Carol Thomas
- Carolina Shag Instructor -
Hi, I’m Carol Thomas! Learn Carolina Shag from an accomplished professional competitor who understands how to make the dance approachable, comfortable, and fun. I bring more than 15 years of teaching experience to every lesson, helping students develop strong fundamentals, smoother movement, better partner connection, and greater confidence on the dance floor.
TRAIN WITH CAROL11+
8+
3+
5+
What You’ll Learn from Carol
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 INSTRUCTOR
Carolina Shag has given me the opportunity to compete, teach, travel, and become part of a dance community that has shaped a major part of my life.
During my competitive career, my primary partner was Jay Thaxton. Together, we worked our way through the Carolina Shaggers Association competitive divisions and advanced into the Professional Division. We earned several strong finishes in CSA competition, including first-place results, and competed against many of the leading dancers of that period.
One of the highlights of our partnership was competing at the National Shag Dance Championships. We placed fourth in 2009 and returned to earn third place in 2010. Those experiences strengthened my understanding of timing, technique, connection, musical interpretation, and the preparation required to perform under pressure. Â
Competition was an important part of my journey, but teaching is where I discovered another kind of fulfillment. I began teaching Carolina Shag more than 15 years ago and have since worked with students through private lessons, weekly group classes, workshops, and special events. Â
Today, I teach in the Charlotte area at the Mecklenburg Shrine Club, where our weekly classes welcome dancers at several skill levels. I especially enjoy helping beginners become comfortable with the basic rhythm, footwork, lead-and-follow connection, and movement of the dance. From there, we help students develop stronger technique, smoother transitions, improved confidence, and a style that feels natural to them.
My approach is encouraging, practical, and centered on helping students understand—not simply memorize—the dance. I want every student to feel that Carolina Shag is approachable, enjoyable, and something they can continue developing for years.
Whether someone is stepping onto the floor for the first time or working to refine more advanced skills, my goal is to give them a strong foundation, patient instruction, and the confidence to enjoy the dance wherever the music takes them.
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.
Carol Thomas
Workshop Recording
Carol Thomas
Workshop Recording
Carol Thomas
Workshop Recording
