Kaleb Brown

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Carolina Shag has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in the Rock Hill, South Carolina, dance community as the grandson of Debbie Brown, I was introduced early to the music, traditions, friendships, and competitive spirit that make this dance so special.

I began my journey as a Junior Shagger, competing in Carolina Shag Association events and developing my timing, technique, musicality, and partner connection. Those early experiences gave me the opportunity to learn from respected dancers, work with talented partners, and become part of a community committed to preserving and advancing Carolina Shag.

As a member of the Junior Shag Dance Team, I had the privilege of representing the dance at events throughout the United States and internationally. My competitive journey has included appearances at CSA competitions, the National Shag Dance Championships, the USA Grand National Dance Championship in Atlanta, and the Open Swing Dance Championships in California.

Over the years, I have earned several placements and titles, including a first-place Junior I finish in CSA competition, Young Adult Routine placements at the Open Swing Dance Championships, team championships with the Junior Shag Dance Team, and a second-place Pro-Am finish at the USA Grand National Dance Championship. I was also honored to receive the Beth Mitchell Memorial Scholarship in 2019. 

As I progressed from the junior ranks into adult and professional-level competition, I gained a deeper appreciation for the discipline required to become a strong dancer. Competition taught me that successful dancing is not built on patterns alone. It requires solid fundamentals, precise timing, balance, musical interpretation, connection, and the confidence to express yourself naturally on the floor.

Today, I enjoy sharing those lessons with other dancers and helping carry Carolina Shag forward. I have had the opportunity to teach junior dancers alongside my grandmother, continuing the tradition that helped shape my own journey.

As an instructor with Dance Professor, my goal is to make Carolina Shag clear, practical, and enjoyable. Whether you are learning your first steps, improving your social dancing, or preparing for competition, I want to help you strengthen your fundamentals, understand the music, and dance with greater confidence, control, and personal style.