Modern Jive is often referred to as the UK’s most popular social partner dance! This may be because it’s one of the easiest partner dances to learn as it has very simple footwork, so its often used as a stepping stone into other dance styles, such as Tango, West Coast Swing, and Blues dancing.
With its roots in Rock & Roll, Jitterbug, Salsa and other styles of dance, Modern Jive (also known as LeRoc, Ceroc, and Social Jive) was formed around the early 1980’s. It’s a simplified version of Le Bop which was common place in France, simplified in its timing meaning it was easier to dance to a wider range of music, against Le Bop which was only ever danced to a faster tempo.
The basis of Modern Jive is that it is, by nature, a social dance. Meaning that unless you wish to train to teach it, there are no gradings or set pathways for learning in the way of many Ballroom and Latin dance styles. However, over the years many organisers have created Competitions which are now commonplace around the World. Many people enter competitions to showcase their dancing, but without a formal grading structure, the choice of winners is based around safe technique, variety of movements and flare, and interpretation of the music, much like that of Contemporary Dance. Ultimately, most people learn because they want to find a fun way to get fitter, learn a new skill, and/or to meet new people. And that’s exactly what Modern Jive is perfect for!
Most venues operate a rotation system in classes, so everyone mixes, socialises and dances together, meaning its perfect for those who do not have a partner. Classes are often taught in lines, with Leaders staying in a fixed area and Followers changing partners every few minutes throughout the lesson. Sticking as a fixed partnership is often discouraged, as it is through dancing with different people that good technique and quicker learning happens.
There are a core number of basic Beginner Moves that all Beginners will learn, and once learnt these will become the foundations for a never ending array of more complex and impressive movements. Like every new thing, it takes time to learn. How long depends on each individual. However, with regular attendance at local classes, we are confident that everyone can master Modern Jive!
Modern Jive can be danced in a slot (imagine a long thin red carpet) or in a circular motion. Classes are usually taught using the slot technique due to teachers being on a stage to enable participants to see, but it is individual choice how you wish to dance in freestyle. The slotted technique is generally preferred amongst Followers as it gives them less need to focus on their direction of travel, enabling them to give more attention to their own individual styling and expression within the dance.
‘Dance with Stacey’ is a fantastically friendly and welcoming group offering Modern Jive Classes, Workshops and Private Lessons in Worthing, Bognor Regis and surrounding areas of West Sussex.
Classes are suitable for all ages of 16+, and can be danced to a wide range of music, from Elvis to Ed Sheeran, and all in-between!
And most importantly – its great fun!
Click on our Classes pages for details of your local class, and come along and give it a try!
