Shag, which is a partnered dance based in 6-count footsteps, was the natural choice of dance for James, who grew up in eastern North Carolina (credited as the birthplace of shag), and Leah was happy to learn any dance that James was interested in. They took dance classes from other shag dancers, frequented “shag nights” at local bars, and started competing in shag competitions across the east coast. In the early fall of 2022, they prepared for a competition to take place in Augusta, Georgia in October.

Carolina Shag:

James and Leah Bryant

Leah (68) and James Bryant (72) learned to waltz for their wedding in 1999, but the shag has been their dance for more than 20 years since. With each of them coming from difficult previous marriages, they knew they needed something to do by themselve

Leah (68) and James Bryant (72) learned to waltz for their wedding in 1999, but the shag has been their dance for more than 20 years since. With each of them coming from difficult previous marriages, they knew they needed something to do by themselves on a regular basis to keep their romance and connection, and thus began their weekly shag outings.

James and Leah look over their list of moves to cover in their dance for the Augusta Shag Shack competition. Each competing couple is allowed to choose their dance routine. Although James and Leah prefer not to explicitly “choreograph” their dances,

James and Leah look over their list of moves to cover in their dance for the Augusta Shag Shack competition. Each competing couple is allowed to choose their dance routine. Although James and Leah prefer not to explicitly “choreograph” their dances, they like to have a list of steps (or “moves”) in mind to guide their routine. Many of the steps are informally named after Leah and James’s own impressions of the moves; “Wes Mess,” for example, being named simply for its resemblance to west coast swing dance.

Leah and James practice in the “playroom” of their home in Cary, North Carolina. They frequently also practice together in their home’s foyer, ideal for its smooth wooden floors. Most often, they practice separately, playing out one or two moves whil

Leah and James practice in the “playroom” of their home in Cary, North Carolina. They frequently also practice together in their home’s foyer, ideal for its smooth wooden floors. Most often, they practice separately, playing out one or two moves while moving from room to room or waiting for the microwave to finish cooking.

Since 2009, Leah and James have competed in at least 26 contests, include 10 contests in which they danced with other partners. Competitive Shag Association contests involve three divisions of competitors: Amateur, Novice, and Pro. Leah and James cur

Since 2009, Leah and James have competed in at least 26 contests, include 10 contests in which they danced with other partners. Competitive Shag Association contests involve three divisions of competitors: Amateur, Novice, and Pro. Leah and James currently compete as Amateurs, and moving into the Novice division requires two first-place wins in CSA-sanctioned competitions. Leah and James have won a first-place distinction once as of September 2022, and the Shag Shack competition in October would be their chance to acquire the second win they need to move into the Novice division.

Leah forgot to bring jewelry to wear to the competition, but she did remember her makeup, which she stores in a Godiva chocolate box. James said, “My mom always said a pretty woman doesn’t need jewelry.” Leah countered, “That’s not what she said, she

Leah forgot to bring jewelry to wear to the competition, but she did remember her makeup, which she stores in a Godiva chocolate box. James said, “My mom always said a pretty woman doesn’t need jewelry.” Leah countered, “That’s not what she said, she said makeup.” “Oh, that’s right, it was makeup.”

In their hotel room, Leah and James run through their dance and list out their planned moves before heading to the Shag Shack. They become especially nervous after forgetting a few of their steps while practicing.

In their hotel room, Leah and James run through their dance and list out their planned moves before heading to the Shag Shack. They become especially nervous after forgetting a few of their steps while practicing.

Leah occasionally “primes the pump,” in James’s words, before shagging at clubs and competitions. Her choice drink: vodka with cranberry juice or club soda. She says to James, “If I have enough to drink, it doesn’t matter what you do, I’ll follow you

Leah occasionally “primes the pump,” in James’s words, before shagging at clubs and competitions. Her choice drink: vodka with cranberry juice or club soda. She says to James, “If I have enough to drink, it doesn’t matter what you do, I’ll follow you.”

Leah and James perform to “Carina,” by James Hunter. With five judges and a packed room of other competitors and spectators watching them, Leah and James felt the pressure. What would be easier, Leah said, was if you could be judged while the other c

Leah and James perform to “Carina,” by James Hunter. With five judges and a packed room of other competitors and spectators watching them, Leah and James felt the pressure. What would be easier, Leah said, was if you could be judged while the other couples are dancing on the floor at the same time. Then, it would feel more like shagging at the club. Leah and James competed against four other competitors in the Amateur division.

Still in the Amateur division, for now. Leah and James finished in 2nd place, with individual judges ranking them in a wide range from 1st to 4th place on their rubrics. They received mostly positive comments, but a few critiques were that they shoul

Still in the Amateur division, for now. Leah and James finished in 2nd place, with individual judges ranking them in a wide range from 1st to 4th place on their rubrics. They received mostly positive comments, but a few critiques were that they should have chosen a more advanced routine and had more defined steps. One major regret for Leah and James: forgetting to do the “Wes Mess” and “Pretty Lady Steps.”

Leah and James watch a video of their dance in their hotel room the morning after the competition, looking to see where they can improve. Their next competition will be at the Carolina Beach Music Awards in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in Nov

Leah and James watch a video of their dance in their hotel room the morning after the competition, looking to see where they can improve. Their next competition will be at the Carolina Beach Music Awards in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in November 2022. Time will tell if a 1st place win and a move up to the Novice division is in store. However their competitions go, Leah and James said they plan to keep shagging “until we die… as long as we can stand up.”