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Jive Lessons: Where to Start
If you're new to Jive, or you know a few figures and want a clear path, this page is for you. I've put my Jive lessons in a simple learning order: a basic and advanced routine first, then Jive Chasse technique, then the Drunken Sailor combination, plus two lessons on timing and balance that help across Ballroom and Latin. Work through them in order, and come back to any step whenever you need it.
Step 1 · The routine
Jive Basic and Advanced Routine
Two routines to follow along with: a basic one for dancers who have never tried Jive, with Fallaway Rocks, Change of Places, a Fallaway Throwaway and American Spins, then an advanced one that adds a Sit Line, Chicken Walks, Flicks and Drunken Sailors.
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Step 2 · Technique
Jive Chasse Technique: Feet, Hips and Body Rhythm
A good Jive Chasse is danced into the floor with small steps, not high knees, using ball, ball-flat footwork counted 3-a-4 and a contra hip action that goes opposite to the moving foot.
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Step 3 · Combination
How to Dance the Jive Drunken Sailor Combination
The Drunken Sailor is another name for the Botafogo, and in this combination you dance flicks and back ball changes into two Drunken Sailors, then layer it up with double time, both feet and music.
Watch the lessonAlso helpful for Jive
Two Ballroom and Latin lessons that will support your Jive.
Also helpful · Timing and music
3 Tips to Master Timing and Music in Ballroom and Latin
Good timing comes down to three things: master your balance, master your base time and then your phrase timing, and master your melody by counting the way you want to dance.
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Also helpful · Balance
How to Improve Your Balance in Ballroom and Latin Dancing
Better balance comes from how you control your weight, and that control starts in your pelvis: find a neutral pelvis, engage your centre and lengthen up in every movement.
Watch the lessonMore dances
Waltz · Slow Foxtrot · Tango · Viennese Waltz · Quickstep · Cha Cha Cha · Samba · Rumba · Paso Doble · New Vogue · Practice · Mindset
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