Get ready to groove, dance enthusiasts!
As we step into a brand-new decade, the dance floor is buzzing with the promise of fresh, innovative styles.
But let’s not forget the classics that have stood the test of time.
One such timeless dance is the Carolina Shag, and who better to showcase its enduring appeal than the dazzling duo of Jay Rollins and Tobitha Stewart?
These two dance maestros recently set the USA Grand National Dance Championship ablaze with their classic Shag moves.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to step into a time machine, just watch Jay and Tobitha in action.
The second the music starts, they explode into a whirlwind of fancy footwork and smooth moves.
It’s like watching poetry in motion; their steps are so fluid and synchronized that they seem to defy gravity.
They dance as if they’re floating on air, capturing the hearts and minds of everyone in the audience.
The performance left viewers spellbound, including one Catherine, who couldn’t contain her awe.
She commented: “OMG are his legs made of rubber. This is all new to me, first time I heard of a dance called the SHAG let alone see it performed so beautifully.”
For those not in the know, the Shag dance has deep roots, originating on the sun-kissed beaches of South Carolina.
It became a cultural phenomenon among young people back in the 1940s. Southern Living magazine eloquently describes the dance as akin to enjoying a “cold beer on a warm night with a hot date and no plans for tomorrow.”
It’s a sentiment that captures the carefree and upbeat spirit of the Shag.
But the Shag isn’t just a dance of yesteryears; it’s a living, breathing tradition that continues to thrive today.
The Discover South Carolina website explains why it remains so beloved: “One thing that makes the Shag such a popular dance is that anyone can do it—whether you’re six years old or 96 years old. It breaks barriers and brings everyone together with one common purpose: to have fun and enjoy the music.”
When Jay Rollins and Tobitha Stewart took the stage at the Dance Championship, they were the magnetic center of attention.
Their dedication to the art of dance has not gone unnoticed or unrewarded.
Tobitha was honored with an induction into the National Living Legends of Dance in 2015, along with her husband Ashley.
Jay followed suit, receiving the same prestigious accolade in 2018. Both are highly respected as Shag dance instructors in their home state of North Carolina, passing on their skills to the next generation.
Watching them dance, it’s abundantly clear how deeply passionate they are about their craft.
Every step, every twirl, every glide is executed with a level of joy and enthusiasm that’s utterly contagious.
The musical backdrop to this enchanting dance routine? The toe-tapping “Boogie The Joint” by Buddy Skipper And The Code Blues Band, a perfect complement to their exhilarating performance.
Their show-stopping routine didn’t just earn them the coveted title of Master Shag Champions; it also became an internet sensation.
The performance has garnered a staggering 968,000 views on YouTube and counting.
Fellow dancer Ann offered her praise, stating: “My husband and I used to Country Dance and the shag is similar to the East and West Coast Swing. We also attended the dance competitions. These dancers are really smooth. When you partner dance you have to be in sync. They were. I watched their feet and they are damn good.”
Another viewer, Peggy, encapsulated the sentiment of many: “What a pleasure to watch, thank you for sharing and showing us how it’s done.”
Discover for yourself why Jay and Tobitha are the undisputed champions of the Carolina Shag.
Who knows, you might even be inspired to learn this iconic dance and keep the tradition alive!
So, if you’re yearning for a dance experience that’s both nostalgic and electrifying, hit the play button below.
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