Dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the Shag dance, and its related music

President's Message

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I can’t believe August is already here and half of 2026 has just flown by!

July was a whirlwind, starting with our Red, White, and Blue party on July 2nd.  We have already highlighted that party in our last newsletter.

On July 12 – 18, about 850 of us gathered together for the annual Junior SOS at North Myrtle Beach, including myself, my grandson Ian, and our CSC Juniors Chairperson, Natalie Choate.  What a fabulous job so many people tirelessly do to pull off a wonderful week for our kids and the future of our dance. I highly recommend you take your kids or grandkids, or any kid under age 21!  Follow them at http://www.juniorshagassociation.com.
 
Every day is filled with lessons for all skill levels with the best of the best instructors.  There is the Ellen Taylor Foundation Shoe Salon where kids can score a free pair of shag shoes, thanks to all of those who donate and those who work that aspect.  So many fun activities for the kids including inventing and choreographing a line dance, a pizza party, karaoke, contests for all skill levels, and a glow party.  Scholarship ceremonies were presented to deserving seniors. And of course, every evening was filled with social dancing at the participating clubs.  The week ended on Saturday with a brunch provided by the OD Shag Club and a gospel hour. 

Next on July’s agenda was the long-awaited party sponsored by the Association of Carolina Shag Clubs in Columbia on July 17 - 19.  It is my understanding that 425 pairs of happy feet attended this fabulous party.  Attendees were well fed, and hospitality suites provided by a couple of the local shag clubs offered free food and drinks.  Brenda Taylor taught us three new line dances in her Saturday workshop.  Two of my favorite people and frequent Lynn’s dancers, Stella and Chad Duggins, taught an excellent step class.  They are gifted instructors as well as dancers.

The ACSC party also included a mandatory workshop for a Board representative of each of the eighty-four clubs.  This workshop included break-out sessions, and I cannot say enough about how informative and helpful this workshop was for myself and I know all the clubs.  I will highlight key points in this newsletter so scroll down for that.

August is filled with special events so make sure they are all on your calendars. Scroll down for the flyers. Saturday, August 1st is Nikki Kontoulas’ annual party, “Gathering of Generations”.  On August 9th there will be a very special Celebration of Life for Tom Bare.  On August 23rd it is the Old School Memories Party hosted by the Charlotte Area Shaggers Hall of Fame. And for more fun, there will be line dance lessons and jazz nights at Lynns throughout the month.  

And for sure put on your calendar our CSC monthly party on August 20th.  It is our “Back to School” party and our Social Chairperson Angie Kelly and CSC member Neil Tucker are planning something special.  Be sure to get a favorite photo of you from your high school senior year to one of them by the deadline of Thursday, August 13th.

As always, together we will make 2026 an awesome year for the Charlotte Shag Club!

Vickie

 
“Eat. Sleep. Dance. Repeat.”