Modern Jive is a contemporary partner dance style that evolved from a mix of several dance genres, making it versatile and accessible to people of all skill levels. It is characterized by simple footwork and smooth, flowing movements, often danced to popular music across various genres, including pop, rock, and blues.
Origins and History
Modern Jive originated in France in the post-WWII era, influenced by American Jitterbug and Swing dances. As American GIs introduced swing dancing to Europe, it merged with local dance styles, creating a smoother, simplified version. Over time, this style spread to the UK, where it became particularly popular in the 1980s and developed into what we now know as Modern Jive.
Two major franchises popularized Modern Jive:
- Ceroc: Founded in London in the early 1980s, Ceroc streamlined Modern Jive to make it easy to learn, attracting large numbers of social dancers. The name “Ceroc” itself comes from “C’est Rock,” referencing its roots in swing and rock dances.
- LeRoc: A similar style that emerged around the same time, LeRoc also simplified footwork and emphasized partner connection, making it beginner-friendly and adaptable.
Related Dance Styles
Modern Jive shares connections with several other dance styles, including:
- Blues Dance: Both styles share a relaxed, grounded posture, and they can be danced to blues music. While Blues has a more intimate, slow movement, it shares the focus on musical interpretation and partner connection.
- West Coast Swing: This dance style, originating from swing dance, also shares some similarities with Modern Jive, such as its adaptability to different music genres and emphasis on connection and smooth, continuous movement.
- Expressive Modern Jive: An offshoot of Modern Jive that encourages more creativity and musical interpretation, allowing dancers to integrate elements from other styles, such as blues or contemporary dance, into their routines.
- Zouk: A Brazilian partner dance known for its flowing, circular movements. While different in technique, Zouk and Modern Jive share an emphasis on smooth transitions and fluidity, especially when danced to slower, romantic music.
Modern Jive’s simplicity, combined with its ability to incorporate various musical genres and styles, has made it a popular social dance across the world. Whether through structured classes or freeform social dances, it attracts a wide range of dancers, from beginners to seasoned pros.
