So You Think You Can Dance Jive?

So you think you can dance jive? The best and fastest way of learning the jive dance that can be used especially by beginners is to ask someone during a jive night for a dance. Unlike at nightclubs where your offer will be rejected, at jive nights, you will always have a positive response. As the music ends, get on the dance floor positioning yourself close to a seasoned dancer and boldly request them for a dance. Many seasoned men prefer to dance with beginners since they do not have to impress by making exotic moves. Equally, experienced ladies recognize that dancing with beginners is a good way of investing in the dances. Try your level best not to be tempted to dance with novice dancers or with one or two dancers. By doing the same dance moves with different partners particularly with expert partners, you will be able to learn more quickly. Ladies- learning the dance moves in class should not worry you, but follow the leading of the man.

Ballroom dancing jive is a 4/4 time signature dancing style that originated among the African-American, in the United States of America in early 1940s. This dance is lively and an unrestricted variant of Jitterbug, a type of Swing dance.

Ballroom dancing jive forms part of the 5 international Latin dances. In most jive competitions. The speed at which it is danced is 44 bars per minute, though at times the speed reduces to the range of 32 and 40 bars per minute.

Most of its fundamental patterns closely resemble those of East Coast Swing. The major difference is the use of the highly syncopated Triple Steps (Chasses) rhythm that utilizes hard swing and straight eights in ballroom dancing jive.

Ballroom Dancing Jive Styles
Contemporary jive dance style known sometimes as French Jive originated in 1980s.The dance style is derived from other dances such as Lindy Hop, Rock and Roll and Swing and so on, the main addition being to make the footwork simple. For commercial purposes, modern jive has been divided into other similar styles namely:

• Ceroc
• LeRoc
• Mo’Jive
• Swing Rock
• leJive
• Swing Jive
• Jazzjive
• Blitz( dance)

Though most of the three dances have incorporated Rock-and-Roll and Swing moves, other moves from other dances such as Tango and Salsa can be included, in accordance with the dance teacher and the particular style. On the other hand, similar dance moves usually have different signals indicating the next move, and different names in every style. For instance, Ceroc’s first move is similar to Lindy Hop Swing Out. However, dancing with those trained in other styles is hardly ever a problem, especially with the basic moves. Due to the eclectic nature of jive dancing, hundreds of variations and moves can be learnt. So you think you can dance jive? Why not give it a shot.