The Big Apple

1) The shag consists of 6 steps that are count 1,2,3,4,5,6, and the repeated. Even though the music is in 4/4 time. The male dancer and female dancer are doing the exact same steps just opposite one another.

2) The Big Apple was originally known as the House of Peace synagog. In 1915 the building was burnt down by fire and replaced with the current building. When the building was a place for worship, men would sit on the floor while the women would be required to sit on the floor. The building was sold in 1936 because the congregation had outgrown the church. The same year the property would be renamed as the Big Apple Night Club. Mostly attended by african american youth, but traveled to New York by white students attending the University of South Carolina. The shag would become a very popular dance at the club. The Night Club was abandon  in 1979, and later the building was moved from its original spot to the corner of Hampton and Park St. In 1993 the building was bought by the Historic Columbia Foundation and renovated, but maintained it original architecture (high ceilings and very open) and is now available to rent out for special occasions such as weddings.

3) The shag originated in nightclubs in Myrtle Beach South Carolina in the late 1920's and early 1930's. Also known as "Beach dancing" and is mentioned in several songs such as Shagging on the Boulevard by Alabama, I Love Beach Music by the Embers, and Under the Boardwalk by the Drifters. All of these songs are about shagging in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. Charleston South Carolina and The Big Apple Nightclub are also responsible for introducing shagging to the nation The shag is usually danced to music in 4/4 time, mostly blues and Motown. The shag is danced from the waist down and requires smooth and fast footwork, unlike many dancing involving the hips and upper body. South Carolina is responsible and also the home of the "shag", No wonder its the State Dance!