Frequently Asked Questions 

Shag Related Questions 

1. What is Shag?  The Shag (or "Carolina Shag") is a member of the Swing dance family, related to the Lindy, the Jitterbug, the Bop, the East & West-Coast Swing, the Texas Push, etc. Shag is traditionally a male lead and focus-oriented dance, but has evolved into a dance where women can both show off and call a step as well. The Shag is danced in a "slot", with the partners moving in accordian fashion, rather than in a circle or side-to side. The Shag is distinct from many of the Swing dances because of more intricate footwork and the overall smoothness and flow which gives the dance a graceful, effortless look.

2. Does everyone at the club shag? What about other dances?   Some of our members and guests also hand dance, some jitterbug, some West Coast Swing, and some line dance. (e.g. Tush Push, Continental, Bus Stop, Electric Slide, etc.). Our instruction program however, focuses on the Carolina Shag and selected line dances.

3. Is Shag difficult to learn?  The Shag got started by creative, energetic dancers with a good sense of rhythm who played and improvised to move with the music. The Shag today offers a challenge to dancers at any level, but learning it is easy with our club instructors who can break down steps into easy-to-learn sequences.  We also offer a instructional "notebook" produced by the Northern Virginia Shag Club for $10. It is available on VHS or DVD.

BBC Related Questions 

1. Who belongs to the BBC?  The Club has almost 100 members, with a mixture of married couples, dating couples, long-time single friends, and club newcomers, both as singles and in couples. Our average membership age is over 40, but we have members in their 30's as well as active retirees. What brings and holds this diverse group together is the enjoyment of good times, good company, and good music.

2. Where is Las Palmas Cafe? Is it in a safe area?  Las Palmas Cafe is located in old town Fredericksburg, VA. off of I-95 at exit 130 or 133. There is ample parking downtown in the evening with plenty of lighting, but anyone with security concerns can get a club member to walk with them to their car.

3. I don't dance so why should I join?  You don't have to dance to have fun with this group. Do you enjoy listening to Carolina beach music, rhythm & blues or contemporary music with a good beat? Do you like to socialize and work with other people on community service projects for worthy causes? Maybe you're looking for someone to share your life outside of the Club.  The BBC is a safe and relaxing place to mingle and meet new people. You will also learn about fun shag parties and other events outside of Fredericksburg and make friends that might help share travel or shelter costs and provide travel companionship.

4. Do I need a partner for the dance lessons?  No, all steps are taught first without a partner, then everyone is given a chance to try it together. In any given class there are usually an unequal number of men and women, so the instructors will ensure that everybody gets a chance to practice by rotating the dancers around. This ensures that you will not only dance, but with different partners.

5. I'm not a very good dancer, even though I enjoy it. Who would want to dance with me?  The BBC is first and foremost a social organization and every dancer on the floor, no matter how good, remembers the embarassing early years when they had two left feet. You will find that everyone is approachable and we all have fun, regardless of ability!

6. Who can I speak to for more information?  Any of the seven members from the Board of Directors will be happy to speak with you or answer questions about joining, the club, the Shag, etc. Go to our Board contacts page, where you can send an e-mail with your questions to any of the Board members.