In 1984, the Carolina Shag (so named in the 1930s) became South Carolina's official dance. According to Street Swing, "the dance was originally a mix of the Charleston and Collegiate Shag (according to 10/1938-Dance Index Magazine's article on the dance. 'Carolina Shag' descriptions)." The Carolina shag was notably danced on the beach, therefore influencing its style with an emphasis on footwork and minimal turns. A one hand hold and 6-count or 8-count choreography highlight this type of shag. Genres including Oldies and Motown make up the "Beach Music" that characterizes Carolina shag tunes.
The Collegiate shag emerged in the 1920s and 1930s. Possible points of origin for the Collegiate shag are Louisiana and New York. Dancers perform Collegiate shag in much closer proximity to one another than the Carolina shag, a position called closed hold. Quick steps and hops play a major role in Collegiate shag. Primarily, according to Penn State University, Collegiate dancers "hop" to the tunes of "upper tempo jazz music (usually 200+ beats per minute)."
The St. Louis shag, like other shags, dates back to the 1920s. Some people do not technically consider the St. Louis Shag a form of swing. Most people hold that the St. Louis shag has a different appearance than other shags. Many fast stomping steps of dancers in close proximity to one another and mirroring of one another's movements denote this visual difference. Boogie Woogie music provides the fast 8-count tunes for the St. Louis shag.
There are a number of other minor shag dance variations. These shag variations include the Arthur Murray shag taught by legendary dance teacher Arthur Murray. Murray's shag was similar in style to the Collegiate and Carolina shags, but with extremely fast footwork in a tight partner hold to 6-count rhythms. Another shag variation, the Kansas City, is primarily a California dance with the fastest music characterized by kicks. Finally, some people say the Balboa (so named for Balboa Island, CA) has ties to the Collegiate shag. The Balboa came after the Collegiate shag, in the 1930s-1940s, and incorporates a number of other swing dance styles.