Do I need to buy a video, take a class, or get private lessons? answer:
Sue
and I feel strongly that most learn-to-shag videos are great for reviewing
the steps and techniques that you have already learned, but they just
don't work well when you are learning the first time! So we want you
to consider a good shag class and /or private lessons from a well qualified
and experienced teacher. When you take a class or a private lesson,
you will learn the fundamentals of shag dancing and have a teacher there
to coach you so you will look good. The teacher is the key here.
Shag
classes are a great way to get started learning. Hopefully there are
classes near where you live and you will learn the basic steps and have
a fun time in the social atmosphere that is part of a group class! Private
lessons are THE SECRET to becoming a good and confident dancer. You
get personal attention and your individual problems get fixed. Plus
in private lessons you should expect to be coached about
developing your own style that suits how you naturally move..This is
the big advantage over group classes or videos.....private
coaching! TECHNIQUE and STYLE make all the difference
in how you look and feel about shag dancing!
How do I select a Teacher?
answer:
When you
select a teacher to take a a class from or for private lessons, try
to get a good look at how the teacher dances out at the clubs before
you signup! Remember your teacher must know how to execute
the steps as well as how to lead/follow while looking very good at it
..There are tons of teachers who have little or no serious shag teaching
experience. Many of these "teachers" rely on
using mirror step after mirror step as a teaching method with little
or no attention to style, proper execution, or lead/follow techniques.
This is not a good way to learn to shag because our shag
dance is based on style. If you select someone you do
not think dances with a smooth style and good execution then expect
to wind up looking not so great! This
is a very important point: The shag dance is constantly changing.
Our dance changes with each generation of dancers and things go in and
out of style. The teacher should know the things that are now considered
acceptable and what is out of style or simply not done anymore (eg,
male kick basic...).