News Summary
The Greenwood High School band has incorporated the Carolina Shag, South Carolina’s official state dance, into their band camp activities. Under the guidance of band director Kadin Ivey and professional shag dancers, students embraced the dance, enhancing their camaraderie and enjoyment while preparing for the upcoming performances. This unique blend of music and cultural education not only invigorated the students but also deepened their appreciation for regional traditions, setting a lively tone for their show themed ‘A Day at the Beach.’
Greenwood – Members of the Greenwood High School band recently took part in an engaging activity during their band camp by learning the Carolina Shag, the official state dance of South Carolina. This initiative was aimed at bringing an element of fun and historical context to the students while they prepared for their upcoming performances.
The shag lessons were proposed by Kadin Ivey, the band director, who wanted to energize the group and provide a connection to local history. This year, the band’s show theme is titled “A Day at the Beach,” making the introduction of the shag dance particularly fitting, as it is often performed to beach music, reinforcing the show’s lively atmosphere.
Professional shag dancers Susan Welch, a former employee at Greenwood High, and Danny Scott led the dance instruction sessions. Many students approached the dance with little to no prior experience, making the lessons a new and exciting challenge for them.
Ivey noted the students’ enthusiastic response to the dance lessons, as they partnered up to learn the upbeat footwork essential to the shag. The faculty observed that these lessons provided a welcome break during the rigorous band practice sessions, allowing students to relax while also fostering a spirit of collaboration and enjoyment.
As students engaged in the lessons, several discovered a genuine enjoyment for the shag dancing, performing well and showing positive progress. The band director expressed pride in the students’ willingness to embrace something unfamiliar and highlighted the positive atmosphere created by the dance sessions. The sessions not only served as a break but also energized the group, enhancing their camaraderie.
This dance experience represents a unique intersection of musical and cultural education, allowing the students to gain a deeper appreciation for this beloved regional dance form. The shag’s origins are deeply rooted in the coastal areas of South Carolina and have a rich history linked to beach music, making it a natural fit for this year’s theme.
Ivey’s choice to include the shag in the camp’s activities reflects a broader effort to incorporate local traditions and diverse cultural elements into the educational experience of the students. Through learning the shag, students are not only preparing for their performance but also engaging in an enriching activity that contributes to their overall growth as musicians and members of their community.
The Greenwood High School band’s scheduled performances will benefit from the energy and teamwork fostered during these dance lessons, promising an exciting showcase that pays homage to both musical heritage and South Carolina’s vibrant culture. As the band prepares to take the stage later this year, the shag dancing has already made a significant impact on the students’ experience at band camp.
Overall, the incorporation of the Carolina Shag into band camp emphasizes the importance of integrating fun and cultural history into education. It has proven to be a successful strategy for enhancing student engagement while providing them with a memorable and meaningful learning experience.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greenwood High School Band Camp Incorporates Carolina Shag
Community Mourns the Loss of Gloria Jean Perkins-Godwin
Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Greenwood High’s Band Shags into Show Season
- Wikipedia: Carolina Shag
- Cremation Society of SC: Charles Holtzclaw
- Google Search: Carolina Shag dance
- Dignity Memorial: Oscar Ethridge
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dance
- Legacy.com: Brenda Holtzclaw
- Google News: Carolina Shag
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
