Jive

History:

The Jive was first popular in the 1940s. The Jive was originally the European version of the American JItterbug and East Coast Swing during WWII. Although the Jive had roots in the US it is danced with a rock step. It is basically an tripple-step East Coast Swing with a backwards rock first and an exaggerated bounce and kicks using some Latin styling and flair. Although the musically it is not the fastest, it feels and looks that way due to the regular use of syncopations.

Musicality:

The time signature of the music used for this dance is 4/4. The music is fast and lively in the Swing style. There is a musical accent on the first beat of each bar with percussive accents on the second and fourth beats. The tempo is 44 bars per minute - the speed at which the music is played. This is the required tempo for competition, however, actual Jive music can vary greatly.

Hold and Poise:

Stand with feet slightly apart, facing partner about 6 inches apart, with the head erect, the body naturally upright and the shoulders down.

The Man's right hand is placed on the Lady's back, under her left shoulder blade, and the Lady's left arm rests lightly on his right arm following the curve of his arm to the shoulder. In competition, however the hand can reach the gentleman's back for improved leading. The Man's left hand is raised in a gentle curve to the level of the shoulders. The Lady's right hand is placed in the Man's left hand with her fingers between his thumb and first finger. The hands are lightly clasped.

Body Positions & Holds:

These refer to the Lady's position in relation to the Man and should be stated prior to giving Foot Position or a description. Where necessary, for clarity, reference is made to a Body position in the Foot Position column.

Closed Position (Newcomer - Gold)

Facing partner, slightly apart, and normal hold.

Open Position (Newcomer - Gold)

Facing and away from partner, approximately at arms length. Left hand holding Lady's right hand. Alternatively Man's right hand can hold Lady's right hand. At the Silver through Gold levels acceptable holds are right hand to Lady's left hand or Man's left hand holding Lady's right hand holding Lady's left hand, also called double hand hold

Promenade Position (Newcomer - Gold)

Lady on Man's right side with the Man's right and Lady's left side towards each other, slightly apart, opposite side of body turned outwards to form the shape of a "V". Use normal hold.

Counter Promenade Position (Gold)

Lady on Man's left side with Man's left side and Lady's right side towards each other, slightly apart, and the body turned outwards to form the shape of a "V". Use normal hold.

Open Counter Promenade Position (Silver - Gold)

Lady on Man's left side with Man's left side and Lady's right side towards each other, slightly apart, opposite side of body turned outwards to form the shape of a "V". The distance apart may vary considerably and become more open, depending on the figure danced. The holds used are: left hand holding Lady's right hand or no hold.

Right Side Position

Lady on Man's right side, both facing the same way. Hold as required for figure used.

Left Side Position

Lady on Man's left side, both facing the same way. Hold as required for figure used.

Tandem Position

Lady directly in front or behind Man, both facing the same direction.

Use of Arms:

The arms are held in a natural and unaffected way. In many figures the partner is held with only one hand. The free arm is never static. Movement of the arms is subtle and rhythmically coordinated with the movement of the body, allowing for personal expression.

Rhythmic Expression:

Most syllabus figures in Jive are commenced with a "rock" action, stepping back on 1 (count Q) then replacing weight to front foot (count Q) , each step using 1 beat of music. The footwork is "ball, flat" on both steps.

As each step is placed the knee is softly straightened as the heel lowers. The other  knee is then slightly flexed.

The hips should be allowed to move freely and naturally with a slight swing from side to side.

The Jive Chasse:

In its basic form this chasse is a group of three steps taken in any forward, backward or sideways direction, with or without turn, counted "Q a Q". The first step is taken with part weight, the second step is moved towards the other foot, the third step continues to move in the direction required. The chasse may also be danced in place with the feet almost closed.

In terms of beat value, step 1 is 3/4 of a beat, step 2 is 1/4 of a beat, and step 3 is 1 beat.

There are 7 types of Chasses. Side Chasse, Compact Chasse, Forward Chasse, Backward Chasse, Turning Chasse, Forward Lock and Backward Lock. Demos of the different chasses will be available soon on the website.

Jive Closed Syllabus

Newcomer:

1. Basic in Place

2. Fallaway Rock

3. Fallaway Throwaway

4. Link

5. Change of Places Right to Left

6. Change of Places Left to Right

7. Change of Hands Behind Back

8. Hip Bump

Bronze:

1. American Spin

2. Walks

3. Stop & Go

4. Mooch

5. Whip

6. Whip Throwaway

Silver:

1. Reverse Whip

2. Windmill

3. Spanish Arms

4. Rolling off the Arm

5. Simple Spin

6. Miami Special

Gold:

1. Curly Whip

2. Shoulder Spin

3. Toe Heel Swivels

4. Chugging

5. Chicken Walks

6. Catapult

7. Stalking Walks, Flicks, and Break

Click on any figure for detailed description!

Impulse Ballroom Silver Choreography

1. Rolling off the Arm w/Double Spin (x2)

2. Miami Special w/change of Hands

3. Stop and Go (x2)

4. Change of Places R to L

5. Overturned Change of Places L to R

6. Simple Spin

7. American Spin

8. Change of Hands Behind Back

9. Double Whip

10. Mooch

11. Walks

12. Whip Throwaway

13. Change of Places L to R w/Quarter Turn

14. Windmill

15. Spanish Arms

16. Spanish Arms w/ Double Spin