Southern UK Jive

[Andy T-R]

Mmmm.

I knew Richard & Jo were a separate franchise and they seem to have a good attitude so at least that's one event I know I'll keep going to.

This thing about Blues/WCS beeing 'more educated' as you neatly put it really bugs me. I can dance Blues if I want, and I do some of the time (not WCS as I don't like it so haven't learnt it properly). But the thing is it's just not as much FUN as jiving in the relaxed way I'm used to. Maybe it's more of a challenge and more satisfying for highly experienced dancers but do they smile while they're doing it? If they do I don't see it.

Personally i like to challenge myself by trying to match my style to the music (and a wide variety of music if possible). So I've adopted/adapted some tango/milonga/RnR/ballroom/etc moves into my jive. Trying to get the best style to match a song gives me the greatest buzz - not perfecting one limiting style and selecting music to match the style.

And another thing ...

I hope it's just my imagination (and the imagination of a few others I've spoken to) but where have the inconsiderate dancers suddenly come from? We 'MoJive lot' are generally polite on the floor - keeping out of each others' way and appologising after a 'collision'. Now there seem to be a lot of men who dance 'big' (don't have a problem with that) and bash into people all the time and don't even acknowledge it.

Perhaps I'm just getting paranoid?
_________________
Andy

[Southern Jiver]

I couldn't have put it better, Andy. I feel exactly the same about it as you. I like to have "fun" dancing and WCS just didn't do it for me. I guess I'm just too old and set in my ways... I will be very sad if what I call "pure" jive gets taken over by the trendy stuff. As for the bish-bash dancers, I think the problem is that most teachers probably don't emphasise the common courtesies that we tend to take for granted. I have noticed that I get more battered at Winchester than most places and did have a word with the organisers. However, as I said, it is more of a courtesy thing and shouldn't have to be "taught".

[Diane]

Totally agree with you two whoever you are!
Winchester is a lovely venue but you can always guarentee getting bashed on the dance floor!
Athe Mojive venue I have seen people (newcomers) walk across a crowded dance floor carrying drinks!!!!!!!!!!
You shouldnt have to teach good manners, but hey its not like it used to be anymore and I think its something that should be mentioned in the line ups.
ie: when leaving the dance floor have consideration for those still dancing etc etc etc

[Southern Jiver]

As an exercise, I went looking for Jive Etiquette tips. I found this on a Ceroc site and I hope they don't mind me reproducing it here as I think it provides a good guide for general Jive etiquette.

When dancing, always be aware of the space around you:

Leaders always should be mindful of the space available for dips. A safe space can become unsafe very quickly, so leaders, make this YOUR responsibility, and followers don?t throw yourself back into a dip unless led.

Avoid travelling moves, big sweeping steps and arm movements, lifts and dips on a crowded dance floor.

Ensure safe, balanced spins to avoid spinning out of control into an unsafe space. Leaders ALWAYS be ready to catch your partner off a spin.

When entering and leaving the dance floor, always move to the edge and walk safely along the side, rather than weaving through the crowd.

When dancing in a social environment outside of our events and classes, be mindful that other dancers may not appreciate you busting your fancy Modern Jive moves on their dance floor. Modern Jive looks impressive on the social floor even when subtle and stylish moves are used, so do yourself a favour and keep it small . You'll leave the floor impressing people instead of offending them.

When dancing with new partners:

Followers don't be afraid to let your leader know if you don't like doing dips.

Don't try your close moves out on strangers!

If your new partner is a beginner, be mindful of their current ability to lead/follow, and don't expect them to be able to dance more than their basic beginner moves

Be aware of your personal approach, safety and hygiene:

Always politely ask for or refuse (with very good reason!) a dance. Refusing one person and then going to straight to the dance floor with another is not considered polite.

Especially in the summer months, always bring deodorant, a towel, and a change of top (and this applies to the ladies as much as the guys!). Also be aware that the physical contact required for some moves are not quite so pleasant when our bodies are hotter.

A toothbrush and mouthwash or breath mints can be a useful addition to your dance bag too! Dancing brings us close to our partners, and often we're not aware of that smell of cigarettes/coffee/that garlic pizza we had for dinner before class!

Be aware of hot clammy hands. Sometime this can be due to nerves, but nonetheless can be controlled by frequent washing/wiping or perhaps just some talcum powder on the palms before class

Coughing and sneezing into our hands and then offering those same hands to our partner is not nice! Uncontrollable coughs/sneezes can sometimes be diverted to our upper arm to avoid the hand contact, however excusing yourself from the dance floor is probably more appropriate. If you are suffering from a cold or cough, it is advisable to stay away from partner dancing until you've recovered.

Avoid wearing sharp and protruding rings that could cause cuts or bruises to your partner; and bracelets/watches and necklaces that could get tangled with you and/or your partner and could cause injury.

Always be aware of your partner's personal space. Even with a partner you know, close moves are not always appropriate.

Also, I would like to add a couple :

When using a move that requires walking backwards, always look behind to ensure it is clear before moving into the space.

When taking a partner onto the dance floor, be aware of where other couples are dancing and don't walk into a space which is about to be incorporated into a move by a couple already on the floor.

Never walk across the floor carrying drinks.

If a collision does occur, apologise to the other couple and your partner and ensure that no injuries have occurred.

Always be aware what other dancers are doing around your space and be prepared to move your partner away from other couples that look like they might not be fully in control of their movements or are being inconsiderate to other dancers.

That's a good list but maybe other people have additional points.

[qdos]

I have to say that as I've learnt to dance more and more I've found that it's a bit like playing a game of chess.....

Not only do you have to think about the move you are doing but you also have to think about what you will do next AND ditto for all the dancers surrounding you !!!


It's a minefield out there but it can be great fun and of course every now and then there's going to be a bump here and there but so long as you are courteous it should all work out. I have to say it's amazing when you analyse it all. It reminds me when I came back to the UK seeing out of the aircraft window all the cars whizzing about the roundabouts surrounding Heathrow and no one bumping into anyone. After a long period in California where they have no roundabouts it's an incredible sight to see. Even more so when you are part of it

[Dizzybee]

[Andy McGregor]

[Dizzybee]

Beyond Dance Etiquette

http://www.utdallas.edu/~aria/dance/beyond.html

www.dizzybee.ewbsite.com
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Dance With Your Heart & Your Feet Will Follow.DB

[TeeDee]