How to Do Under Arm Turns for Men in Jive Dancing

Jive dancing, or jitterbug jive, first hit the scene amongst young African Americans in the 1940s, but is quickly gaining popularity once again. Influenced by dance styles such as the jitterbug and swing, jive is most closely related to East coast swing and incorporates a number of turns, lifts and overhead movements. With a few tips, you can incorporate the basic under arm turn into your men's jive dancing routine.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Give your partner her lead to turn in the men's portion of the under arm turn. Add this simple jive dancing step to your basic rotate the base step in between your two triple-step movements.

2. Begin with the rotate the base step as the two of you step back into the rock step, your partner mirroring your movements. Step your left foot behind your right as you open up your left hip. Lift your right foot slightly to make one small in-place step and then bring your left foot and hip back to your beginning position.

3. Use this left step as the first of your left moving triple-step. Moving to the left, step your left foot down, bring your right foot to your left and then step your left foot out again. At the end of the triple-step, lift your arm, giving your partner her cue and release your hand from her waist, allowing her to make one full clockwise rotation.

4. Complete the men's portion of the jive dancing under arm turn by making another triple-step to the right and beginning the movement again with a rock step back.