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Discover the Joy of Collegiate Shag dance classes at Swing Dance Summertown. The Collegiate Shag (also called just ‘Shag’) is one of the Swing Dances that emerged and thrived in America. Like so much of American culture, it emerged during The Jazz Age. Whereas Lindy Hop is associated with Harlem in New York, Collegiate Shag is sometimes referred to as The Southern Swing Dance. Like most Swing Dance styles it emerged from the African-American communities in the Carolina’s (The states of North and South Carolina in America). It emerged from The Charleston and shares the fast tempo with it. The College students of the South fell in love with the dance and so it forever became known as The Collegiate Shag. Here in Oxford, we are very happy to provide a home in the Collegiate capitol of the world.

 

Learn To Dance Collegiate Shag In Oxford

Looking for a dance style that’s packed with energy, personality, and non-stop fun? Collegiate Shag is very possibly your new favourite obsession. Born in the 1930s and danced to the upbeat rhythms of swing and jazz, this vintage partner dance is all about fast footwork, joyful movement, and an infectious sense of rhythm that will leave you smiling from ear to ear.

The characteristics that make Collegiate Shag truly unique are the distinct bounce, compact steps, and a lively pulse. It matches perfectly with faster Jazz Swing tempos. It’s the kind of dance that feels like you fly across the dance floor. It makes you feel light, fast, and full of flair. Whether you’re drawn to the crisp basics or the wild kicks and syncopations of more advanced styles, Shag offers a fantastic way to express yourself and connect with both the music and your dance partner. It burns calories, keeps you fit and makes you feel great. Consequently it is a wonderful way to spend your leisure time.

Class structure

At Swing Dance Summertown, we teach Collegiate Shag with a strong emphasis on fun, musicality, and social dancing. No partner or experience is needed — just bring your enthusiasm and a love of jazz! Our friendly and welcoming classes are the perfect place to learn new steps, build your confidence, and be part of a vibrant local swing dance community.

We take things slow and build them up through a structured approach to each class. It means that everything is taught to you at a pace you are comfortable with. Then, as the classes build up through the term, you will feel the progress you are making as we pick up the tempo and add in moves that make you look like a pro.

We start with the Beginner’s class that is designed for people who are new to the dance. We teach the basic and gradually add style so that you are ready for the next stage.

The Intermediate class follows. The class builds on the basics with different foot patterns that all match the rhythm and provide more variety to your dancing. Consequently this is where the polish is applied that makes you look like a 30s Hollywood dance star.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn a dance that’s as playful as it is stylish, Collegiate Shag is for you. Whether you’re looking to add a new rhythm to your swing dancing or try something completely different, come along and give it a go. You might just fall in love with the bounce!

Do you have questions?

We know that starting a new hobby, especially one that develops skill and style is often daunting for many people. Self doubt nags at the back of your mind. We think you should tell that doubt to go away and start dancing with us. Consequently if you have questions or just want to know more, please do talk to us. Drop us a line in the form below and we will be very happy to reply to you.

Collegaite Shag is also featured in lots of Vintage Film Clips. Here is one that you will enjoy as it gives you a really good idea of the shape of the dance.

There are lots of Collegiate Shag vintage vilm clips online.