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How to do the Collegiate Shag

These instructions are taken from Arthur Murray's 1938 Book "How to Become a Good Dancer" which contains these instructions on "The Shag."

This is the main shag step. It's the Man's part - but the Girl does the same, starting with her right foot when he starts with his left.

1. Step on left foot and hop with left, landing on left. In the photo notice the the Man's right foot.
2. Step on right foot and hop with right, landing on right.
3. Shift weight quickly to left foot, lifting the right foot about two inches off the floor.
4. Shift weight quickly to right foot, lifting the left foot about two inches off the floor.



Steps 1 and 2 get time count of 1, 2 each; steps 3 and 4 get just 1. This basic pattern of the Shag is called the "Time Shag," and it should be done twice before you break into a Shag Dip or Side Break which are described in the next pages.


Click here to watch a video of Arthur Murray teaching Collegiate Shag.

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Arthur Murray's Shag (1937)

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