Modern Jive

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Modern Jive, sometimes called French Jive is a dance style that originated in the 1980s. It derives from Swing, Lindy Hop and Rock and Roll and others, the main innovation being to simplify the footwork.

The term Modern Jive was originally coined by Robert Austin, (the first Ceroc franchisee) when he broke away from Ceroc to form LeJive. Robert Austin used the term "Modern Jive" as he believed that there should be a generic name for the dance that which was not as associated with any specific company or trademark. This description later became accepted as generic term for the dance and is used by a large number of independent teachers across the UK and internationally. It is also used by many teaching organisations, including Ceroc Enterprises and TRDC, though these companies still prefer to use their own branding

In the UK, Modern Jive tends to be split into a wide number of classes and events, usually operating under independent or small groups of classes, each essentially teaching a similar style including:

While all these forms of dance have Swing and Rock-and-Roll moves in common, moves from many forms of dance including Salsa and Tango may be included, according to the specific style and even the particular dance teacher.

Similarly, identical dance moves often have different names in each style, and different signals to indicate the next move. For example the Lindy Hop Jockey is similar to the First Move Triple Steps in Modern Jive. Similarly the Man's Spin taught by Ceroc Enterprises is identical to the Man's Pass taught by TRDC. Despite this there is rarely a problem dancing with people who have been taught other styles, at least with the less advanced moves. Because of its eclectic nature there are hundreds of moves and variations that can be learnt.

Modern Jive is generally danced to music with 4 beats to the bar (4/4 or Common time), from latest chart hits to big band music and everything between, in a wide variety of tempos from slow to very fast. Some styles may concentrate on particular musical styles, such as swing.

Modern Jive does not require special clothes, though for both men and women, smooth soled (non-rubberised) shoes that are easy to turn/spin in are highly recommended.

Modern Jive is, like many Western partner dances, traditionally a male-led dance. Today, many female dancers also learn the lead role, even though only a few male dancers learn the follow role. The reasons for this are twofold: in most regions where Modern Jive is performed males tend to be less comfortable engaging in a partner dance with a member of the same sex, and female participants tend to be more populous than male ones.

[edit] External links

Modern Jive move descriptions can be found at a number of sites, including:

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