If you've ever been anywhere close to the Carolina coast in the past 50 years, then you've probably heard of two things that are as indigenous to our beaches as sea oats and sunshine: "Beach Music" and "The Shag." And if you know anything at all about the coast, you know that the latter isn't the Beach Boys, it's not a haircut, and it definitely ain't your father's kind of rock-n-roll.

Beach music was (and is) a particular type of R&B which initially became popular in Myrtle Beach dance pavilions and quickly made its way up the Intercoastal Waterway. And the shag was (and is) the only dance you did to it.

The shag is a restrained combination of strut, sway and shuffle, done to medium or slow music. It is basically a six-count dance with very little movement from the hips. Traditionally, the man controls the dance, showing off his fancy footwork while the lady usually allows him to shine. (Note: the amount of "shining" can be directly proportional to the amount of beer consumed.)

Wear your Topsiders but leave your socks at home. The shag lives on from Asheville to Wilmington and is one of the best things to do on a summer night when the breeze is warm and the rhythm is just right