Music that Moves You and Makes You Want To Move
Modern Jive is a great choice for those who want to learn to dance (even if you think you have 2 left feet!) and to meet people in a sociable, relaxed environment. No partner is required, though you can bring your partner and stayed as a fixed couple throughout the class if you wish.
Modern jive is a lively and energetic partner dance that blends elements ballroom, and Latin styles, creating a fun and accessible dance form. It’s typically danced to upbeat music, ranging from pop and rock to rhythm and blues.
The dance is characterized by its relaxed, smooth style with an emphasis on rhythm, rather than complex footwork or technicality. Unlike traditional jive, it has a simpler and more fluid approach, making it popular for social dancing, particularly in clubs and dance halls. The focus is on enjoyment and connection rather than strict choreography.
It is a widely enjoyed pastime, so once you have some moves accomplished, there are opportunities to dance at freestyle events, dance weekends, and even go on organised dance holidays.
Anyone can ask anyone to dance, change partners often, and include those sitting out. Gender does not dictate dance roles in our classes.
We encourage our dancers not to force moves, to respect personal space, and to be mindful of different comfort levels.
In modern jive, the lead and follow work together to execute quick footwork, spins, turns, and creative moves.
West Coast Swing (WCS) is a smooth and versatile partner dance that evolved from the Lindy Hop, popular on the West Coast of the United States, especially in California. Known for its slotted style, WCS dancers move along an imaginary rectangular track, with one partner (usually the follower) dancing along the slot, while the other partner (typically the leader) stays in place or moves in and out of the slot.
It is a highly creative, improvisational, and cool dance, allowing for personal expression. Dancing is communication. We listen and respond in the same way we do when we have a conversation. As our dance journey progresses, we spend some time considering phrases and musicality (translating what you hear in a song into how you move in your dance).
WCS features a smooth, relaxed style with fluid, elastic partner connections. It can be danced to various music genres, from blues to pop, allowing for improvisation.
The follower has freedom to improvise, while the lead provides guidance. Both partners creatively contribute to the dance.
There are 5 basic patterns incorporating 6 count or 8 count patterns like "sugar push" and "whip." Dancers add syncopated steps and pauses to match the music.
Music played is suited to both Traditional and Nuevo Tango (Traditional - Golden Era; Classical; Nuevo Tango; Neo Tango and modern Alternative/Rock etc.). Music is courtesy of Gillian and Dave of Skipton Tango https://www.facebook.com/SkiptonTango
Our Tango events take place at The Engine Shed in Wetherby.
This event is strictly bookings in advance only. Contact Dawn Gennery on 07916 950089 or via the contact page in the menu above. The cost is £12 per person.
There will not be a bar for this event. We will be laying on fruit, mince pies, cakes and biscuits, as well as jugs of water, coffee and tea.
For more details check out the Tango events page.