During this same period, as more and more people rediscovered the shag, local groups of shag enthusiasts began to organize into what is now over 90 clubs dedicated to preserving the dance. Today shag is an established segment of Southern culture and the basic dance is the official dance of the state of South Carolina.
Shag Today and SOS
The dance faded in the Seventies, enjoyed an early-eighties renaissance, faltered again slightly when clubs began restricting those under 21, and flourished again in the Nineties. A rebirth of sorts occurred in the Spring of 1980 when Gene Laughter, a former life guard and beach bum at Ocean Drive, launched the first Society of Stranders party which attracted thousands of people who gathered to dance and reminisce. This first party has evolved into two weeklong parties and a long weekend winter dance that attract over 10,000 participants