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2022
Frequenty Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Modern-Jive?
Modern-Jive originated in France and was introduced to the UK in the
1980s, gaining popularity in the ‘90s. The dance has evolved
enormously over the last 25 years, and it now takes moves from
many other popular dance forms such as Ballroom, Salsa, Jive, Hip
Hop and Tango.
Modern-jive is essentially a social dance aimed at getting non-
dancers onto the dance floor, although it can also be danced right up
to competition level. Modern-jive is a slower dance than Rock 'n' Roll,
Salsa, Lindy Hop and most Swing dances, and easier to learn than
any of these, with very little prescribed footwork to learn. Most
people pick up several moves after their first evening, which is often
enough to dance through a whole track.
Modern-jive dancing is a fun and healthy way to keep fit and to meet
and mix with friends old and new. We dance to a very wide range of
music from party classics to current chart hits, and everything
inbetween.
Do I need to enrol for a course?
No, beginners are welcome every week; simply come along whenever
you would like to start. Every beginner class we teach is suitable for a
complete novice.
Do I need to bring a partner?
No, you can come by yourself, with a partner, or with friends. We
rotate partners during the classes so you will get to meet the other
members of our club.
Can I stay fixed with my partner?
Modern Jive is designed to be a social dance, and we teach the
classes by rotating partners. We realise this can be a little daunting at
first, but it really is the best way to learn. Beginners benefit from
practising with the intermediate dancers who often choose to join in
and share their experience in the beginner class. However, if you
would still like to fix with your partner during the class, we will
accommodate this where-ever possible.
What should I wear?
You do not need any particular clothing. Anything goes, casual wear
or smart dress, as long as you feel comfortable and it doesn’t restrict
your movement too much. As for shoes, try to wear something that
will allow you to move freely on the dance floor - leather (or suede)
soled shoes are ideal, but not a necessity.
How much does it cost?
Prices vary from venue to venue. You should expect to pay between
£7 and £8 for one of our class evenings. All our class prices are listed
on the venue pages of this website. Social dance evenings (usually
called freestyles) tend to cost a little more.