Oct 17 Bronze Lesson

Jive is about energy. The reason it is typically danced as the last dance in a round of competition is to test your endurance. Remember to show the audience (and judges) that you have energy to spare. If that's hard for you, work on your technique. Dancing with the proper footwork, body sway, and leg action actually makes this dance easier than it looks.

Standard. Remember to create a clear distinction between Closed Position and Promenade Position. In closed position, your feet, knees, hips, and shoulders are all facing the same direction. Keep your left side turned toward your partner, keep your knees forward, and connect all the way through your right side from the bottom of the rib cage all the way down to the knee. Since the connection is through the right side, the most effective way to move your body while dancing in a partnership is by channeling the energy you provide to the partnership through your left side (all the way through your left elbow would be the most effective).

In closed position the center of the connection is between the front of the man's right hip and the front of the lady's right hip. In contrast, the connection in promenade position is between the centerline of the lady and the side of the man's right hip.