Collegiate Shag/Talk

Hi to whoever is writing these dance articles:

Look, I think it's great that you are adding topics in your own special interest. However, a principal guideline to follow is "every article must stand on its own". When I read ..."Collegiate Shag is similar to Balboa by changing the footwork slightly. It could be called triple time Balboa, but it is in itself a different dance." ... I really didn't know any more than before I started. I didn't even know that "collegiate shag" was a dance until I got to the third line.

It is best to write each article from the assumption that your readers have never heard anything about your subject before. I still do not know what you mean by "footwork", "lead and follow" or some of the other terms you used. I haven't modified any of your text, because I have no expertise in the topic, but they could be improved into something really useful with a few additions. Explain your terms, or link to other articles that explain them.

Also, maybe it's an american thing, but when WE talk about collegiate shag, we mean something quite different. - MMGB

I have to agree, with both the comment on the article *and* the sentiment about the different meaning of the term. Out of curiosity, to the Americans out there, has the success of [Austin Powers]? led to much actual usage of the term "shag" in general conversation? --Robert Merkel

The brief popularity of austin Powers led to a moment of 'shagaliciosity', but soon, at least in the American South, 'shagging' went back to being the word for describing the ultimate frat-boy dance -- one of whose greatest songs is 'Shagging in the Carolinas'. --MichaelTinkler, who dances the Shag only indifferently, having foolishly attended college in Texas and at a non-fraternity school.

In South Carolina, Shagging is the state dance. Everywhere else, you're just screwing around. GregLindahl

Thanks for the insight. I am one of a few serious Lindy Hoppers that are working on these pages right now. I came across Wikipedia by accident but felt I should add something into it. I will start working on the footwork explanation and the lead and follow explanation. Keep looking... it will look better sooner.

Shag was created long before Austin Powers, but now when one talks of Shagging the general populace seems to automatically revert to Austin Powers. Collegiate Shag and Balboa were both very popular in the 30's and 40's, the two swing dances intermix so well unless you are well versed in both, it is hard to tell which one they are doing. Does anyone remember the disney cartoon to the song "All the cats join in"? The cartoons are dancing Collegiate Shag. It is definately a shock that you could actually steal moves from a cartoon.

In Australia, "shag" was used as a term for intercourse long before Mike Myers ever dreamed up Mr Powers, and has never been used to describe a dance (presumably the same dance is given a different name here, but I don't know it). This has apparently led to some amusing cultural misunderstandings from time to time when Australian university students went to American student functions :-) --Robert Merkel