented family, it’s not surprising that Sydney is also a champion dancer in the style of Shag.
She and her father were named the Professional Division’s first-place winners at the NSDC.
Sam and Sydney once again took the dance floor to compete in the Professional Division. This time, it was with “Stand By Me” in the background.
We get a close look at how talented this father/daughter pair really is in the video. Once Eric Marienthal’s jazz rendition fills the room, the duo’s feet begin to glide and their skills come out. They move as smooth as silk with every step – even during their spins.
It’s a dance that pulls on your heartstrings.
Like mentioned before, it’s not too often you get to watch a dad dance so beautifully with his baby girl. But add a little “Stand By Me” to the equation, and it makes it even sweeter. One viewer admitted he even got teary watching the two together. He wrote:
“I know Sam has to be so proud to have danced with his daughter in the Nationals and they will have special memories that they will NEVER forget. While I was watching the video my eyes were leaking.”
The NSDC has been established since 1984 and it takes place every year in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. According to its website, NSDC is the “longest continuously running” Shag competition in America with 2020 being their 37th contest.
Interestingly, Shag is actually the official state dance of South Carolina!
Just wait until you see how spectacular Sam and his daughter Sydney are on the dance floor.
They once again were named the first-place winners in the Professional Division AND also as the Overall Champions of the contest. How amazing is that?
Even the audience can’t hold back their cheers at different points.
While the experience must have been unforgettable for the pair, they also went home as champions!
You can watch Sam and Sydney’s dance for yourself below!
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