-
Newcomers Guides
New to the 1950s, Rock n Roll or Rockabilly scene and looking for an insight into today's dancing, music and culture?
Our Guides are designed to help you find your feet and get dancing with confidence at events in the UK :)
Loving the Scene and wanting to learn to Jive? Our weekly classes are located in Yorkshire and we also run 4 hour intensive weekend Boot Camps and Workshops in various locations. These are suitable for dancing to Rock n Roll, Rockabilly, Rhythm n Blues, Western swing, Jump Blues and much more. For more information, switch to the Class pages. -
-
What is 1950s Jive?
- It's one of the three types of dancing associated with the Rock n Roll music scene since the early 1950s.
- It's a type of Swing dance and is also known as Rockabilly Jive or Rock n Roll Jive.
- It's a partnered dance usually requiring two people.*
- It uses 'moves' that can be put together in any order 'on the fly'.
- It can be danced by most age groups and fitness levels.
- It's danced at events all over the World.
* Looks a bit odd on your own, but three or more can be fun ;)
- It's one of the three types of dancing associated with the Rock n Roll music scene since the early 1950s.
-
Why do people Jive?
- They've been grabbed by the rhythm - you'll know if this happens to you!
- They're already into the fashion or culture; at some point they'll probably want to step onto the dancefloor too.
- To keep fit! From gentle aerobics to a full athletic workout, it's your choice.
- It's a great activity for couples.
- It's a form of meditation. Seriously, lose yourself in the music!
- So they can enjoy the music and culture with their friends; learning a partnered dance allows you to do this.
- An intoxicating rhythm and a dash of alcohol: that perfect storm!
- They've been grabbed by the rhythm - you'll know if this happens to you!
-
Outside the UK
Want2jive focuses on the UK style of Rock n Roll and Rockabilly Jive along with it's culture, however, there are subtle variations as you look around the world.
If you attend the larger International Rock n Roll, Rockabilly or Swing Dance events, some of which are in the UK, you'll see Jive danced in many different styles with a wide variety of fashions too. There's a whole world out there! :) -
Video courtesy of TonybeGood
Other types of Jive
In addition to the traditional Rock n Roll and Rockabilly Jive styles, there are several variations which you're very unlikely to see on a Rock n Roll or Rockabilly dancefloor:
Modern Jive/Ceroc - A smoother Social Jive style with less emphasis on footwork which is suitable for dancing to slower and more current music.
Ballroom Jive - This is a competition dance which you'll see on TV in programs such as Strictly. The dances you see are rehearsed and performed for judges and an audience.
Dance Sport Rock n Roll - A competitive acrobatic sport put to music. The dances you see are rehearsed and performed for judges and an audience.
Other Vintage/Swing dances
At Vintage events, you'll also see some other partnered dances being performed like Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Boogie Woogie, Shag, Charleton, Balboa and Foxtrot. These are not usually performed to Rock n Roll or Rockabilly music.
Northern Soul is now sometimes danced to Strollers played at Rockabilly events which cross over to that genre.