Carolina Shag Club

The Carolina Shag Club is a not-for-profit community dedicated to preserving and promoting the Carolina Shag — the official state dance of South Carolina (adopted in 1984) and North Carolina (2005). Based in Greenville at SpareTime Entertainment, the club is an official member of ACSC, the Association of Carolina Shag Clubs, which represents about 100 clubs and 14,000 members across the southeast.

The Shag is a smooth, graceful six-count partner dance set to classic beach music, blending 1950s–1970s R&B, soul, and rock 'n' roll. It originated in the late 1930s from the jitterbug, starting with teens and young adults dancing at beach clubs around North Myrtle Beach. Today thousands of people shag, and the Carolina Shag Club welcomes all ages and skill levels — singles and couples alike — in a warm, inclusive atmosphere that emphasizes low-pressure socializing and camaraderie.

Every Wednesday night, the club runs beginner lessons at 6pm and intermediate lessons at 6:45pm, taught by competitive pro Shag dancers Nick Weaver and Susan Welch. No partner is required; newcomers are paired up freely. Lessons cost $10 and are followed by free social dancing from 7:15–10pm with live DJ music. On the 4th Friday of each month, the club offers Jr. Beginner and Jr. Intermediate Shag lessons at 6:30pm (mixed ages) and line dancing lessons at 7:15pm, both at $5 per lesson, with free social dancing from 8–10pm and happy hour food and drink prices until 7pm.

Beyond weekly classes, the club hosts a year-round calendar of themed parties and events: Valentine/Re-Up parties, St. Patrick's parties, the annual Greenville Jr. Shagfest (now in its 3rd year, held in February), the 23rd Annual Meet Me in the Middle (May 15–17), a Members Only Summer Party in July, Pre-SOS parties, Shag-o-ween, a Fall Pig Roast (free for members, $20 for non-members), and more. The club also hosts the ACSC Summer Workshop in July. Members gain access to all events, social connections with fellow dancers, and a sense of belonging to a supportive community that emphasizes staying active, meeting new friends, and keeping the joyful spirit of shag alive through raffles and outreach programmes like free junior events.

Arrive at SpareTime Entertainment on a Wednesday at 6pm for a beginner lesson with Nick Weaver or Susan Welch. You'll learn the basics of the six-count Shag to classic beach music with other newcomers; no partner required. After the lesson ends and intermediate dancers finish at 7:15pm, stay for free social dancing with a live DJ until 10pm.

Nick Weaver and Susan Welch are competitive pro Shag dancers who teach beginner and intermediate lessons on Wednesday nights and can tailor lessons to all skill levels.

Lessons are designed for beginners with no partner required; the club pairs newcomers and emphasizes approachable basics with room to progress.