Paul & Rebecca Blackwelder
- Carolina Shag InstructorS -
My Shag journey started with a single VHS and grew into a lifelong passion spanning two decades. Along the way, I met my wife through Shag, and today we teach and compete together—helping hundreds of dancers build confidence, find community, and experience the same joy that shaped our lives.
Train with Paul & Rebecca100+
100+
100+
100+
What You’ll Learn from Paul & Rebecca
Dance Technique
Learn how to perform pivots, breaks, and transitions smoothly and naturally. You will improve control of movement, balance, and rhythm for confident dancing.
Partner Flow
Develop a strong connection with your partner. Learn how to read movement, communicate through lead and follow, and create a natural flow in the dance.
Musicality
Learn how to hear the music and highlight rhythm and accents. 
This will make your dancing more expressive, dynamic, and stylish.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS
Twenty years ago, my Shag journey began with a simple gift: a VHS tape from Charlotte Shaggers Hall of Fame dancer Carol Thomas featuring Charlie and Jackie Womble teaching the basic step. One watch was all it took - I was hooked. What started as curiosity quickly became a passion, and for the next decade I chased every lesson I could find.
Along the way, I discovered something extraordinary. The Shag world is bigger, warmer, and more welcoming than most people ever imagine.I met hundreds of incredible dancers, mentors, and friends who turned every class and social into a celebration. The community didn’t just teach me steps - it gave me a home.
About ten years in, friends began asking me to show them how to do certain steps. One question led to another, and before long I found myself teaching beginners across the Charlotte area. Those classes have been going strong ever since, and nothing makes me happier than seeing so many of those early students still out on the floor, kicking it up with confidence and joy.
And then Shag handed me the greatest surprise of all - a lottery-level win. I met my future wife. A former ballet dancer who once performed on stage in New York with Mikhail Baryshnikov, she slipped into the rhythm of Shag and the flow of teaching as if she’d been born for it. Since then, we’ve been dancing, teaching, and competing side by side, sharing the magic that brought us together.
Shag has given us community, purpose, unforgettable memories, and a love story we never saw coming. Every time we teach, we’re reminded of the dancers who began their journey with us - and the joy they’ve found along the way.
We’d love to be part of your journey too. If Shag has given us this much happiness, we’re certain it has something special waiting for you as well.
Find Your Rhythm
Whether you’re putting on your first pair of loafers or refining your pivot, 
we have a place for you. Explore by instructor, experience level, or type of training.
Donnie & Kelly Sanders
Workshop Recording - $68
Donnie & Kelly Sanders
Workshop Recording - $68
Donnie & Kelly Sanders
Workshop Recording - $68
Donnie & Kelly Sanders
Workshop Recording - $68
Donnie & Kelly Sanders
Workshop Recording - $68
What Our Students Say
— Sarah M.
"I’ve been dancing different styles for years, but Carolina Shag always felt unique to me. These lessons helped me understand not just the steps, but the rhythm and spirit of the dance. Donnie and Kelly teach in such a natural way that it almost feels like practicing with them on a real dance floor."
— James T.
"I really love how well these lessons are structured. Every detail is explained clearly and without rushing. You can tell the instructors have a lot of experience and genuinely want people to learn the dance, not just copy a few steps. The best part is being able to revisit the lessons anytime and practice at your own pace. Because of that I’ve started to understand the technique and the music much better."
— Michael D.
"These lessons are so much more than just dance tutorials. Donnie and Kelly share the spirit, history, and culture of Carolina Shag. When you watch the lessons it almost feels like you’re right there on the dance floor with them. They’re incredibly charismatic and explain things in a way that makes even complex movements feel approachable. For me these lessons have been a wonderful discovery."
— Lisa R.
"My husband and I decided to try these lessons just out of curiosity, but they quickly became a part of our routine. We practice at home a few times a week and always have a great time. It’s a wonderful way to spend time together, learn something new, and take a break from the everyday routine. The instructors also create such a warm and welcoming atmosphere."
