Jive
Jive is an exciting partner dance, fun, easy to learn, and playful in nature. Because it's fast and energy-consuming, it's also an excellent form of exercise. Plus, it looks great on a dance floor.
Quick intro
Jive is a faster version of swing and shares many things with it, from footwork to underarm turns, swivels, etc. It evolved from early swing dances like Boogie-Woogie and Jitterbug. During WWII American soldiers introduced it to Europe, especially UK, where it became very popular with the youth. In 1968 it was added as the fifth Latin dance in International competitions.
It's a very boppy dance where dancers use more bouncy movements, lifting the knees and bending or rocking the hips. A lot of kicks are used. It's one the most energetic of all the dances.
Jive is generally danced to a music in 4/4 time in a wide variety of tempos from slow to very fast. The great thing about it is that it can be danced to all sorts of music - old, new, Swing, Rocknroll, Country, electronic, pop...
It's a dance for everyone, easy to learn, relaxed, lots of fun, and extremely social. It is the fastest of the Latin dances and will give you a great cardio workout. What a fantastic way to get and stay in shape. Now grab your dancing shoes and get jiving!
Basic steps
The basic steps for jive are based on a simple six beat sequence: 1-2-3-a-4-5-a-6. The count begins with the rock step (left foot step back, right foot in place), followed by the two triple steps (chasse) that are counted: 3-a-4, 5-a-6.
The Rock Step is simply changing weight from one foot to the other, except that it is taking a little step back, instead of to the side. A chasse is a series of three steps to the side.
Jive is generally danced to music with four beats to the bar that usually contains bouncy rhythms and easy melodies. The basic step (for men) starts with a rock step (changing weight from one foot to the other) followed by triple step to the left (left, right, left) and triple step to the right (right, left, right). The lady mirrors the man. Remember, the timing is - 1, 2, 3 & 4, 5 & 6.
Instructions & Diagrams:
Basic Men's Steps
- Step back with your left foot (Rock step)
- Right foot in place, weight shifts to it
- Sidestep to the left with your left foot (Chasse to the left)
- Move your right foot to your left foot
- Sidestep to the left with your left foot
- Right foot in place, weight shifts to it (Chasse to the right)
- Sidestep to the right with your left foot
- Sidestep to the right with your right foot
Basic Lady's Steps
- Step back with your right foot (Rock step)
- Left foot in place, weight shifts to it
- Sidestep to the right with your right foot (Chasse to the right)
- Move your left foot to your right foot
- Sidestep to the right with your right foot
- Left foot in place, weight shifts to it (Chasse to the left)
- Sidestep to the left with your right foot
- Sidestep to the left with your left foot
Practice these steps until you are able to do them in time with music. Don't forget to count: 1-2-3-a-4-5-a-6.
Video
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