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Frequently Asked Questions About Modern Jive

Where Did Modern Jive Come From?
The hot new partner dance from France. Rock 'n' Roll is here to stay - at least in France. While jive disappeared in most countries back in the 60s, in France it kept on rocking. It got updated, simplified and danced to the latest sounds. In the 80’s, it shimmied over the channel and took the UK by storm. It took on more influences from Ballroom to Lambada, and "Le Rock & Roll" became what we now know as Modern or French Jive.

What Is Modern Jive?
It’s Ballroom Jive, MINUS the footwork, PLUS a whole lotta cool moves shamelessly stolen from Salsa, Lambada and even Dirty Dancing! It’s Grammy not Granny - the latest and greatest tracks from dance, soul, R&B, rock, blues, jazz... pretty much anything with a beat! The idea is that you can learn a partner dance that you can dance at parties and nightclubs.

What Do I Wear?
Whatever you like, from jeans & a T-shirt to a Tux & a tie - although most people chose something closer to the former, whilst others dress up because they go out after class! You will get hot so wear something cool or have a layer you can take off. Things we don't recommend are high heels and tight fitting clothes. Anything goes really, but basically wear whatever YOU feel comfortable dancing in.

What About A Partner?
You don’t need to bring one, we change partners all the time during the lessons. It is an aspect of the class that people tell us they really enjoy, it makes it very social and lots of fun. Come by yourself or bring your friends, male or female!

What About Experience?
You don’t need any - even two left feet can’t stop you dancing! We warmly welcome people with no previous experience. In fact we think that Modern Jive is the perfect introduction to dance classes. You will find the classes easy and all you need to be is ready to have fun. Our philosophy is to enjoy dance for its own sake without chasing medals.

What If I Miss Some Lessons?
Each class is self-contained. You learn a 4 to 6 move routine each time so you don’t need to have done the last class to do this one. You can turn up when it suits you; but obviously, the more classes you attend, the more moves you'll get to know, the quicker your repertoire will grow!

What Is Freestyling or Free Dance?
Freestyling or Free Dance is dancing "Off the cuff". Once men have built up a repertoire of Modern Jive moves they then practice changing the order of moves as they lead.

How Much Does It Cost?
Full details of Plymouth Jive Club membership and lesson subscription fees are given on our membership details page. We pride ourselves on being able to keep our prices low and indeed, you will not be able to find individual classes of the same duration for much less than £4 elsewhere.

What do People Say About Modern Jive?

"...similar to French kissing but minus the mouth contortions", Robert Pepper.

"Become a snake-hipped doyen of the dancefloor", HTV Bristol.

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