Carolina Shag Dance Veterans Jackie McGee And Charlie Womble Still Have The Moves
Since 1981, the married dance duo Jackie McGee and Charlie Womble have maintained a professional and personal partnership that fundamentally defined the competitive landscape of the Carolina Shag. Their illustrious career is marked by an extraordinary streak of dominance, remaining undefeated for twelve consecutive years across more than 300 separate competitions. Their mastery of the craft was so profound that they secured victory at the prestigious National Shag Dance competition nine times within its first decade of existence. This unparalleled level of excellence led event organizers to redesign the competition’s trophy to feature their likeness, permanently cementing their status as icons of the genre. Their long-standing partnership has been characterized by consistent success and a deep, enduring commitment to the evolution and preservation of this specific dance style.
By 2013, while the pair had reached their sixties and were perhaps beyond the peak years of their younger competitive era, they proved that their technical prowess, stamina, and physical grace remained entirely intact. On July 13 of that year, they took the stage for a highly anticipated exhibition performance at the ShagAtlanta ACSC Summer Workshop. The audience, clearly recognizing the historical significance of the appearance, greeted the couple with enthusiastic acclaim, anticipating a display of high-level artistry that only this legendary duo could provide. The atmosphere in the room was charged with excitement as the crowd prepared to witness these veterans in action once again.
Performing to the song “Be Myself Again” by Eric Benet, McGee and Womble opened their routine with relaxed, rhythmic shuffles. As the performance progressed, they gradually accelerated their intricate footwork, incorporating hypnotic, wobbling leg movements that drew immediate, positive reactions from the spectators, who responded with vocal delight and rhythmic clapping. Womble demonstrated remarkable agility during his spins, moving with a fluidity that impressed onlookers, appearing as nimble as a man half his age. Throughout the routine, the couple exhibited a profound sense of synchronicity, reflecting over forty years of personal and professional partnership. Their performance was characterized by elastic movements and consistent smiles of joy, illustrating their enduring passion for the dance they have championed for decades.
Watch the full performance on page two
