Why Join a Shag Club? Benefits of ENCSC Membership

More Than a Dance Class

Plenty of people enjoy dancing, but far fewer belong to a club that dances together year after year. There is a difference between an occasional night out and a membership in a community, and the Eastern North Carolina Shag Club is built around that difference. Since 1985, it has brought people together to enjoy, uphold and perpetuate the traditions of rhythm and blues, beach and shag music, and shag dancing.

If you have been wondering whether joining is worth it, this article lays out the real benefits, from parties and savings to friendships and a sense of belonging.

Friendship Comes First

The greatest advantage of membership is the people. ENCSC has had more than one hundred members for the past two years, and every one of them is a potential new friend. The club gives you a regular place to see familiar faces, to share stories and to feel part of something.

Friendships grow naturally when people share a pastime they enjoy. Dancing, eating and laughing together every week creates bonds that can last for years. Many members say their closest friends are people they first met on the dance floor.

A Full Calendar of Parties

ENCSC sponsors several fantastic parties during the year where you can have some of the best times of your life. The calendar includes a New Year's Eve party, a romantic Valentine party in February, an exciting Re-Up party for members in June, an entertaining Fall Fling party in October and a Christmas party in December.

Each party has its own mood, its own music and its own memories. Together they give the year a pleasant rhythm and give members something wonderful to anticipate.

SOS Weekends at the Beach

In April and September, whenever possible, the club joins other shag clubs at North Myrtle Beach for SOS, a joint party that is like Spring Break for adults. It is a chance to dance near the shore with shaggers from many clubs and to enjoy a weekend of music and friendship.

Members save five dollars on the SOS card, a simple benefit that adds value to each trip. Whether you attend once a year or both times, SOS is one of the highlights of belonging.

Weekly Dancing You Can Count On

Every Tuesday the club dances at the Doghouse Tavern, 506 Second Street, Ayden, NC. Doors open at 5pm and the DJ, music and dancing run from 6pm to 9pm. Admission is five dollars per person.

Having a regular night means you always know where to go and who you will see. You can drop in when life allows, practice your steps and enjoy your favorite songs. The steady rhythm of the week is one of the quiet pleasures of membership.

Email Reminders and Information

Members receive emails reminding them of upcoming club meetings and events. It is a small feature with a big effect, because it keeps you informed without any effort and helps you plan your schedule.

You will not miss a party because you forgot the date or lose a chance to attend an event because nobody told you. The club keeps its members connected.

Committees and Getting Involved

ENCSC committees are available for members to actively participate in events. If you like to organize, decorate, welcome guests or simply lend a hand, a committee gives you a place to contribute.

Being involved changes your experience of the club. Instead of only attending events, you help make them happen, and you get to know the people who share your enthusiasm. Many members say working on a committee is one of the most rewarding parts of belonging.

Learning and Growing as a Dancer

Dancing is a skill that grows with practice and with good company. Being part of a club means you dance regularly with many partners, which is one of the best ways to improve. You will watch experienced dancers, pick up tips and gain confidence over time.

Because the club welcomes dancers of all ages and levels, nobody is left behind. Beginners are encouraged, and experienced dancers take pride in helping them along.

A Welcoming Place for All Ages

Most of our members belong to the 50+ baby boomer era, yet the club encourages and supports dancers of all ages. Membership is for anyone who loves the music and the dance.

You will find that age matters little on the dance floor. What counts is enthusiasm, courtesy and a willingness to enjoy yourself. Whether you are in your twenties or your eighties, you will be welcome.

Part of the Association of Carolina Shag Clubs

ENCSC is a member of the Association of Carolina Shag Clubs, an organization of more than one hundred non-profit shag clubs stretching from Baltimore to Miami. That connection means our members are part of a broader community of shaggers.

When you travel, you will find dancers who share your interests. When you attend joint events, you will meet people from many clubs. Your membership opens doors well beyond Eastern North Carolina.

Giving Back Together

Belonging to the club also means taking part in something good. Each year, ENCSC contributes to the TEDI BEAR foundation in Pitt County with a minimum of $1,000 and numerous teddy bears for needy children.

Members share in the pride of that contribution. Knowing that the fun you have on the dance floor helps children in your community adds meaning to the evening.

An Affordable Way to Enjoy Life

The ENCSC membership fee is just twenty dollars per year. For that small amount, you receive invitations to parties, email reminders, savings on the SOS card, the chance to join committees and a place in a friendly community.

Compared with many hobbies, it is remarkably accessible. You do not need special equipment, and you can start dancing with a single night. The value comes from the people and the experiences.

What to Expect in Your First Month

Your first month as a member is an easy one. Come to a few Tuesday dance nights, introduce yourself and let people get to know you. Watch your email for reminders about upcoming events, and consider attending the next business meeting to see how the club works.

You will quickly notice how friendly the atmosphere is. Members remember what it felt like to be new, and they go out of their way to include you. By the end of the month, you will likely have a handful of dance partners, a few new friends and a favorite song or two.

Stories You Will Hear

Every club has its legends, and ours is no different. You will hear about memorable parties, favorite SOS weekends, beloved songs and dance nights that went on longer than anyone expected. These stories are part of the club's character and part of what makes belonging so enjoyable.

As a member, you will soon be adding your own. The first party you attend, the first dance with a new friend and the first trip to the beach all become chapters in a story you will tell for years.

How to Join

Joining is simple. Print and complete the ENCSC membership application and mail it, with the annual fee, to ENCSC, PO Box 44, Greenville, NC 27835. If you would like to see the club first, come to a Tuesday dance night and meet the members.

Business meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at Parker's Restaurant, Memorial Drive, Greenville, NC at 6:30pm, with dinner guests arriving at 5:30pm. You are welcome to ask how to get involved.

Is Membership Right for You?

Ask yourself a few simple questions. Do you enjoy music you can move to? Would you like a regular place to see friends and make new ones? Are you looking for a hobby that is social, active and affordable? If you answered yes, membership is very likely right for you.

You do not have to decide today. Visit a Tuesday dance night, talk with members and see how it feels. Most people who visit find the atmosphere so welcoming that the decision makes itself, and the small yearly fee feels like an easy choice for so much enjoyment.

Your Invitation

The shagger's lifestyle is a fun-filled one, and more people discover it every day. If you enjoy music, dancing and good company, the club has a place for you.

Come and dance with us. The next Tuesday is never far away.

Frequently Asked Questions