Shag dancing may have you visualizing the beach scenes of North and South Carolina, but it’s a classic style that’s also featured in competitions. Even youngsters are keeping the Shag alive and bringing their skills to these events – and frankly, some of them can really knock a crowd’s socks off!
One memorable performance that was shared online took place at the USA Grand National Dance Championship and involved a pair of junior Shaggers.
Ethan Alban from Florence, South Carolina was 11-years-old at the time, and his partner Karsyn Folds from Atlanta, Georgia was 10.
After being announced, the duo walks onto the dance floor with their arms linked, dressed in matching colors. While Shag dancing is often associated with beach music – for these kids, Studio All-Stars’ “Mercy – (Tribute to Duffy)” begins playing in the background. Quickly they fly into action.
Get ready for an energetic dance with lots of fancy footwork.
If you like to be amazed by great talent, just wait until you see Ethan and Karsyn light up the dance floor with their Shag skills! Their feet are mesmerizing to watch and seem to match perfectly with the rhythm of the music. According to Northern Virginia Shag Club, the Carolina Shag is done in a slot and has a basic pattern of six counts (eight steps).
These kids have a bunch of moves up their sleeves.
Ethan and Karsyn shake things up with fun moves throughout the performance. In fact, even the audience can’t help but cheer watching from the sidelines as they add in their own unique flavor.
When it comes to dancing, it’s easy to tell if a duo has good chemistry. Although they come from different states, these two seem to work fantastically together as partners.
One person commented on YouTube:
“Can you believe this little young couple? Wow amazing. Can’t you just see them when they are 88 and still the best Shaggers ever.”
Shag dancing (which is a form of swing) gained popularity in the 1940s along the coasts of the Carolinas. It’s the official state dance of South Carolina and the official state “popular dance” of North Carolina.
According to NCpedia, there’s room in Shag dancing for “imagination” and “improvisation.” Well, these youngsters don’t seem to have a problem adding in their own twists!
At one point, Karsyn dips down into the splits while Ethan keeps his hands under her arms for guidance.
Ethan then pulls out his own special “dipping” move that has everyone in the room cheering. These kids are on fire!
Many viewers have been impressed by the pair’s incredible talent. A commenter wrote:
“Do they have rocket-propelled jello in their joints? Sublime!”
The USA Grand National Dance Championship was founded in 1995 and showcases dancers from the Carolina Shag and West Coast Swing communities.
On their Facebook page, they list their mission as:
“To provide a fun, friendly, and organized competitive dance environment where separate dance communities can become inspired by the other to share, create, and merge into one dance while maintaining the integrity of each dance individually”
So, how did Ethan Alban and Karsyn Folds do in the competition?
The video shares that they ended up bringing home the fourth-place prize for their awesome (junior division) dance. Bravo, guys!
You can watch this pair’s spectacular performance by pressing play below!
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