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So what is Modern Jive?

It is a partner dance, a cross between Rock 'n' roll and Ballroom Jive. The man leads, ie signals the moves to the lady. No footwork is involved, its just from the waist up. Music - ideal Modern Jive music is your average disco track, anything reasonably fast with a distinct beat.

It is easy to learn. And it looks good too. Most people achieve a reasonable standard of competence within three months or less. Aside from the dancing, its also a very good way to meet people and make new friends.

And Why All the Different Names?

Well, "French Jive" or "Modern Jive" is the generic term for a dance style that is currently rising in popularity around the world. Back in the '60s, when Rock 'n' Roll dancing was dying out, the French continued (calling it "Le Rock 'n' Roll", or "LeRoc") and developed the dance from its original style to a more complex, faster style. This new form of dancing was re-imported to the UK, and from there on around the world.

All the different names - "LeRoc", "Ceroc", "LeJive" and "RocJive" - are just names for the same dance. They have, it is true, a slight variation in style or leads (depending on which class you go to), but there is no difficulty in dancing with someone who learned from a different school. Some members have danced LeRoc with people from most other forms, including the French style of LeRoc (which is, again, slightly different from the UK variant).

However, there is one major difference about "Ceroc" - it is a trade mark. The name "Ceroc" has been registered as a trade mark by a franchise who arrange the dance classes. The same may also be true of the name "LeJive" now. They have not copy-righted the dance itself - this is impossible in any case - but they do have the rights to the name. They now seem to be marketing their classes as if they are a totally different style, and trying to lead the public into believing that "Ceroc" is the One True Name for the dance. This would give them a monopoly, as no-one else is allowed (because of the trade mark) to run "Ceroc" classes. Many think this is wrong - but they have a large orgainisation already, and seem to be winning.

On the plus side, by giving full control to these people, it means that you can have a globally recognised style, in the same way that you do for ballroom dancing. You can have medals, competitions, and globally recognised leads and so on. However, with ballroom dancing nothing is proprietory! Anyone can start up a "Waltz" class without paying money to a franchise. Also, in many dancers opinions, the dance should be fluid and able to develop, and should be free from people demanding money and threatening legal action.

Of course, we may eventually end up with the situation that occurred with Aspirin, the Hoover, the Trampoline, and so on. All of these were brand names (some still are), but theur use became so widespread that some of them lost their trademark status and became the Generic term.

Anyway, enough of the moaning. The main thing is to have fun while you're Jiving. So what are you waiting for? Get out of that chair and let's get Jiving!

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