Several of our modern jive students have asked me if I could make a list of some of the basic Beginner Modern Jive Dance moves we teach in class. So I’ve listed some of them, and, dance students, you’ll know that we’ve added variations and different moves so that this list isn’t exhaustive. Hopefully it will help you as you’re learning to remember them.
Think of this list as mainly foundational modern jive dance moves – all Improver and Intermediate Modern Jive moves are more advanced variations of these beginner moves.
On a typical modern jive dance evening we learn 3-4 beginner dance moves and 2-3 Intermediate, and because we focus on learning the moves as a whole rather than “where do I put my feet?” students are able to learn to dance more quickly than in most dance classes where you would normally spend several months learning your dance steps first.
This focus is part of what makes modern jive different from most other dance classes and such an easy dance to learn if you are a complete novice. The other aspect is that we focus on fun and enjoyment and having a great social time both in during the teaching class and freestyle practice. We use a very simple step-by-step teaching approach based on lots of repetition. So you’ll find that once you’ve developed your muscle memory you focus less on moves and more on just linking your favourite ones together. And, as our students know, once you’ve learned the basics and have some dancing confidence you can just add your own style depending on how you’re feeling the music. Modern Jive is extremely versatile. You’ll think less about moves, instead you’ll simply dance.
Modern Jive is man-led social partner dance, which means the man develops a good “lead” for the lady to “interpret” or “follow.” So the lead must learn the various moves in order to lead them well, while the ladies have to learn how to follow or interpret their dance lead (even if they think they know what’s coming). We all learn together, it looks and feels great and it’s a ton of fun. Guys, if you’ve ever dreamed of being able to dance – you can. Ladies, if you love to dance but think you’re un-cordinated – try a class. You may be amazed at how much fun you have and how easy modern jive is to learn.
