Jive

Jive – Development and History

Jive evolved from Lindy Hop, a dance style categorized under Swing dances that gained popularity in the 1930s. Despite being officially classified as a Latin dance, Jive has Afro-American origins. American soldiers introduced this dance form to Europe in the 1940s, where it found many enthusiasts among the youth.

Are you passionate about a dance that embraces catchy rhythms and exudes sheer joy? Then Jive is the ideal dance for you. Now, all you need is the right partner to keep the dance's versatility exciting. Above all, the music will carry you away. Its rhythms leave you no choice but to grab your dance partner and hit the dance floor.

Characteristics of Jive Dance

The jive dance is characterized by the following features:

• Extremely Up-tempo Music: Jive is danced to extremely up-tempo music, typically with a fast, energetic tempo of around 160-180 beats per minute.

• Fast Footwork and Energetic Movements: It involves fast footwork, triple steps, and highly buoyant movements, reflecting its high-energy and athletic nature.

• Sharp Downward Leg Action and Bouncing Motion: The dance is known for its sharp downward leg action, pronounced downward 'bouncing' action in the supporting leg, and a very buoyant feeling into the ankles and feet.

• Kicks and Flicks: The jive incorporates extremely fast kicks with a rebounding elasticity in the leg muscles and sharply pointed toes, adding to the dynamic and exciting nature of the dance.

These characteristics contribute to the lively, energetic, and athletic style of the jive dance, making it a popular and dynamic form of Latin dance

What time signature is the jive in?

The jive is most commonly danced in a 4/4 time signature. This is the same time signature as many other ballroom and Latin dances, except for the waltz. However, it's important to note that while the music itself might be in 4/4, the jive's characteristic "swing" feel sometimes leads to descriptions of the timing using different methods:

• Counting: Instead of the usual 1-2-3-4 count, dancers might use 1-6 (six counts for a basic step) or 1-8 (eight counts including quick "and" steps).

• Rhythm breakdown: Some sources describe the timing as 2/3, 1/3, 1, suggesting a three-part breakdown within each 4/4 beat. However, this doesn't imply an actual change in time signature, but rather the emphasis on certain subdivisions within the beat.

So, while the official answer is 4/4, remember that the feel and dance steps might create a slightly different perception of the timing.

Jive Dance Basic Steps

• Basic Rock Step: The basic rock step is an essential component of the jive dance. It involves stepping back on the left foot on count one, followed by rocking forward to replace your weight to the right foot on count two. This step sets the rhythm for the dance and is typically followed by two triple steps (chasse) counted as 3-a-4, 5-a-6. The jive is a fast-paced dance with a tempo of around 160-180 beats per minute, and it is danced to music with a 4/4 timing. The basic steps of the jive are based on a simple six-beat sequence: 1-2-3-a-4-5-a-6, with the count beginning with the rock step

• Underarm Turn: The underarm turn in jive dance is a fundamental move that adds flair to the dance. It involves the man leading the woman to turn under his raised arm, typically on counts 5-a-6 of the basic jive step. This turn is executed with quick and energetic movements, in line with the high-energy nature of the jive dance. The underarm turn is a key element in creating excitement and dynamism within the dance, allowing the partners to showcase their agility and coordination.

• Side Triple Step: The side triple step is a fundamental move in the jive dance that involves a series of three steps to the side, typically executed after the rock step and the chasse. The side triple step is counted as 1-a-2, where the first step is taken to the left, the second step is taken with the right foot crossing behind the left foot, and the third step is taken to the left again. This step adds variety and energy to the dance, allowing the partners to move quickly and fluidly across the dance floor. The jive dance is a fast-paced dance with a tempo of around 160-180 beats per minute, and it is danced to music with a 4/4 timing.

• Flicks and Kicks: In the jive dance, "flicks and kicks" are dynamic movements that add energy and flair to the dance. These movements involve quick, sharp kicks and flicks of the legs, typically performed in a lively and spirited manner. They contribute to the vibrant and animated nature of the jive, allowing dancers to express the exuberance of the dance through their footwork. The jive is a high-energy and fun Latin dance, characterized by its fast footwork, quick turns, and energetic movements, typically danced to music with a 4/4 timing and a fast tempo of around 160-180 beats per minute.

• Basic Whip: The "Jive Whip" is a figure in the international ballroom jive. While the specific steps and technique for this figure are not provided in the search results, it is a part of the jive dance that contributes to its dynamic and energetic nature. The jive dance is characterized by fast footwork, quick turns, and energetic movements, typically danced to music with a 4/4 timing and a fast tempo of around 160-180 beats per minute. Unfortunately, the search results do not provide a detailed breakdown of the basic whip figure in the jive dance. If you need a more detailed explanation, I recommend consulting a dance instructor or a reliable dance resource.

Jive step sequence for beginners

But first things first! First of all, the technique has to be right for this lively dance. And when it comes to jive, this mainly refers to the hips. We call something that swings through so loosely and easily as merengue hip action. The Latin influences on the dance can already be seen here.

The following program offers beginners a good start: We start with the basic Jive step, then we change positions from right to left. In technical terms this is called “Change of Places right to left”. This is followed by the so-called flirt, strictly speaking the “hip bump”. Finally we dance again changing places, this time from left to right.

So we already have our first little choreography! Once it's in place and the dancers feel confident with it, we add a few more simple jive step sequences as the mood takes them. Examples of options here include changing hands behind the back, stop and go or American spin

Jive step sequence for advanced users

Have the Jive characters described already become second nature to you? Then they are considered advanced. We also have a choreography ready for you - and of course it contains somewhat more difficult elements. So let's go: We incorporate the dance figures promenade walking steps - namely Slow & Quick - as well as the toe heel swivels, also in the slow and quick versions. Don't be put off! These Jive dance steps are really a bit more difficult and complicated. They assume that the dancing couple has developed a certain routine in their interaction.

More About Jive

The dance posture in Jive is open. You dance in 4/4 time with up to 44 beats per minute. This means it's a fast-paced and lively dance that challenges the stamina of both you and your dance partner. In the basic step, you face each other, followed by small steps in a sideways movement and then back. Once you grasp the fundamentals of the dance, it becomes easy to perform various figures.

Jive offers you joy, fun, and health benefits. Particularly noteworthy is the health aspect; the movement contributes to a more efficient heart, improved circulation, and enhanced lung function due to increased oxygen supply to your body while dancing. Furthermore