Jive dancing is an energetic partner lead dance. The dance is fast boppy, energetic, with lots of knee-lifting, bending, rocking of the hips and partner twirling. Jive is danced to Boogie-woogie, Swing and Rock and Roll music of the 1940s, 50s and 60s.
The dance caught on in the United States in the 1940s and was influenced by the Boogie, Rock & Roll, African/American Swing, and Lindyhop. American soldiers brought jive dance over to the UK in World War 2.
Celebs performing in the Jive dances on “Strictly Come Dancing” TV series, have igniting fresh interest in learning Jive dance. Learn to jive and impress your friends and family on the dance floor.
Jive dance is easy to learn, it’s a fast exciting partner dance. It’s suitable for all ages, from young children and teenagers, to adults and over 50s. It’s fast and energetic, so you will need to be flexible and have a reasonable level of fitness. If you have mobility issues this is not the dance for you.
Jive dancing is easy-going, sociable, where everyone is encouraged to get to know one another. Many Jive clubs frequently run events at weekends, often featuring live bands.
The simple answer is Jive dancing is very easy to learn. Modern Jive is known for its simple footwork and being easy to learn. You can learn the basic steps in the first few classes, enough to get you up and dancing.
Expect to progress from learning basic 3-4 basic steps to dancing complex jive routines. It takes time, to get the best we recommend a 4-6 week beginners course to master the basics.
If you have not Jived before your teacher will teach you the basic steps, necessary to progress.
Beginner Jive Classes, you will learn how to dance basic steps with a partner across the dance-floor with ease. You will learn 3-4 basic moves, gain an understanding of the beat and rhythm to dance to. Learn basic partner work, and working in your personal space. Once you have mastered the basic steps you can move to the next level.
Improvers and intermediate Jive Classes, will take you to the next stage, you will learn variations, and different moves you can lead into and out of, increasing your repertoire. By the end of a course you’ll know many new steps and be able to perform more complex jive routines.
Advanced Jive Classes focus on correct technique and execute complex jive routines. You will perfect your lead or follow techniques. Practice makes perfect, helped by an experienced Jive dance professional.
The great thing about jive dancing is that you can progress are your own pace. There’s no pressure to perform, it’s not a competition.
Jive dancing is fast moving and energetic. You will get hot and perspire. It is advisable to wear loose fitting, casual clothes. Trousers should be loose, and sports bras are good. Wear smooth flat soled shoes or trainers that can slide. Ladies, tie your hair back so you don’t hit your partner in the face when you spin!
This is social dancing, usually with different partners so make sure you take care of personal hygiene.
Dance Near You, the UK’s leading Jive dance class finder, is the best place to start.
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