Swing Dancing/Collegiate Shag
Collegiate Shag has a few basic variations. The most popular is the 6-count Double Shag which uses a 'slow, slow, quick, quick' rhythm.
BASIC PATTERN: from the lead's point-of-view. (Follows, just mirror the Lead)
- Beat 1: STEP onto left foot.
- Beat 2: HOP on left.
- Beat 3: STEP onto right foot
- Beat 4: HOP on right.
- Beat 5: STEP onto left foot.
- Beat 6: STEP onto right foot.
Slow1&2, Slow3&4, Quick5, Quick6. The movements for 5&6 can be a shuffle-step, a run-in-place, or step-in-place. A familiar feeling is a jumping rope feeling. Be sure to do a full transfer of weight with the planted foot has all the weight.
POSITION: There is Solo, Open, Closed.
- Solo is when you break apart have have no physical contact with partner. You rely on visual cues and maintain the beats.
- Open is when you have a one or two handed hold, but are apart from each other.
- Closed is when Lead's left hand holds the Follow's right hand. Lead's right hand on the Follow's left shoulderblade. Body position is offset with Lead's right foot in-between the flows feet. Traditionally the hand-hold is held straight up in the air, but you can also hold the hands at the shoulder level.
KICK PATTERNS: from the lead's point-of-view. (Follows, just mirror the Lead) One can kick down, to the side, in front, to the back, or tap the ground.
- Beat 1: STEP onto left foot.
- Beat 2: HOP on left while kicking the right foot.
- Beat 3: STEP onto right foot
- Beat 4: HOP on right while kicking the left foot.
- Beat 5: STEP onto left foot.
- Beat 6: STEP onto right foot.
TURNS: The Follows can be turned with an outside, inside, a free, texas tommy, or pass-by turns patterns. Traditionally, the Follow turns on the Quick-Quick (2counts), but they can also spin during the Slow-Slow (4counts).