International Latin Jive-a popular dance for Social and Wedding Dance

International Latin Jive-a popular dance for Social and Wedding Dance

dancers in 50’s swing costumes

Jump, Jive and Wail, is a popular swing song, and also happens to be a good description for the international Jive. The most lively and light interpretation of swing. This European interpretation of the American swing is a great dance for all occasions!

History

The international Jive is the European version of the jitterbug. It was brought to Europe in 1937 in advance of the war. In 1938 even Glen Miller tried to introduce his own kind of Jive with his song,”Doin the Jive.” Just before WWII, around 1942 “Boogie Woogie” was introduced with recurring 8 beat figures. This dance looked like a wild frenzy of indescribable movements, with patterns like pecking and leap-frog. The lindy hop was barred from many halls until the war broke out and a flood of Americans brought it back in full force.

Miss Bradley and Mr. Moore then worked out an attractive Jive, and taught it in the west end of England. Spontaneous movement was replaced with technique and a greater understanding of movement emerged in Europe coming out of the war in 1944.  By 1968 this happy and bouncy dance became the 5^th Latin dance in international ballroom competitions.

Dance Structure

The Jive is a fast and fun dance. In competition it is danced to 4/4 time music as fast as 178 beats per minute, but can be slowed down to a range of 128-160 beats per minute. The Jive is characterized by swinging hips and lifted knees. The figures are comprised of fall-away rocks and chasses. The basic rhythm is a syncopated 1, 2, 3a4, 5a6.  This is a light and fun dance to grace any social gathering.

Jive Overview:

1. Jive is a fast and fun dance
2. European interpretation of the American swing
3. Danced with technique and a greater understanding of movement
4. Jive is characterized by swinging hips and lifted knees
5. it is danced to 4/4 time music as fast as 178
6. can be slowed down to a range of 128-160 beats per minute
7. basic rhythm is a syncopated 1, 2, 3a4, 5a6
8. A fun dance to grace any social gathering

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