The Jive

Dance Summary Type: International Latin Rhythm Character: High speed, high energy Music: Big band, modern rock (fast paced, between ECS & Jitterbug, 4/4) In Short: The Jive is an intense physical workout and a test of any dancer's endurance, definitely not for beginners
Beginner's Rating Simple: Instructional: Creative: Slow-Paced: Practical: Overall Score:
Notes on Frame Maintain a medium oval frame, slightly larger than a typical latin frame (e.g. Rumba) but smaller than a typical ballroom frame (e.g. Waltz), keeping elbows up and level from one side to the next. Keep shoulders slightly forward of the torso, and maintain a solid but not rigid connection with your partner. The man's left hand should be at approximately the lady's eye level and his right centered on her shoulder blade. The lady's left hand should oppose the man's right shoulder. Partners should position themselves directly in front of 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. Attempt to create a steady up-and-down rolloing motion by pushing the balls into the floor on whole beats and quickly releasing that pressure on half beats.
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

Begin with the East Coast Swing and continue in this dance until the basic pattern has become second nature. Once dancers have the ECS basic, find music of slightly increased pitch and speed up the basic little by little (a CD player with pitch control would be ideal). Continue to increase the pitch until the music reaches approximately 43 beats per minute, the standard for the Jive. For a great workout, dance 2-3 Jives in a row, and try not to pass out!

Recommendations

Of all the styles of swing, Jive is one of the most energetic and most difficult of all. Essentially the Jive is a fast-paced East Coast Swing. The pattern is virutally identical, except for the beginning, which is on the rock-step rather than a triple, and the styling and technique, which is sharper and more technical than standard swing. The Jive is an incredible workout and is often done as the final dance of competitions to test dancers' endurance. Beginners should certainly begin with ECS before venturing into Jive.

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