What to Wear and What to Expect at Your First Shag Dance Night

Before You Walk Through the Door

Your first night at a dance club can feel like the first day at a new school. You wonder what to wear, where to sit, whether you will know anyone and whether you will look foolish on the floor. The good news is that shag dance night is one of the friendliest social evenings you can find. Nobody expects you to be perfect, and almost everyone in the room remembers being a nervous newcomer.

The Eastern North Carolina Shag Club was founded in 1985 as a non-profit dance club, and its members have spent decades welcoming new faces. This guide explains what to wear, when to arrive, what it costs, what the room feels like and how to enjoy your first evening from the moment you step inside.

Where and When Dance Night Happens

Our weekly dance is held every Tuesday at the Doghouse Tavern, the club's current home base, at 506 Second Street in Ayden, North Carolina. Doors open at 5pm. The DJ, music and dancing run from 6pm to 9pm. Admission is five dollars per person.

Because the evening starts early and finishes at a sensible hour, it suits people who work the next morning as well as people who enjoy a long, relaxed night out. Many members arrive when doors open to claim a table, enjoy dinner and visit with friends before the first song. Newcomers who arrive early have the added benefit of a quieter room, which makes it easier to find a seat and get comfortable.

What to Wear

Comfort comes first. Shag is a smooth, close-to-the-floor dance, so you do not need a costume or formal dance clothing. Choose clothes that let you move easily, keep you cool in a busy room and make you feel like yourself. For many guests that means casual trousers or a comfortable skirt or dress, and a neat shirt or blouse.

There is no strict dress code, and you will see a wide range of styles. Some members dress up a little because they enjoy the occasion, while others arrive in relaxed everyday clothes. What matters is that you feel confident and unrestricted. Layers are a smart choice, since a room full of dancing people can warm up quickly, but the evening can also feel cool when you sit down.

Choosing the Right Shoes

Shoes are the one item worth a little thought. Shag is danced with small, smooth steps, and your feet need to glide rather than stick. Shoes with a smooth, flexible sole are ideal. Avoid shoes that grip the floor firmly, such as thick rubber soles, because they make turns and quick footwork uncomfortable and can strain your knees.

Also avoid very high heels or shoes that are too tight, because you will be on your feet for several songs. Comfortable, closed or well-supported shoes keep you balanced and happy. Many dancers keep a favorite dance pair in the car and switch when they arrive. Bring a spare pair if you like, especially if you are not sure how the floor feels on your first night.

What to Bring With You

Bring very little. A small amount of cash for admission and any food or drinks, your car keys and your phone are usually plenty. Leaving bulky bags at home keeps your hands free and your space clear. If you like, pack a small towel or tissue for a warm night on the floor.

Most importantly, bring a friendly attitude. A willingness to smile, ask questions and try a step or two is the best accessory any dancer can wear. If you would like to learn more about the club beforehand, you can read about our history, meetings and parties and arrive knowing exactly what to expect.

What the Room Feels Like

Expect a lively, friendly and sociable atmosphere. There is music, there is conversation, and there is usually laughter. Most of our members belong to the 50+ baby boomer era, but the club encourages and supports dancers of all ages, so you will see a pleasant mix of experience, styles and personalities.

Some people are dancing, some are chatting at their tables, some are watching from the edge of the floor and some are catching up with friends they have known for years. Nobody is judging. The dance floor is shared, and the mood is relaxed. If you would like to simply watch for the first hour, that is perfectly acceptable.

The Music You Will Hear

The DJ plays rhythm and blues, beach and shag music, the traditions our club exists to enjoy, uphold and perpetuate. You will hear steady, swinging grooves, warm vocals and rhythms that invite you to tap your foot even if you have never danced in your life. Many guests discover that they already know some of the songs without realizing it.

Listen closely to the beat while you settle in. If you can feel it in your foot or your shoulders, you are already dancing in your own way. The more music you hear, the more natural the dance will feel when you decide to step onto the floor.

Watching Before You Dance

There is no rule that says you must dance the moment you arrive. Watching is a wonderful way to learn. Notice how experienced dancers keep their steps small and close to the floor, how they hold their posture and how they share space with the couples around them. Notice how often they smile.

Pay attention to the way partners communicate. You will see gentle signals, patient corrections and lots of friendly laughter. Watching a few songs will calm your nerves and give your feet some ideas before you try them yourself.

Asking Someone to Dance

When you feel ready, ask someone to dance or accept an invitation. Tell your partner honestly that you are new. Most members will be delighted to slow down, suggest a simple pattern and help you feel comfortable. Do not apologize for being a beginner, because every person in the room started exactly where you are.

If you are nervous, start with a slower song or ask a friend who came with you. If you decline an invitation, do so politely, and if someone declines yours, take it with good humor. The floor is a friendly place, and kindness goes in both directions.

Meeting People and Making Friends

One of the great pleasures of club night is the company. ENCSC has had more than one hundred members for the past two years, and every one of them is a potential new friend. Introduce yourself at your table, say hello to the people next to you and ask how long they have been dancing. You will quickly find that shaggers enjoy telling stories about their favorite songs and dance nights.

Some guests are surprised at how quickly a friendly conversation turns into an invitation to join a table. Accept when you can. The social side of the club is as important as the dancing itself.

Food, Drinks and Comfort

Dance night is held at a tavern, so you can enjoy food and drinks during the evening. Eat before or during the evening so that you have energy for the floor, and drink water between songs. If you plan to drink alcohol, do so responsibly and arrange a safe ride home, because the best evenings always end well.

Take breaks whenever you need them. Nobody expects you to dance every song, and resting is part of the rhythm of the evening. Sit, watch, chat, and return to the floor when you feel refreshed.

Going Beyond Your First Night

If you enjoy the evening, there is much more to discover. The club holds a monthly business meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at Parker's Restaurant in Greenville at 6:30pm, with dinner guests arriving at 5:30pm. It also hosts a New Year's Eve party, a Valentine party in February, a Re-Up party in June, a Fall Fling party in October and a Christmas party in December, along with SOS joint parties at North Myrtle Beach in April and September whenever possible.

Membership is twenty dollars per year. Members receive email reminders about upcoming meetings and events, save five dollars on the SOS card, and may take part in committees. You can mail your application to ENCSC, PO Box 44, Greenville, NC 27835. Whether you join right away or come back a few Tuesdays first, we will be glad to see you again.

Frequently Asked Questions