Jive Dancing Steps for Men

Series Summary

Jive is one of the five dances used in International Latin dancing competitions. Jive evolved from early swing dances like the Boogie-Woogie, Blues Swing and the Jitterbug. During World War II American soldiers introduced the dance to Europe, where it became very popular with the youth. The uninhibited and lively motions of Jive were somewhat shocking to many of those in the established dance community, but this disapproval was soon turned towards the emerging rock-n-roll culture. In 1968 the Jive was added as the fifth dance used in International Latin competition.

In this series of free video dance lessons you’ll learn the basic steps and moves of Jive dancing. Expert ballroom dance instructors Sarolta Eke & Tamas Kassay demonstrate the basic footwork of the jive, both men's and ladies steps, including under arm turns, behind-the-back change of hands moves, and how to change places with your partner. These instructional video dance lessons will have you dancing like a real pro in no time.

Video Transcript

"Hello I am Sarolta Eke. Hello I'm Tamas Kassai, we are here on behalf of Expert Village. We are going to show you how to dance Jive. We are here to show you the Jive basic step. Tamas will show you the man's step. 1-2-3 and 4-5 and 6, 1-2-3 and 4-5 and 6, 1-2-3 and 4-5 and 6. The foot positions for this step is left foot back, right foot in place, left foot to the side, close right foot to left foot and left foot to the side, right foot in place, left foot closes to right foot, right foot to the side, and now you can start from the beginning. Once more it's back, in place, side, close, side, in place, close, side. The foot technique for this step is ball flat, ball flat, ball, ball, ball flat and ball, ball, ball flat. Once more it's ball flat, ball flat, ball, ball, ball flat, ball, ball, ball flat. The first two steps are called rock. Rock back and then the next steps are called chasse. This is a chasse to the left and this is a chasse to the right. Chasse to left, chasse to right, chasse to left, chasse to right. So the basic step consist of three parts. It's a rock back and the chasse to the left and then a chasse to the right. Chasse means stepping to the side, closing the feet and stepping to the side. It doesn't always mean you have to go to the side, you can even go forward. So it's forward, close, forward. Or you can go backwards. Back, close, back. In any direction you are using the chasse is always a step, a close and a step. Jive has many ancestors, Lindy Hop, Blues Swing, Boogie-Woogie and later Rock-n-Roll. American Soldiers drove them to Europe and this freestyle movement became very popular amongst the youth. Later English teachers made them more moderate and so it became more elegant, but still lively and active. 1-2-3 and 4-5 and 6, 1-2-3 and 4-5 and 6."