William & Lani Greene

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

We are William and Lani Greene, professional Carolina Shag dancers, instructors, and competitors from the Greensboro, North Carolina area. Together, we combine championship experience with an approachable teaching style that welcomes students at every stage of their dance journey.

William began competing as a Junior Shagger and earned three first-place finishes at the National Shag Dance Championships before advancing into the adult professional ranks. Throughout his career, he has competed at many of Carolina Shag’s most prestigious events, earning recognition at the National Shag Dance Championships, the USA Grand Nationals, and the US Open Swing Dance Championships. He was also a member of the National Shag Dance Team for 13 years. His dedication to the dance has been recognized through the Keeper of the Dance designation and his induction into the Beach Shaggers National Hall of Fame. 

Lani discovered Carolina Shag as an adult, giving her a personal understanding of both the challenges and rewards of learning the dance later in life. After meeting William through the Shag community, she developed into an accomplished professional-level dancer, instructor, and competitor. Her journey allows her to connect especially well with students who may feel nervous, inexperienced, or uncertain about getting started.

Today, we teach and compete together while promoting Carolina Shag throughout the Piedmont Triad and beyond. Our instruction emphasizes strong fundamentals, timing, partner connection, musicality, and the confidence needed to enjoy the dance socially or competitively.

We are also committed to introducing Carolina Shag to future generations through youth and family-centered dance activities. For us, teaching is about more than learning steps. It is about sharing the music, friendships, traditions, and joy that make Carolina Shag a lifelong community.