North Myrtle Beach Prepares for 40th Annual SOS Spring Safari

News Summary

North Myrtle Beach is set to host the 40th annual SOS Spring Safari from April 24 to May 4, celebrating the shag dance, South Carolina’s official state dance. With a nostalgic ‘Party like it’s 1995’ theme, the event is expected to attract around 13,000 attendees. Highlights include music by classic bands, a parade on May 3, and various social events. The celebration not only honors the shag dance but also boosts the local economy, drawing visitors to hotels, restaurants, and shops in the area.

North Myrtle Beach Gears Up for a Groovy Celebration of Shag Dance with Annual SOS Spring Safari

Get ready to don your dancing shoes, North Myrtle Beach! The annual SOS Spring Safari is just around the corner, taking place from April 24 to May 4. This special event is all about celebrating the shag dance, which was declared South Carolina’s official state dance back in 1984. This year, the event marks a significant milestone—it’s been a fabulous 40 years since the shag grabbed that official title!

A Blast from the Past

This year’s Spring Safari theme is all about nostalgia, encouraging everyone to “Party like it’s 1995.” You can bet that attendees will be living it up as they hit the dance floors of North Myrtle Beach, and roughly 13,000 people are expected to join the two weekends of festivities dedicated to the shag dance. The celebration is organized by the Society of Stranders, with plenty of shakin’ and movin’ happening in shag lounges along Main Street and Ocean Drive.

Plan Your Dance Card!

A highlight of the Spring Safari is undoubtedly the Society of Stranders parade, taking place on Saturday, May 3, at 1 p.m. This parade will showcase 90s-themed floats that are bound to bring back memories and spark conversations. Music lovers will be thrilled to catch live performances from classic bands like The Embers, Band of Oz, and The Fantastic Shakers as they provide the perfect soundtrack for a fun-filled weekend of dancing.

The party kicks off at Fat Harold’s Beach Club on April 23, where a lively kickoff party will offer live DJing and plenty of opportunities to hit the dance floor. Individual shag clubs will be holding delightful tea parties and social events throughout the week, giving everyone a chance to mix, mingle, and enjoy delicious cocktails while learning more about the convivial shag community.

Shag Dance for Everyone!

For those who may not be in the know, the shag dance is a joyous six-count, eight-step dance that originated in the 1940s. It has evolved from earlier jitterbug styles and has now become synonymous with the coastal Carolinas. Over the years, the shag has created a sense of community and joy among its dancers. Even while many attendees float around the ages of 58 to 60, there’s a fresh breeze of enthusiasm as younger dancers show increasing interest in this vibrant social dance.

A couple of the newest stars in the shag community are recent champions Mack West and Ivy Claire Huiet. They represent a new generation passionate about keeping the shag spirit alive and thriving. There’s a genuine warmth in the shag dance community, making it easy for newcomers to jump right in and start dancing.

Projected Dancer Spotlight

As part of the 40th-anniversary celebration, plans are in motion to project shag dancers onto the local water tower, creating a stunning visual tribute that is bound to enchant locals and visitors alike. The economic impact of the SOS Spring Safari can’t be overlooked either. Many local hotels, restaurants, and retail stores are set to benefit from the influx of visitors, making this an essential event not only for dancers but for the whole community.

Get Involved!

If you’re interested in joining the fun, membership to the Society of Stranders is available for just $35 a year. This membership grants free access to various clubs during events and opens the door to learning more about the exhilarating world of shag dancing.

So, grab your friends and family, and prepare for a lively experience filled with dance, music, and community spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned master of the shag or a curious newcomer, the SOS Spring Safari is the place to be for a delightful time on the dance floor!

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Additional Resources

• My Horry News: Countdown is on for Annual North Myrtle Beach SOS Spring Safari
• Wikipedia: Shag Dance
• My Horry News: Shaggers of All Ages Celebrated the Dance at Spring Safari
• Google Search: Shag Dance
• My Horry News: Shag Dancers Unite for Spring Safari
• Google Scholar: Shag Dance
• My Horry News: North Myrtle Beach Junior Shaggers Keep the Dance’s Legacy Alive
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Shag Dance
• My Horry News: Shaggers Making Memories During SOS Spring Safari
• Google News: Shag Dance North Myrtle Beach