Picture this: The sun sets after a day filled with on-the-water fun and time spent enjoying peaceful, serene beaches. Locals and visitors flock to a local spot and laughter mixes with the sound of feet gliding across the dance floor. North Myrtle Beach comes alive as the iconic Carolina Shag dance creates an unforgettable experience for all.

In 2024, North Myrtle Beach celebrated the 40th anniversary of the state dance, the Carolina Shag. To commemorate this historic milestone, we’ve gathered the stories of local shag enthusiasts and performers. These stories spotlight how the past intertwines with the excitement for the future of the shag here in North Myrtle Beach.

A QUICK HISTORY OF THE SHAG

The official state dance got its beginnings in the African American community in the late ‘30s and gained popularity with the beach music that accompanied it. Later, during the ‘40s, college students visiting North Myrtle Beach for spring break danced the night away to beach music at clubs on Main Street and Ocean Drive.

The dance is still popular to this day and plays a significant role in North Myrtle Beach’s nightlife. You’ll find dance lessons and more at one of the many nightly dance spots in the area.

MEET OUR LOCAL SHAG LEGENDS

 

Charlie Pangburn

2024 President of the OD Shag Club, Charlie Pangburn, met his wife and most friends in North Myrtle Beach through shag dancing. Some of their best memories are the times they spent groovin’ and movin’ with their friends at local spots.

Like other shag legends, Pangburn agrees that the shagging community and lifestyle offers opportunities to meet people and make lifelong friends.

When asked about his favorite part about the shag, Pangburn replied with, “Anyone can do it!”

Pangburn has been dancing the state dance for more than 15 years. “You can dance all night knowing little more than the basic step or you can become a more serious student of the dance and actually compete.”

One of his “can’t miss” shag events for the year is the SOS Parade on Main Street during the Spring Safari in April. His favorite spots to grab a bite and beverage after dancing or events include the OD Arcade, The International Cafe, Boardwalk Billy's or Captain Archies.

Darrell Gaither

Darrell Gaither, a well-known shag expert and teacher of more than 25 years, was introduced to the shag in 1968, though he’s only been a serious shagger for about 30 years.

Gaither jokingly describes the shag dance as the jitterbug on valium, slowed down to adapt to the weather of the coastal south.

To him, the shag is all about the music and dancing, regardless of age and race, it brings people together to dance and enjoy beach music.

Gaither considers the shag community a huge family who enjoys the “lifestyle” of the shag. His hope is that the community will continue to promote and preserve the music, the dance, and ultimately the welcoming and laid-back lifestyle.

“The shag has allowed me to meet literally thousands of people from all over the country and even from abroad,” said Gaither. “We were brought together by a common thread. Love of the music and dance. I met some of these folks over thirty years ago and remain friends to this day.”

When asked about his favorite memory, he mentioned that he could write a book about all the fond memories of his years associated with the shag.

“My favorite memories are not winning contests but seeing folks, that I like to think, I had a part in bringing them into this dance, teaching them the love of the dance and then watching them become competitive dancers. Then watching them go on to win contests like the National Shag Dance Championship.”

Lori Setzer

“It’s hard to believe that a dance can lead to so many friends, opportunities for fun, and a complete lifestyle change,” said Lori Setzer, avid dancer of the shag since 2006. “We moved here in 2015 because of the dance and the lifestyle. North Myrtle Beach is the home of shag.”

Setzer’s love of the shag started as a gift for her from her husband. What started as a present led to a weekly date night while they were working. Thinking they would take lessons for a month or so, the couple both fell in love with the dance, the beach music, and the people.

“Dancing became part of our life and the people we met became our closest friends.”

Setzer recommends taking a class for those new to the shag. She also mentioned that Fish Fridays at the OD Arcade are hard to beat along with the fried bologna sandwich at Fat Harold’s. All are must try places when diving into the shag culture in North Myrtle Beach.

She included tips about shag jargon including sayings like bellyroll, boogie walk, and dancing on a diving board or in a slot. One will be sure to hear these while dancing at Fat Harold’s in the back room or the OD Arcade during SOS.

Curtis Casey

Curtis Casey has been shag dancing for 11 years but wishes he would have started when he was younger. He encourages others of all ages to get out on the town in North Myrtle Beach and head to Fat Harold’s to meet other shag dancers in the Front Room.

For those wanting to immerse themselves in the shag lifestyle, beach music is a good place to start. Casey’s favorite band is Jim Quick and Coastline and of his favorite songs is Where or When by Earl Bostic. A good recommendation to add to any beach music playlist.

Donna Williams

Past president of the OD Shag Club, Donna Williams, started dancing the “swing dance of the South” in 1984.

The OD Shag Club, with close to 800 members, hosts events all year long. Williams was responsible for the 40th Anniversary party for the OD Shag Club in 2022 and was also in charge of the club’s participation in the SOS Parade, in which they won 1st place in their division.

You can find Williams at her favorite place for beach music, Fat Harold’s, which has been the home of the OD Shag Club for 42 years. Each Wednesday and Friday night, around 100 folks gather there to enjoy a night of dancing and spending time with friends. Other favorite spots include the OD Arcade and Spanish Galleon.

Williams says that the shag dance is for anyone and tells her grands and great grands, "Look, you too can come out and have a great time and get a lot of exercise at the same time.”

Many local shaggers are all about making newbies feel welcomed. Donna’s husband is known as the Fat Harold’s Ambassador. He speaks to all that he recognizes as tourists or new dancers.

When asked about her love of the shag, she replied with, “I have never done anything else that makes me feel so complete, so lucky and truly so chosen. It is such a beautiful group of people that love each other. We all seem to feel the same way men and women, old and young.”

“The shag dance to me is my therapy. Free therapy,” said Williams. “Shag dancing is fantastic for the soul.”