News Summary
At Greenwood High School’s summer band camp, students learned the Carolina Shag, South Carolina’s official dance, as part of their preparation for an upcoming beach-themed performance. Band director Kadin Ivey introduced this cultural dance to enhance engagement, and professional shag dancers assisted in teaching the students. The initiative aimed to provide a fun break from traditional practices while connecting students to their state’s heritage, resulting in increased camaraderie and excitement among participants.
Greenwood, SC – Band members from Greenwood High School took part in a unique experience at their summer band camp, where they learned the Carolina Shag, South Carolina’s official dance. This innovative addition to the program aimed to inject a sense of enjoyment and energy into the band practice as they prepared for their upcoming performance.
The camp featured a mix of traditional marching drills and new activities designed to keep students engaged, including the Carolina Shag lessons. Band director Kadin Ivey and his staff introduced the shag dance as a fun option for the students, coinciding with this year’s show theme, which revolves around a day at the beach. With beach music often served as the soundtrack for the shag, this dance perfectly complemented the overall theme of the band’s performance.
While Ivey admitted to not being a shag dancing expert, he shared a bit of prior experience with the dance, and believed this could offer an energizing break from regular practice sessions. His aim was to draw connections between the dance and South Carolina’s cultural heritage, enriching the students’ experience while adding a fun twist to the rigor of band camp.
To guide the students in learning the shag, Ivey enlisted the help of professional shag dancers Susan Welch, a former employee of Greenwood High, and Danny Scott. Their expertise provided the band members with an immersive, hands-on introduction to the dance, allowing students who had previously never tried it to engage with the South Carolina tradition enthusiastically.
Many students approached the challenge of learning the shag with a positive attitude. Reports from the camp indicated that the students quickly warmed up to the concept, showcasing an eagerness to master the moves. Even those who were complete novices found enjoyment in the experience, with some students demonstrating surprising natural talent for the dance. Observers noted a sense of camaraderie and excitement among the students as they practiced together.
As the camp progressed, the students began to look forward to the “dance breaks” afforded by the shag lessons. These breaks proved to be an opportunity for the band members to unwind and have fun, making the overall experience more enjoyable and less intense. Ivey expressed pride in how open the students were to trying something new, which not only contributed to the atmosphere of the camp but also enhanced their overall performance camaraderie.
The combination of traditional band activities with engaging dance lessons reflects a broader trend in music education, where instructors seek to create multifaceted experiences for students. The integration of the Carolina Shag not only aligns with the beach theme of the annual performance but also connects students with a piece of their state’s history and culture.
Overall, Greenwood High School’s band camp exemplifies how innovative approaches to music education can enrich learning experiences. By incorporating South Carolina’s traditional dance into its curriculum, Greenwood’s band members are not only honing their musical skills but also embracing local heritage, preparing them for a memorable beach-themed show.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Greenwood High’s Band Shags into Show Season
- Cremation Society of SC: Charles Holtzclaw Obituary
- Legacy: Brenda Holtzclaw Obituary
- Wikipedia: Carolina Shag
- Google Search: Greenwood High School Band Camp
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.
