Introduction to Paso Doble
The Jive dance is a dynamic and spirited version of the Jitterbug, a style of Swing dance. In 1938, Glenn Miller introduced his own Jive style with the song “Doin’ the Jive,” but it failed to gain popularity. Categorized as one of the five International Style Latin dances, the Jive is commonly performed at competitions at a brisk pace of 176 beats per minute. However, it can also be danced at a reduced speed ranging from 128 to 160 beats per minute.
The fundamental patterns in Jive bear resemblance to those in the East Coast Swing, but they are distinguished by the lively and rhythmic Triple Steps, also known as Chasses. These steps contribute to the vibrant and vibrant nature of the Jive.
The Jive is an exuberant and dynamic dance that involves a lot of knee lifts, bending, and hip movements. It is the fastest dance among the International Latin styles and incorporates an abundance of kicks, flicks, and even spins for the woman. Unlike some other dances, the Jive does not require extensive movement across the dance floor. While Jive dancers may appear to move their feet in various directions, their footwork remains controlled beneath their bodies, with their knees close together.
Both the Jive and the East Coast Swing share numerous figures and possess a similar style and musical tempo. The essence of Jive is characterized by its high-energy nature, with the legs showcasing a pumping action. The fundamental Jive steps, like the East Coast Swing, consist of two triple steps and a rock step. However, the counting sequence in Jive differs, with the rock step starting the count as “1, 2.” The two triple steps are then counted as “3 and 4” and “5 and 6.”