ABOUT US – THE VIRGINIA SHAGGERS HALL OF FAME
(Draft June 5, 2017)
The Virginia Shaggers Hall of Fame (vshof) was started in 1987 by a group who were enthusiastic about the dance known as the Shag and the beach music to which the Shag dance was normally done. Since 1987 one hundred and sixty-nine Virginia residents have been inducted into the vshof in recognition of their support, participation, and skills. Currently (June 2017) there are one hundred and fifteen active members, the remainder either deceased (34) or having become inactive (20).
Selection for membership in the vshof is by the membership. During the August through November time frame the nomination and selection process occurs. Members make recommendations (by submission of a resume) of deserving candidates. The resume is normally a combined effort on the parts of the nominee and the nominating member(s). A member may make one nomination each year. A person being nominated may be nominated by one or more members and may also be endorsed by one or more members. A member may endorse more than one member. The primary requirements are that the nominee is over forty-nine years of age and that the nominee is currently a resident of the state of Virginia. The resume should include the nominee's contributions to the Shag dance community in any and all forms--club membership, leadership positions, dance competition, dance instruction, Shag community support, Shag community participation, etc. as well as a current photo. Each current member receives copies of the resumes and is allowed to vote for eight nominees. The eight nominees receiving the most votes are selected for induction. An annual dance/induction ceremony is held during the first quarter of the following year (normally in March).
The only REQUIREMENT for a member of the vshof to remain an Active member is to pay dues (currently $25 a year). The EXPECTATIONS of a member of the vshof are to continue to perform at the level that made them a visible and significantly contributing individual to the Shag community. There is one activity to which each member should make maximum effort to attend--the annual dance/induction ceremony in March. This event is like many of the weekend events that other clubs have. A significant difference is that on Saturday night there is an induction ceremony for the inductees. Therefore, the dress is a little more on the formal/business casual side for attendees and more on the formal side for the inductees. Additionally, there are expectations that fellow club members and friends of the inductee would attend in large numbers to support the inductee. Accordingly, seating is arranged for the inductee and his/her friends to be together. Remember, this event is not restricted to members of the vshof, it is open to the public. In the past three years significant effort has been made to make this event more accessible to members residing throughout the state of Virginia--in 2015 the event was held in Williamsburg, in 2016 and 2017 it was held in Fredericksburg, and in 2018 it will be held in Hampton. Additionally it has been made a weekend event making it more feasible for those with greater distances to travel to attend.
The Virginia Shaggers Hall Of Fame Board welcomes any and all feedback on what is being done that is good, what is being done that isn't so good, and suggestions for improvement.