Roses littered the floor, heart-shaped decorations were everywhere and tables full of red and pink treats were provided for after those dancing the night away had worked up an appetite. It was as if cupid himself had visited the small classroom in Sirrine Hall.

For the night at least, Clemson Shag Club had taken on the role of cupid.

Since 2019, the club has been doing its part to spread the knowledge of the lively state dance. Although they are one of the smaller clubs on campus in terms of membership, the energy Clemson Shag Club brought into the room was unmatched.

This past Monday, the group hosted one of its first-ever events – an open dance to celebrate Valentine’s Day and teach Clemson students how to shag. Enthusiastic club members were ready to show new students spins and dips and coach them through new moves.

Micah Redel, a sophomore member of the club, has been watching her family shag dance for years but didn’t get involved until she came to Clemson.

“A group of about ten of my friends went to one of the Shag Club meetings freshman year and we absolutely fell in love,” she said. “We’d go dressed up in really nice dresses and spend hours in the dorm practicing after.”

Leah Conrad had a similar experience of dancing with her family but getting more heavily involved once she became a tiger. Conrad, a freshman, shared why Clemson students especially should embrace the South Carolina state dace and explained the beauty of sharing it with others.

“I think people should definitely get involved with the club. Since it’s the state dance, shag is a fun skill you can share with people from all generations,” she said. “The older generations are always happy to give feedback and are really impressed we’re still learning it, so it’s a great way to connect with people.”

To learn more about Shag Club’s upcoming events, visit their page on TigerQuest.