Dance Fever Studio on the North Shore - Marblehead, MA

Jive

Always danced last in competition, the Jive is the fastest Latin dance. It is the only dance in the International Latin category that has its roots in the United States. Jive incorporates elements of Swing, Jitterbug, and Rock & Roll, featuring lots of sharp kicks, rock motion, and bounce. The overall feel is extremely energetic and happy, with a sense of humor thrown in.

Jive is derived from the music and dances of the 1940s. American soldiers brought these dances to Europe, where they quickly became popular among the youth there. UK variations that developed were referred to as Boogie-Woogie, or Swing Boogie; eventually, the term "Jive" emerged to describe the overall style. Eventually, the slightly more refined ballroom form was developed by British ballroom instructors; it was adopted into the competitive Latin dance category in the late 1960s.

The movements in Jive are kept compact, to allow for speedy footwork and quick changes of direction. The basic step features chasse to the right, chasse to the left, and a rock step back (mirrored for the lady); the beats can be counted as "one-a-two, three-a-four, rock step." Many of the figures borrow from Swing, West Coast Swing, the Twist, and other such popular dances.

Learn more about the Latin ballroom dances

DANCE WORKSHOP 2010

For a number of years, Dance Fever Studio has been host to the area's only ballroom dance-focused summer day camp.

With opportunities for children 5 years and older, our Summer Dance Workshop features Ballroom and Latin dance, fitness, arts and crafts, and more!

Call
888-267-7903
to learn more.

• International Standard
• Waltz
• Tango
• Foxtrot
• Viennese Waltz
• Quickstep
• International Latin
• Cha-Cha
• Samba
• Rumba
• Paso Doble
• Jive
• Other Dances
• Wedding Dance Services