project proposal
Gillian M. Cote
Writing Assignment #2
February 18th, 2009
Research Methods
I began my search for the perfect research topics by looking at my personal interests in the performing arts; which are varied and numerous. I finally chose the topic of shag dancing in the low country of South Carolina. After being a ballet dancer for fourteen years of my life, I wanted to do something with dance. The idea of shag dancing was the next thing I thought of; because, what could be more South Carolina than the state dance? I will be challenged by learning the steps and the different styles of shag; it is also difficult to dance with Citadel cadets, because they try to march all the steps. I would personally like to get a more in depth view of shag dancing and the culture associated with J.B. Pivots, the clubs, and the people. I would also like to achieve a higher level of accomplishment in my own shag dancing and an appreciation for the difficulty of the dance; I want to feel what the ‘regulars’ experience while shagging.
In terms of the setting; I am definitely out of place. The two “settings” for my project are that of the Citadel’s Mark Clark Hall, where they teach the shag lessons and the J.B. Pivots Shag Club in West Ashley, frequented by an older generation. J.B. Pivots is an oddity because it is modeled as a night club; complete with neon lights, disc jockey, and bar. The regulars are shocked when college age kids come into the club and are very friendly; I once had a lady give me with biggest hug and say “It’s so great to see young people keeping up with the tradition, instead of letting it die with my generation.” My setting is outside the parameters of my cultural subfields because I do not tend to frequent a dance club full of older people dancing, nor a predominantly male military school campus.
My proposed site is fairly accessible, in my previous ventures to J.B. Pivots; I was simply an observer of my friends, now I will be a participant. The older people have always enjoyed seeing our groups come in and it tends to be the same group weekly. The club will be open just as long as the regulars frequent it; they seem to be habitual dancers, the disc jockey even knows some of their favorite songs. I know exactly where the club is and can get there easily enough, hopefully every Friday for the next few months. It is also easy to access the Citadel dance classes; since, every semester they put out a general cry for females to attend the classes.
My field site is versatile, in that the participants of my study seem used to people taking pictures in the club and occasionally videoing. The participants are also receptive to my participation in dancing and even would like to dance with me. The group of adults assembled to dance regularly is very laid back and do not seem to mind whether or not I take notes or film them. I intend to interview not only the club regulars, but also some of the students that attend the shag dancing classes at the Citadel. I have met the shag instructor previously and am requesting his permission to interview him today (Tuesday), however, he has always been a great help when it comes to answering questions and helping aspiring dancers. I feel that the majority of my participants will be okay with my interviewing them; seeing as how they are so excited that we are carrying on the tradition of shag in the low country of South Carolina.