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Because of the 1994 movie "The Mask" starring Jim Carrey, swing dancing made a major comeback. The movie had one of the greatest dance scenes ever between Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz. Also know as the Jitterbug, swing dancing comes in a variety of flavors but the most energetic is the Jive.
Even though it's not a Latin dance, it is one of the five dances in the International Latin Category. The Jive is danced last in the evening because of the amount of energy required to perform it properly. The music is played at 44 bars per minute and dancers are judged based on the intensity of their performances.
African American band provided songs such as Cab Calloway's 1939 song "The Jumping Jive" that was the impetus for the Jive in the 1930s. Complete with Calloway's scat "lyrics," this music became synonymous with the Jive. There's a great video featuring Cab Calloway himself at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8yGGtVKrD8 .
African Americans during that time preferred stylish leg kicks and a furious pace to acrobatic lift and throws of other swing dances like the Lindy Hop and the East Coast Swing. However, throws and lifts would dominate Swing again in the later '50s. And since the Swing was also known as the Jitterbug, this style was also sometimes called the Jitterbug Jive. The dance made its way to England as American soldiers danced it during WWII.
The pattern of the Jive is similar to the other swing dances yet very different at the same time. Some of the same movements can be used; however, the difference is in the highly syncopated rhythm and the faster pace. For example, the triple step in Jive is replaced with a chasse, which still uses three steps but is in a more fluid and bouncy manner. You have to glide at a very fast rate.
Even though it's not a Latin dance, it is one of the five dances in the International Latin Category. The Jive is danced last in the evening because of the amount of energy required to perform it properly. The music is played at 44 bars per minute and dancers are judged based on the intensity of their performances.
African American band provided songs such as Cab Calloway's 1939 song "The Jumping Jive" that was the impetus for the Jive in the 1930s. Complete with Calloway's scat "lyrics," this music became synonymous with the Jive. There's a great video featuring Cab Calloway himself at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8yGGtVKrD8 .
African Americans during that time preferred stylish leg kicks and a furious pace to acrobatic lift and throws of other swing dances like the Lindy Hop and the East Coast Swing. However, throws and lifts would dominate Swing again in the later '50s. And since the Swing was also known as the Jitterbug, this style was also sometimes called the Jitterbug Jive. The dance made its way to England as American soldiers danced it during WWII.
The pattern of the Jive is similar to the other swing dances yet very different at the same time. Some of the same movements can be used; however, the difference is in the highly syncopated rhythm and the faster pace. For example, the triple step in Jive is replaced with a chasse, which still uses three steps but is in a more fluid and bouncy manner. You have to glide at a very fast rate.
About the Author:
Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin have been dancing, teaching, developing and creating amazing choreography for over three decades. The run New York City's top-notch dance center If you interested in knowing more about any dances make sure you check out their website. They are now teaching dance lessons in NYC.
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