ABOUT US | Virginia Beach Shag Club

About VBSC

VBSC In Numbers

The Virginia Beach Shag Club aims to preserve and promote shag dancing by uniting enthusiasts of all ages. We host events and gatherings to foster community joy and belonging. Founded with a love for dance, our club supports local charities and initiatives, enhancing community engagement.

228

Current Members

Events in 2025

$16,000

2025 Charitable Giving

OUR CLUB SPONSORS

HISTORY:

Jackie Matthews, Club Historian

How it All Started

Club History

35th Anniversary Photos

BOARD:

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MEMBERS:

Meet Your Board

Welcome to the Virginia Beach Shag Club, where our Board of Directors is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and enthusiastic dance community. Each member is passionate about the art of Carolina Shag dancing and works tirelessly to ensure our club provides an engaging environment for dancers of all levels. We invite you to get to know us, share in our love for dance, and participate in our exciting events and social gatherings. Join our family and let’s groove together on the dance floor!

VBSC History

Learn More

LEARN ABOUT OUR MEMBERS

ARMY

Baer, Norman

Beard, Ron

Beckner, David

Bezubic, Maria

Coker, David

Dean, George
Drury, Tom
Evans, Pete
Fentress, Bob
Holloway, Bill
Joyner, George
Lombard, Bobby
Marshall, Chuck
McRae, Sonny
Moore, Harold

Morris, Jim

Nevelsteen, David
Nuckols, Bruce
Obal, Jim

O’Brien, Pat
Orsini, Bob
Parsons, Milton
Phields, Billy

Platteel, Larry
Rowlands, Bob
White, Billy
Young, Bill
NAVY
Bland, Jerry
Bob Borlase
Boyd, Bill
Brennaman, Jeff
Burich, Steve
Carlisle, George
Etheridge, Harry
Ferreira, Frank
Foster, Dave
Hester, Marvin
Kight, Jimmy
Moyer, Ray
Obal, Jim

Parson, Ben
Plebani, Dan
Rademacher, Dave
Taylor, Ron
Walters, Cindy
Witzenfeld, Jack
Worth, George

Zehmer, Randy
MARINES

Crow, Chuck

Gardner, Jerry
Robinson, Jimmy
AIR FORCE
Izes, Drew
Ligon, Don
Mitchell, Joe
Person, Bob
Quigley, Jim
Schiemann, Cal
COAST GUARD

Griswold, Jack

Parker, John
Senetra Spirit of Shag Award
Mike Zuchowski (2024)

Carol Michaelis (2025)
Most Improved Couple
Lavarna & Vito Alinea (2025)
Most Improved Male
Bob Orsini (2025)
Most Improved Female
Shelli Hunter (2025)
1989 Vicki Keller

1990 Vicki Keller

1991 Charlie Snow

1992 Nancy Black

1993 Betty Carter

1994 Roger Elling

1995 Mac McLaughlin

1996 Pete Aldridge

1997 Joyce Russell

1998 Lee Sojourner

1999 Jan Weakley

2000 Kandi Jones

2001 Chico Rivera

2002 Chico Rivera/Bob Person

2003 Bob Person

2004 Jim Overton

2025 Jim Overton

2006 Kathy Kotecki

2007 Jackie Mathews

2008 Harold Davis

2009 Harold Davis

2010 Harold Davis
2011 Frances Scearce

2012 Frances Scearce

2013 Harry Felton

2014 Frances Scearce

2015 Russell White

2016 Jim Crutchfield

2017 Jim Crutchfield

2018 Jim Crutchfield

2019 Jack Witzenfeld

2020 Jack Witzenfeld

2021 Jack Witzenfeld

2022 Margie McRae

2023 Margie McRae

2024 Jack Witzenfeld

2025 Jack Witzenfeld

2026 Jack Witzenfeld
The purpose of the Icon award is to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions within their own shag club. Nominees for this award have made significant efforts and contributions to their shag club and are clearly outstanding members of the shag club community. The Icon award evaluations are based on predetermined criteria and are scored by a nine-member evaluation team.

This award has come to be one of the most highly prized awards that a shag club member can attain.
Association of Carolina Shag Clubs
Shag Icon Award

Jan Weakley 2003
Vesta Denning 2003
Jackie Matthews 2019
Bob Person 2020

Margie McRae 2025
Nomination Form
Current Virginia Beach Shag Club Members
Virginia Shaggers Hall of Fame

* Deceased Members
Jan Weakley 1990
Carolyn Beckner 1997
Larry Williams 1998
Roger Elling 1999*
Jim Overton 1999*
Judy Swope 2000
Chico Rivera 2002*
Billy White 2002
Dave Beckner 2003
Richard Sawyer 2004
Vesta Denning 2006
Judy Watkins 2006
Sandy Jones 2007
Pam Barnes 2007
Gary Barnes 2008
Gerry Creech 2009*
Jimmy Byrd 2010*
Joe Mitchell 2013
Rosalie Mitchell 2013
Margie McRae 2014

Sonny McRae 2014

Bill Williams 2014*

Steva Williams 2014
Alan Michaelis 2015
Ron Bessent 2016
Sharon Davis 2017
Jackie Matthews 2018
Bob Person 2018
Sandra Alford 2019
Larry Maynard 2019
Nan Rodio 2020
David Sawyer 2020
Diane Underhill 2020
Shelia Kerr-Jones 2023
Wayne Tate 2023
Jack Witzenfeld 2023
Linda Bessent 2024
Joe Webb 2024

Bonnie Arms 2025

Deb Webb 2025

Carol Michaelis 2026
The National Living Legends of Dance was founded in Virginia for the purpose of giving recognition to all styles of dance across the United States. Inductees are evaluated by their contribution and influence in their particular dance style.

The Berta Lull award recognizes one’s contribution to dance, their dedication and service to the dance community, their performance in what they do for the dance community, their passion and love of dance, and the time and service they give to the dance community.
Website
National Living Legends

James Overton 1995
Jan Weakley 2004
Larry Williams 2004
Vesta Denning 2007
Richard Sawyer 2012
Pam Barnes 2013
Gary Barnes 2013
Bill Williams 2015
Steva Williams 2015
Joe Mitchell 2017
Rosalie Mitchell 2017

Jeff Bruzzesi 2018

Tami Sullivan 2018
Margie McRae 2019
Berta Lull Award

Alan Michaelis (2024)

About our Members

SOCIAL MEDIA

Let's celebrate our mothers at this special dance event. All will ladies recieve long stem roses!

The doors will open at 6:00 PM. Rita Giltz & Patti Rose will greet you at the welcome desk. The line dance lesson (Texas Time) starts at 6:15 PM, followed by the Carolina Shag lesson (The start and female underarm turn) at 6:45 PM. Open dancing takes place from 6:30 to 9:30 PM. Admission is $10 per person for club members and $13 per person for Associate Members. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase, or you can bring your own beverages and snacks. #carolinashag #vbshagclub

Join us at our Wednesday Mix & Mingle, Lessons & Dancing with ABSC DJ Gary "U S" Barnes.
Doors open at 6pm. Admission is $10per person for club members and $13pp for Associate Members. Snacks and drinks for sale or BYOB and snacks.
It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind, meet fellow shag dance enthusiasts, and let loose on the dance floor! #carolinashag #vbshagclub

Are you searching for an exciting and vibrant place to dance Sunday, April 26th? Look no further! We invite you to join the Virginia Beach Shag Club, a welcoming community that celebrates the joy of dance and the spirit of beach music. You will have the fantastic opportunity to groove to the captivating sounds provided by the renowned ABSC DJ Gary "U S" Barnes, who is known for his ability to create an electrifying atmosphere that keeps everyone on their feet. Whether you are a seasoned dancer or a newcomer looking to learn some moves, this event is perfect for all skill levels.
In addition to the exhilarating music and dancing, the Surf Club will be offering happy hour pricing on a variety of drinks and delicious food options, making it an ideal setting to unwind and socialize with friends or meet new people who share your passion for dance. Picture yourself enjoying a refreshing beverage while soaking in the lively ambiance, surrounded by fellow dance enthusiasts. The Surf Club is not just a venue; it’s a hub of fun, laughter, and community spirit where unforgettable memories are made.
NOTE: There will be a Stars, Stripes & Spurs event at the oceanfront from 4/24 - 4/26. They expect plenty of traffic and crowding. This should not affect us at the Wyndham which is on 57th Street, HOWEVER, Atlantic Avenue is closed from 17th to 21st Street.
To those folks who are coming to dance, avoid traveling the oceanfront to get to the Wyndham.
So, gather your friends and come out to enjoy an afternoon filled with rhythm, laughter, and great company. Whether you want to show off your shag dancing skills or simply enjoy the lively beach music, the Virginia Beach Shag Club is the place to be this Sunday. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to dance, socialize, and make lasting connections in a vibrant setting! #carolinashag #vbshagclub

Join us tonight at Mix & Mingle, Lessons & Dancing, our vibrant dance social every Wednesday! ABSC DJ is Gary "U S" Barnes.
Doors open at 6pm, Theresa Sawyer will welcome you at the Welcome Desk. The line dance lesson ('62 Chevy with Tommy Speight) begins at 6:15pm and the Carolina Shag Lesson (Sugar Foot, with Ron & Linda) begins at 6:45pm.
Open dancing from 6:30-9:30pm. Admission is $ 10per person for club members and $13pp for Associate Members. Snacks and drinks for sale or BYOB and snacks.
#carolinashag #vbshagclub

Anticipation is building for the inaugural Virginia Beach New Year's Ball! Registration opens on July 1st, and with the demand we expect, tickets will go fast. It's the perfect way to celebrate the New Year with friends and fellow dance enthusiasts. Don’t wait too long—check out all the details by following the link below! #CarolinaShag #vbshagclub #newyearsdance https://www.vbshagclub.com/new-year-ball

Looking for a midweek boost? Join us at Mix & Mingle, Lessons & Dancing, our vibrant dance social every Wednesday! ABSC DJ is Gary "U S" Barnes.
Doors open at 6pm, Pat Crank & George Joyner will great you at the welcome table. The line dance lesson (Continental) begins at 6:15pm and the Intermediate Carolina Shag Lesson (Boogie Walk) begins at 6:45pm. Open dancing from 6:30-9:30pm. Admission is $ 10per person for club members and $13pp for Associate Members. Snacks and drinks for sale or BYOB and snacks.
We will also celebrate our April Birthdays tonight!
It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind, meet fellow shag dance enthusiasts, and let loose on the dance floor. Whether you want to learn a few new steps or simply enjoy the rhythm, we can’t wait to see you there for a night filled with joy and movement!
For more details on our Mix & Mingles, visit us at: https://www.vbshagclub.com/dancesocials. #Carolinashag #vbshagclub

Looking for a place to dance on Sunday afternoon’s? Come out and join us Sunday, March 29th! The Virginia Beach Shag Club is offering a Sunday Dance at the Surf Club Ocean Grille. We can offer this for FREE but we need to support the Surf Club by purchasing food and drink. Come Hungry- Happy Hour pricing on alcohol and food (limited menu). #carolinashag #vbshagclub

Join us Wednesday! #vbshagclub #carolinashag #shagdance

Celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Virginia Beach Shag Club. #carolinashag #vbshagclub

2026 is our 35th anniversary year! Make this year special...join or renew your membership in the Virginia Beach Shag Club. #carolinashag #vbshagclub

Join us at the Virginia Beach Shag Club as we gear up for an unforgettable way to celebrate the New Year! Mark your calendars for December 30-31, 2026, and prepare to dance the night away with friends and fellow shag enthusiasts. Our club is all about community, rhythm, and the joy of dance, making it the perfect place to welcome in the new year with style. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to be part of something special! #carolinashag #vbshagclub #virginiabeach #savethedate❤️

Looking for a midweek boost? Join us at Mix & Mingle, Lessons & Dancing, our vibrant dance social this and every Wednesday with ABSC DJ is Gary “U S” Barnes!

Doors open at 6pm. Tommy Speight will teach the line dances :”The Continental" and "Two Steps Forward” at 6:15pm. Ron and Linda Bessent will begin their six week Beginner Shag Series with the Basic Step at 6:45pm. Open dancing from 7:pm-9:30pm.

Admission is $8 per person for club members and $11pp for Associate Members. Snacks and drinks for sale or BYOB and snacks.

It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind, meet fellow shag dance enthusiasts, and let loose on the dance floor. Whether you want to learn a few new steps or simply enjoy the rhythm, we can’t wait to see you there for a night filled with joy and movement!
#vbshagclub #carolinashag #carolinashagdance #dancelessons

Two options for taking our 6-week progressive beginner basic Carolina shag class:
Beginning on Tuesday evening, January 6th classes will start at 6:45 pm at the Princess Anne Recreation Center. Classes are designed to last 1 hour and run through Tuesday evening, February 10th, No partner required for registration. $49 per person for the series. City of Virginia Beach Recreation Center Membership or Day Pass required.
Beginning on Wednesday evening, January 7th classes will start at 6:45 pm. Classes are designed to last 1 hour and run through Wednesday evening, February 11th. Registration is not required. The cost for associates to take this class is $11 at the door each Wednesday evening. The $11 admission fee also gets you into the Mix & Mingle, a line dance lesson at 6:15 pm and open dancing after the beginner lesson till 9:30 pm.
These classes will give the new shagger the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of our dance and give them the tools necessary to get out on any dance floor.
The Virginia Beach Shag Club will help you meet your New Year’s resolution!
#dancelessons #carolinashag #vbshagclub

Come join the Virginia Beach Shag Club for some fun and dancing!
Beginning on Tuesday evening, January 6th a 6-week progressive beginner basic Carolina shag class will start at 6:45 pm at the Princess Anne Recreation Center. Classes are designed to last 1 hour and run through Tuesday evening, February 10th, These classes will give the new shagger the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of our dance and give them the tools necessary to get out on any dance floor.
Carolina Shag dancing was originally derived from fast dances like the Jive, Jitterbug and Bop by teens along the beaches of North and South Carolina to create a smoother version of these dances that can be done by all ages. The dance is done primarily to Rhythm and Blues, but can be done to any music with a basic 4/4 beat including: R & B, pop soul, Motown or even some country that creates a truly versatile dance that can be done by anyone.
No partner required for registration. $49 per person for the series.
City of Virginia Beach Recreation Center Membership or Day Pass required.
#carolinashag #vbshagclub #dancelessons

New classes begin in January! #carolinashag #danceclass #vbshagclub #dancelessons

Our newly elected Board ready to take on our 35th Anniversary year- 2026! #vbshagclub #carolinashag #carolinashaggers #shagdance

The Virginia Beach Shag Club held its annual Christmas Dinner/Dance this past weekend. Great turnout, amazing event, wonderful friends at #vbshagclub #carolinashag #shagdance

An amazing evening at the Virginia Beach Shag Club's Christmas party! #carolinashag #shagdance #vbshagclub #carolinashagdance

Beginner Carolina Shag Dance Lesson 6-week series begins in January- Wednesdays at 6:45pm beginning Jan 7th at the Virginia Beach Shag Club. Ron & Linda Bessent will be your instructors. #vbshagclub #carolinashag #dancelessons

Another great evening at our Wednesday Mix & Mingle, Lessons and Dancing! #vbshagclub #carolinashag #shagdance

Looking for a midweek boost? Join us at Mix & Mingle, Lessons & Dancing, our vibrant dance social every Wednesday with ABSC DJ is Gary "U.S." Barnes!
Doors open at 6pm.
Line dance class begins at 6:15pm (Tommy Speight will teach
"Azizam")
Shag class begins at 6:45pm. (6:45 pm - Ron and Linda Bessent will teach TBA)
Open dancing from 6:30-9:30pm.
Admission is $8 per person for club members and $11pp for Associate Members. Snacks and drinks for sale or BYOB and snacks. #vbshagclub #carolinashag

We now have less than 20 tickets left to our Annual VBSC Christmas Dinner Dance.
The deadline to buy tickets is November 30 as total numbers must be given to the Wyndam on December 1st. The club is not dancing next Wednesday evening due to Thanksgiving so if you would like to attend this most wonderful event, contact Ron and Beth Taylor. #vbshagclub #carolinashag

It's our Veteran's Day salute! Join us at Mix & Mingle, Lessons & Dancing, our vibrant dance social this and every Wednesday with ABSC DJ is Gary U.S. Barnes!
Doors open at 6pm, Open dancing from 7:pm-9:30pm.
Admission is $8 per person for club members and $11pp for Associate Members. Snacks and drinks for sale or BYOB and snacks. #carolinashag #shagdance #vbshagclub

Congratulations to our new 2026 Board of Directors! #vbshagclub

What a night! Despite it being a gloomy, rainy evening, we had 114 people in the ballroom. Huge "props" to our Special Event Chairs, Ron and Beth Taylor along with their team of misfits who organized and worked to make the night a success. THANK YOU to everybody that worked last night; the night was memorable. #vbshagclub

Congratulations to all Nominees, Class of 2026! #carolinashag #shagdancing #vbshagclub

This Wednesday’s Shag lessons with Ron and Linda Bessent will be a review of Beach Boogie and then the new step: ‘Sidewalk’. The Line Dance lesson with Linda Coolican will be Thriller. #vbshagclub #carolinashag #carolinashaglessons #linedancelessons

oin us at our Halloween Mix & Mingle, Lessons & Dancing with ABSC DJ is Gary U.S. Barnes. Dress for our costume contest!
Welcome to our annual Halloween Mix and Mingle, Lessons and Dancing. Dress to theme- we will have our costume contest with prizes awarded for most creative costume, scariest costume & funniest costume.
Doors open at 6pm. Line dance class begins at 6:15pm, Shag class begins at 6:45pm. Open dancing from 6:30-9:30pm. Admission is $8 per person for club members and $11pp for Associate Members. Snacks and drinks for sale or BYOB and snacks.
Members: You will have the opportunity to purchase your Christmas Party tickets during this event. Tickets are selling fast, and we do expect them to sell out soon! #vbshagclub #shagdance #shagdancing #carolinashag #halloweenparty🎃

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MEMBER BENEFITS

Membership in the VBSC

Shirley Williams
Membership Chair

Member Benefits Include:

Free dance lessons at our weekly socials

Weekly newsletter with real time information on shag activities

Voting privileges at our quarterly business meetings

Reduced admission to our weekly Mix & Mingle Dance Party & other events

Discounts on SOS cards each year

Friendships & memories to last a lifetime

Do you want to join the Virginia Beach Shag Club?

Membership is open to any adult and shall be extended to persons who are dedicated to the preservation of The Carolina Shag and the music associated with it and who conduct themselves with appropriate social demeanor. It is necessary for all existing and new members to complete a membership form to ensure the accuracy for our member roster. We now offer two types of memberships in the Virginia Beach Shag Club:

Regular membership in the club is based on the calendar year from January to December. All current members who renew their membership by the end of February will renew at the discounted rate of $20.00. The revenue generated by membership fees offset club expenses and facilitates planning of events through the year.

Associate Membership is intended for all “guests” that come and dance at our functions, but do not want to join as a regular member. This membership allows the member to attend all VBSC events after paying the admission fee which is determined by the Board.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION