Charlie & Jackie Corporation

For anyone in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and throughout the Grand Strand, the name Charlie & Jackie is synonymous with the Carolina Shag – the beloved state dance that embodies the spirit and rhythm of the South. Charlie & Jackie Corporation represents the unparalleled expertise and passion of two legendary figures in the shag community, offering exceptional dance instruction that has captivated and inspired dancers for decades. If you're a local resident looking to embrace this iconic dance, improve your moves, or simply immerse yourself in a vibrant piece of South Carolina culture, Charlie & Jackie are your ultimate guides. This point of interest provides a fantastic opportunity to learn from the best, right here in your own backyard.

Charlie Womble and Jackie McGee began dancing the Carolina Shag in 1980, and their journey together has been nothing short of legendary. They have not only competed and taught the dance extensively but have also been instrumental in its promotion and preservation. Jackie McGee is a ten-time Overall National Shag Dance Champion, and Charlie Womble is a nine-time Overall National Shag Dance Champion. Their remarkable achievements include an astonishing 12-year undefeated streak across more than 300 competitions. They were so dominant that the National Shag Dance Championship trophy was redesigned in their likeness, a testament to their profound impact on the dance.

Beyond their competitive success, Charlie and Jackie are passionate educators and ambassadors for the Carolina Shag. In 1989, they introduced the Carolina Shag to the U.S. Open Swing Dance Championships, expanding its reach across the country. They were the first shag instructors to be endorsed by the SOS (Society of Stranders) organization, a major force in the shag community, and continue to teach locally and nationally. They are also the founders and directors of the USA Grand National Dance Championship. Their dedication extends to nurturing future generations of shaggers, having created the first scholarship to assist junior shaggers. They've appeared on national television shows like Good Morning America and CBS Morning Show, tirelessly promoting the "Dance of the South."

The personal touch and quality of their instruction are consistently highlighted by their students. One grateful student raved, "My Wife Judy and I have taken Lessons From Charlie & Jackie at Ducks in North Myrtle Beach for Years during S.O.S.. I have done several 'Male Only Classes' taught by Charlie and I would Highly Recommend them. They are Truly Wonderful People." This reinforces the friendly, professional, and highly effective teaching style that Charlie and Jackie bring to every lesson, making them the most trusted names in shag instruction for North Myrtle Beach locals.

Charlie & Jackie Corporation primarily operates their dance lessons and workshops in various locations suitable for large group instruction, often partnering with well-known local venues that cater to the shag community. While their mailing address is listed as 802 Bellamy Rd, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, USA, their most prominent and frequently advertised group lessons take place at Fat Harold's Beach Club, located at 212 Main St, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. This location is centrally situated in the heart of the Ocean Drive section, making it exceptionally convenient for residents and visitors throughout North Myrtle Beach and the wider Grand Strand area, including towns like Little River, Atlantic Beach, and Cherry Grove.

Fat Harold's Beach Club, affectionately known as the "Home of the Shag," provides an authentic and spacious environment for learning and dancing. Its prime location on Main Street ensures easy access for those traveling by car, and ample parking is typically available in the vicinity, which is a significant advantage for attendees. Being in a popular area, it's easily reachable from various residential neighborhoods and tourist accommodations. This accessibility allows locals to seamlessly incorporate shag lessons into their leisure activities, embracing a beloved regional tradition without extensive travel. The choice of such a quintessential shag venue further enhances the learning experience, immersing students in the very culture of the dance right here in North Myrtle Beach.

Services Offered:

• Group Shag Lessons: Weekly classes, often held on Monday nights at Fat Harold's Beach Club, catering to beginner, beginner 2, and intermediate levels. No partner is required.
• Shag Workshops: Intensive workshops, especially popular during major SOS (Society of Stranders) events, offering a deeper dive into specific steps, styling, and techniques for all levels.
• Private Lessons: Personalized one-on-one or couples instruction to refine technique, learn specific routines (e.g., for weddings), or accelerate learning.
• Online Video Lessons: A growing library of instructional videos available for purchase, allowing students to learn and practice at their own pace from home. Topics include "Basics Plus," "Mirror Patterns," and specific workshop steps.
• Instructional DVDs/Books: Creation and distribution of dance instructional materials to help develop shag dancing skills.
• Special Events Appearances: Charlie and Jackie frequently teach at various special events and dance festivals across the country, representing the Carolina Shag.
• Male-Only Classes: Specific classes tailored for male dancers, as highlighted in a customer review, focusing on lead techniques and styling from a male perspective.
• Junior Shagger Support: Active involvement in creating and supporting scholarship programs for young dancers in the shag community.

Features / Highlights:

• Legendary Instructors: Taught by Charlie Womble (9-time National Overall Shag Dance Champion) and Jackie McGee (10-time National Overall Shag Dance Champion), recognized as global ambassadors of the Carolina Shag.
• Decades of Experience: Over 40 years of combined experience in dancing, competing, and teaching the Carolina Shag, ensuring unparalleled expertise.
• Authentic Carolina Shag: Focus solely on the "Dance of the South," taught with traditional styling and techniques.
• Holistic Skill Development: Lessons cover not just steps but also styling, technique, lead/follow, and the nuances that make for smooth social dancing.
• Welcoming and Friendly Teaching Style: Praised for their patience, motivating approach, and "wonderful" personalities, making learning enjoyable for all.
• Beginner-Friendly: Structured classes that welcome absolute beginners, making the shag accessible to everyone regardless of prior dance experience.
• Community Hub: Often teach at iconic shag venues like Fat Harold's Beach Club, immersing students in the heart of the shag community.
• Multiple Learning Formats: Offers diverse options for learning, including in-person group classes, private lessons, and convenient online video resources.
• Ambassadors of the Shag: Recognized by the South Carolina House of Representatives for their contributions and are actively involved in promoting the dance and supporting its community (e.g., SOS, junior scholarships).

Contact Information:

Address: 802 Bellamy Rd, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, USA

Phone: (843) 249-1301

Conclusion: Why Charlie & Jackie Corporation is Suitable for Locals

For residents of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and the entire Grand Strand, learning the Carolina Shag with Charlie & Jackie Corporation is not just a dance lesson; it's an immersion into a cherished cultural tradition led by its most celebrated figures. This makes them exceptionally suitable for locals who wish to truly embrace and master the "Dance of the South" right in their own community.

The unparalleled expertise of Charlie Womble and Jackie McGee, as multi-time National Champions and lifelong ambassadors of the shag, ensures that students receive the most authentic and high-quality instruction available. This deep well of knowledge, combined with their patient and genuinely "wonderful" teaching style, creates a welcoming and effective learning environment for dancers of all levels, from complete novices to seasoned shaggers looking to refine their technique. The flexibility of their offerings, including regular group lessons at iconic venues like Fat Harold's Beach Club, private sessions, and convenient online videos, means that locals can choose the learning method that best fits their schedule and preferences.

Furthermore, by learning from Charlie & Jackie, locals become part of a rich legacy and a vibrant community. They are not just acquiring dance steps; they are connecting with the heart of North Myrtle Beach's identity and its enduring love affair with beach music and the shag. Their accessible locations and active involvement in local events like SOS make it easy for residents to participate and feel truly connected. For any South Carolinian eager to learn the state dance, improve their social life, stay active, and be taught by genuine legends, Charlie & Jackie Corporation offers an unmatched and invaluable local experience.

Charlie & Jackie Corporation

802 Bellamy Rd, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, USA