A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE april 18, 2024 AS "Shag DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

 

Whereas, North Myrtle Beach is the birthplace of the shag dance. In the 1940s, visitors began flocking to North Myrtle Beach to dance the night away at beach music clubs on Main Street and Ocean Drive; and

 

Whereas, in April 1984, the shag was designated as the official state dance of South Carolina, and 2024 marks the fortieth anniversary of this special designation; and

 

Whereas, the shag, known as "the swing dance of the South," is an upbeat and quick six-count, eight-step pattern regional dance that was inspired by the jitterbug and rhythm and blues music and evolved and gained popularity with the beach music that accompanied it; and

 

Whereas, beloved dance moves include the Apple Jack, Belly Roll, Boogie Walk, Elvis Drop, Grapevine, Sailor Shuffle, Sugarfoot, Womble, and You Go; and

 

Whereas, the shag is an important part of North Myrtle Beach's identity and heritage, connecting people of all ages and backgrounds and forming bonds to the community; and

 

Whereas, the shag serves as a testament to the enduring cultural significance and rhythmic spirit of North Myrtle Beach and is now admired globally with dance clubs in France, Norway, and Germany; and

 

Whereas, 2024 debuts a "Shag Trail" highlighting iconic locations throughout North Myrtle Beach that celebrate the shag culture along with events throughout the year to commemorate the dance; and

 

Whereas, the Society of Stranders' annual events bring thousands of visitors to North Myrtle Beach that have a muti-million-dollar impact on accommodations, restaurants, and attractions; and

 

Whereas, on the first day of the Society of Stranders Spring Safari event, North Myrtle Beach will host "Celebrating the Shag: Forty Years as South Carolina's State Dance," the city's official anniversary Shag celebration with a performance by Band of Oz that is free and open to all.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize April 18, 2024 as "Shag Day" in South Carolina.

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