The Big Apple- Art Event

1. Even though the shag is danced to music that is 4/4 time, how does the dancer count when they are dancing the shag?
    8 count-  1-2-3, 4-5-6, 7, 8
    We practiced the 6 count-  1&2, 3&4, 5, 6.  However, most people keep pace with the song they are dancing too.  They listen to the beat of the music to determine the pace of the beat.

2. Discuss the Big Apple building. Discuss its features architechtural feature of Columbia, and a brief history. What was the first name of the building?
    The Big Apple building was used as an African American juke joint during the 1930s.  Since blacks and whites were not allowed to mingle together the white students at the University would go to the Big Apple Night Club and watch the dancers and their steps from the balcony.  They would take the steps they had seen and go dance them. 
    The Big Apple building was originally built in 1907-1910 as the House of Peace Synagogue.  The Synagogue had a large open floor with a balcony.  During services the women would sit in the balcony and the men would sit on the floor at the bottom.  The dome at the top of the building has the Star of David in stain glass.  The outside of the building is white with two red doors in the front.  There are also stained glass windows above and around the front door.

3. Discuss the Shag. What is the history of the shag and what is its relevance to South Carolina?
    The Shag originated along the coast of the Carolinas.  Some people from North Carolina claim to have started the shag, but most people believe it originated in South Carolina.  South Carolina put a permanent hold on the dance because it is South Carolina's state dance.  The shag was very popular at the beach areas during the 1940s and 1950s.  During the summer in Myrtle Beach, the Pavilion would hold a shag contest.  This contest is portrayed in the movie SHAG.  Like in many other dances, the shag has a leader and his partner follows his moves.