Getting better, sooner !

The good news about Modern Jive: you will be dancing after your first lesson!

The bad news is: you will not look like the professionals on Strictly Come Dancing... !  As when learning any new skill, you will feel awkward at first, and probably forget, (or think you have forgotten) half of what you've learned before the evening is out.

The best news? It doesn't matter.  Modern Jive is a fun and sociable pastime, and so long as you try your best, act courteously to all your dance partners, and keep your sense of humour, things will work out fine.  With a positive attitude, skillful instruction, and plenty of practice, most people can become sought-after dance partners.  Still, here are some tips for beginners:

- Smile!

- Be gentle. Don't grip your partner's hand.

- Leaders, it is up to you to lead your partner - you are in charge and in the driving seat!

- Followers, don't try to help by trying to lead your partner, just do your best to follow what is led.

- Go to the Beginners Review lessons a little longer than you think you have to.  Make sure you are confident with all 18 Beginners Moves before you try the Intermediate class.  This will take at least six weeks, probably two months, and quite possibly even longer.  Ask questions.

- Dance after the class. The more you dance, the sooner you will develop the "muscle-memory" that allows you to relax, and not panic while trying to string together the moves smoothly.

- Continue with the Beginners lessons, even after you start taking the Intermediate class. You will continue to learn how to smooth out the basics, and add to that "muscle memory".

- Ask the better dancers.  That means you, too, ladies!

- If your mobile has a video feature, record the part of the class when the teacher demonstrates what you are about to learn.  Or scribble down some notes, before you forget.

- If you have that video ability, ask someone to video you.  (It is easier to fix a problem, when you can see the problem)

- Book a workshop.  You will be surprised how much more you can learn in 3 hours with a much smaller group, all concentrating on the same material.  It will also give your ability and your confidence a boost.

- Be a pleasant partner.  Think of how your clothing feels, not just how it looks.  Remove watches or bracelets that might scratch or snag.  Sequins can be a problem that way too. And it ought to be obvious, but I will say it anyway: unless you've had a very sedentary day, shower before you arrive, and bring along an additional T shirt to change into!

- Did I mention, smile ?! 

Jive+ 18 Beginners Moves

  • Armjive with top turn or push spin exit
  • First Move with top turn or slotted exit
  • In and Out
  • Yo-yo
  • Change places
  • Side-2-side
  • Man step under
  • Shoulder latch
  • Hatchback
  • Catapult
  • Short comb
  • Back hand pass
  • Manhattan
  • Basket
  • Octopus
  • Hallelujah

Jive+ Classic Intermediate Moves 

  • Accordion
  • Archiespin
  • Armjive double lock
  • Basket caress
  • Basket lean
  • Basket unwind
  • Double basket
  • Butterfly
  • One handed catapult
  • Columbian
  • Paso-Columbian
  • Left handed comb
  • Triple comb
  • Slow comb
  • Figure of 8
  • First move barrier
  • First move Manhattan
  • First move seducer
  • First move walk through (Eskimo)
  • Neck break
  • Pretzel
  • False pretzel
  • Half pretzel
  • Shoulder drop
  • Sway
  • Lassoo
  • Teapot
  • Half windmill
  • Wurlitzer
  • Travelling wurlitzer