Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of shag lessons are offered by NVSC?
NVSC offers a beginner course (4 weeks) and an intermediate course (8 weeks). In some months with five Wednesdays, steps outside the normal curriculum are taught on the last Wednesday of the month.
Q: When are the lessons taught?
Beginner and intermediate lessons are taught every Wednesday night from 7:30-8:15 PM.
(see the NVSC monthly newsletter, "The Shag Rag" for lesson content.)
Q: Where are the lessons taught?
All lessons are taught at the Elks Lodge, 8421 Arlington Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22031
Q: How much do the lessons cost?
The beginner lessons are free for everyone. The intermediate lessons are FREE for NVSC members.
- Annual membership: Costs $25.00 and lasts one full year from the date paid.
- Cover Charge (Wednesday Dance):
Q: Do I need a partner?
No, you are not required to bring a partner in order to take lessons. Instructors have students rotate partners so that everyone has a chance to dance with a partner.
Q: What will I learn in each lesson?
Beginner Course - this course has four lessons taught in sequence. The emphasis of this course is to teach the fundamental steps of the Carolina Shag - the basic step, the shag start, female turn, male turn, half turn, and triple basic.
Intermediate Course - this course is divided into two 4 week sets, Levels A, and B. The emphasis of this course is to encourage students to continue working on the fundamental steps taught in the beginner course while introducing increasingly complex footwork used in the Carolina Shag including variations of the shag basic step, the pivot, belly roll, sugarfoot, mirror steps and tuck turns.