The Jitterbug

Dance Summary Type: American Rhythm Character: Energetic hops, kicks, and lifts Music: Big band (very fast paced, 4/4) In Short: Jitterbug is a remnant of the early 20th century, of average benefit for beginners
Beginner's Rating Simple: Instructional: Creative: Slow-Paced: Practical: Overall Score:
Notes on Frame Though a strict ballroom frame is unnecessary in this dance, be certain to maintain a good connection with your partner. While in closed position, the man will generally have the best connection through his right arm and torso with his hand on the lady's shoulder blade and his left hand lowered near his waist in "pistol grip." While in open position, partners will maintain connection via hand-to-hand contact (primarily man's left to lady's right), in which case both must be mindful to provide enough resistance in their arms to communicate with one another.
Notes on Footwork All steps are taken on the balls of the feet with knees well flexed. Steps should be small, no more than shoulder width, except in instances of exaggerated travel.
Notes on Movement Contain the dance to a small portion of the dance floor, only traveling when the area becomes too crowded or when additional space is required for certain patterns.

Practice Points

For those with a two step background, the transition to Jitterbug is relatively simple. Simply cease forward movement, stepping to the sides instead, and do a rock-step in fifth position. For those new to dance, begin marching out the timing in place. This will approximate the basic pretty closely. All that is left is to spread out the steps a bit, though still keeping them relatively small and being sure not to tap on the rock-step instead of changing weight.

Recommendations

Jitterbug is probably the simplest form of a whole array of swing styles and as such is well-suited to beginning dancers. Often danced to fast-paced big band music, the Jitterbug is necessarily kept to a few brief steps so that dancers can keep up with the band. As dancers progress, they also have the option to add actions in between the slow beats of each basic, making for continuous motion and quite a workout when dancing for extended stretches. Advanced dancers may eventually even get into some of the lifts for which the Jitterbug is best remembered.

This dance would be well suited for any of the following occasions:

Anniversary Evenings Ballroom Dances Class Reunions Corporate Events Cruises Dance Clubs

Fitness Centers College Formals In-home Parties Marriage Programs Marriage Retreats Outdoor Dances

Regional Vacations Social Dances School Proms School Talent Shows Wedding Receptions Youth Events