Collegiate Shag
A High-Energy Swing Dance with Fast Footwork
Collegiate Shag is a lively and fast-paced swing dance that brings the joy and energy of the 1930s back to life. Known for its syncopated fast footwork, fast spins and lively kicks, Collegiate Shag is a popular social dance that can be enjoyed by dancers of all levels. Whether you’re a swing dance enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to move to upbeat music, Collegiate Shag is a perfect choice for anyone who loves vintage style and high-energy dancing.
What is Collegiate Shag?
Collegiate Shag is a partnered swing dance that originated in the United States during the late 1920s and gained widespread popularity throughout the 1930s and 1940s. The dance is characterized by its fast footwork, bouncy movements, and close connection between partners. It is typically danced to up-tempo swing, jazz, and big band music, making it a fun and energetic dance style that perfectly matches the lively rhythms of the era.
One of the defining features of Collegiate Shag is its vertical, compact dance position, with partners standing close to each other. The footwork involves a basic six-count rhythm, with ‘slow, slow, quick, quick’ rhythm. While it’s a fast dance, the footwork patterns are relatively simple, allowing both beginners and experienced dancers to enjoy the dance.
Why Dance Collegiate Shag?
High-Energy Fun: Collegiate Shag is a fast-paced, joyful dance that brings excitement and energy to the dance floor. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys dancing to fast music and wants to burn off some energy.
Easy to Learn: While the footwork is quick, the basic steps are simple enough for beginners to pick up quickly. It’s an accessible dance for anyone looking to start swing dancing.
Close Partner Connection: Collegiate Shag emphasizes a strong connection between partners, making it a social and interactive dance where communication and trust are key.
Great for Fast Music: If you love fast-paced swing and jazz, Collegiate Shag is the perfect dance to match the rhythm and energy of the music.
History of Collegiate Shag
Collegiate Shag emerged during the late 1920s and early 1930s as swing music became more popular in the United States. It was particularly popular among college students, which is how the dance earned the name “Collegiate” Shag. The dance’s upbeat style made it a favorite at college parties, swing dance events, and social gatherings during the swing era.
As swing dancing evolved, Collegiate Shag remained a popular choice for dancing to fast music. It was commonly danced to big band tunes and up-tempo jazz, providing a high-energy way for dancers to enjoy the lively beats of the time. Today, Collegiate Shag has seen a resurgence in swing dance communities around the world, where its vintage charm and energetic moves continue to captivate dancers of all ages.
How to Get Started with Collegiate Shag
If you’re interested in learning Collegiate Shag, there are many resources available to help you get started. Our dance club often offer beginner courses, where you’ll learn the basic footwork, partner connection, and rhythm of the dance. Many swing dance festivals also feature Collegiate Shag classes, allowing you to practice with others in a fun and social setting.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned dancer, Collegiate Shag offers endless opportunities for creativity, fun, and connection on the dance floor.
Collegiate Shag is a fun and fast-paced swing dance that is sure to get you out of your seat and on the dance floor. With its signature syncopated fast footwork, lively kicks, and lighthearted spins, Collegiate Shag is a great way to show off your style and impress your friends.
Collegiate Shag has a history similar to other jazz and swing era dances, such as the Charleston, Lindy Hop, and Balboa. Collegiate Shag is one of the historical Shag dance variations from 1930s, such as St. Louis Shag and Carolina Shag. The dance lived a quiet life for several decades, but today it has awakened to a new boom in 20th century.
Collegiate Shag has 6-count basic step with ‘slow, slow, quick, quick’ rhythm. The bounce of the dance might feel similar to jumping a rope. Collegiate Shag is an improvised partner dance, which is based on leading and following, as well as active communication between the dance partners.
