ARTICLES ON DANCECENTRAL

What is Modern Jive, French jive, Street Jive, Ceroc, Leroc?

Jive

This dance form is an example of a partnered dance. In classes a choreographed sequence is generally taught, but in practice it is an improvised dance. (Editor).

Jive in all its various forms is danced to a broad range of popular music that is simple to learn, but tricky to master. It has its origins in Lindy hop, but borrows/shares moves from many other dance styles. Its moves are often simpler to learn because of its simpler footwork so it lacks the complexity that deter beginners from say Salsa. Moves are danced on every beat (there is no undanced beat like in Salsa) and so the dance has a flow to it, that some people prefer.

The greatest strength of Jive is that, wherever you are, if there is music playing, you are bound to find someone who can jive (it is THAT popular). And if you are confident of your leading abilities, you can even coax complete strangers out onto the dance floor and teach them the basics and have them dancing before the record changes.

Mark Stephens