How to Dance the Shag

The Shag is a popular partner dance that is a form of swing dancing. Master this dance and you and your partner will look impressive as you mirror each other with the quick footwork involved in dancing the Shag.

Instructions

1. Stand face to face with your partner. If you're the male, you should hold your left hand out, palm facing up, about waist high. The female should put her hand, palm facing down, on top of the male's hand. The partners' hands should curl and lock at the fingers.

2. Step forward with one foot and then step forward with the other. The male should lead with the right foot and the female with her left foot so that the toes come together. Then the male should step forward with his right foot and the woman with her left foot.

3. Move your feet back on the next two beats. Step back with your left foot and then your right foot if you are the male. If you are the female, step back with your right foot first, followed by your left foot.

4. Take another step back with your lead foot, which is your left foot if you are the male and your right foot if you are the female. Then follow by stepping back with your right foot if you are the male and your left foot if you are the female.

5. Rock back with your lead foot on the next step. You should step back and do a rocking motion with your heel, using your left foot if you are the male and your right foot if you are the female. Then, move your other foot back so the back of it is even with the back of your other foot.

6. Repeat the moves to over and over to upbeat music. Do the steps on eight quick beats to master this dance.