Donnie & Kelly Sanders
- Carolina Shag Instructors -
We are Kelly and Donnie Sanders, and Carolina Shag isn’t just something we do - it’s something we’ve committed ourselves to mastering, living, and sharing. At DanceProfessor.com, our goal is simple: help you become a confident, authentic Shag dancer faster than we did—without skipping the fundamentals that actually make great dancers stand out.
Train with Donnie & Kelly10+
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What You’ll Learn from Donnie & Kelly
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
Our Shag journey has been built: on the floor, through setbacks, through steady progression, and through competition in the Competitive Shaggers Association. One of our early milestones was winning 1st Place in the Amateur Division at the 2017 CSA Shag Shack Contest, which confirmed we were on the right path.
From there, we continued to climb. We competed across major events like the Charleston Shag Classic, Lynn’s Dance Club, Highland Country Challenge, and Memories Beach Club, consistently placing in the Novice division against strong fields of dancers. That progression culminated in a defining moment - 1st Place in Novice at the 2024 CSA Lynn’s Dance Club Shag Contest, a win that officially moved us into the Pro division.
Stepping onto the Pro floor was a milestone we earned, not one we rushed - and that matters. We understand what it takes to move from beginner to competitive dancer because we’ve lived every step of that process.
But titles and placements only tell part of the story.
What matters most to us is how Carolina Shag feels - the connection between partners, the timing, the flow, and the music. We’ve spent years refining not just how to dance Shag, but how to understand it. That’s what we bring into our teaching. Whether you’re just getting started or pushing toward the competitive level, we’re here to guide you step by step.
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
Fundamentals Of Shag 101 – $14.99
Donnie & Kelly Sanders
Workshop Recording
Donnie & Kelly Sanders
Workshop Recording
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."
