dance floor do's & don'ts
tips on etiquette and safety
A good dancer is someone who dances with consideration of the level, ability and welfare of himself, his partner and others around him.
When you first start to practise Modern Jive, your mind doesn't automatically turn to safety. After all, its 'just dancing', isn't it?
Well let me tell you, there have been many black eyes, bruised toes and wrenched shoulders taken home after a night's 'just dancing'.
The dance floor can be a very dangerous place - especially when you're just starting out. But the point here is that safety affects us all, whether you're a beginner or a pro.
Follow these simple rules and you will not get the reputation of 'dance floor menace'.
general points
Always be aware of what you are doing and look out for people around you - then alter your style according to the dance floor conditions.
A busy dance floor means stepping on peoples feet, or banging into them, or worse!
So keep those moves under control; make sure your arms are bent and under tension more to keep your bodies closer together; and don't go marching off on long strolls, it will just irritate the other dancers.
Be especially careful when doing dips and drops on a crowded dance floor. If in doubt, DON'T! Other dancers around you cannot be expected to anticipate how, or where, your move will end.
Always let go from a hold if you feel an inappropriate resistance, you should never be hanging on that tightly anyway.
Guys, try to balance the spins for the girls. Within reason, for every clockwise spin there should be an anti-clockwise return. This stops her falling over in a dizzy heap.
dips, drops and seducers
The first rule for dips and drops is 'Don't do them unless you've been taught'. Dips and drops are dangerous!
Never dance any move, at any time, if you don't think your partner is up to it. This is especially important for the girls.
Always ask permission, especially if your partner has not done such moves before. He or she might have a bad back this week.
Be aware of your own incompetence. Don't just copy a move because you've seen someone else do it - get some instruction! There may be safety issues you are not aware of.
Never be afraid to say "No" if you consider a move (or partner) to be unsafe.
Always stop if it feels wrong or hurts in any way.
for the girls
Tell your partner at the outset whether you do or don't dance dips and drops, and make sure he hears and understands your requests.
Unless you know your partner very well, never trust him! Hang on to any firm part of him you can - it's your head that's going to hit the floor!
Don't throw yourself in a suicidal manner at the ground, wait for your man to dip you in a controlled and positive way.
Try also to support your own weight on the leg nearest the man and don't lean your body weight away from him. If his back gives out you'll hit the floor first and he'll have a nice soft landing!
Oh, and don't stick your free leg up in the air like a dead chicken, keep it straight and pointing down with your toe in contact with the ground. This will help you balance your weight better and it just looks a whole lot better.
for the guys
Keep the moves simple, stylish, gentle and safe.
Do not attempt moves that are beyond your (or your partner's) ability.
Make sure your partner knows you're going to dip or drop her, and she is happy with the moves.
Make sure you offer your partner lots of back and neck support with both hands if you can, especially when learning. And don't hold her down there too long, it will kill her leg muscles!
Always make sure your partner is certain which way she will dip and ensure you have a supporting leg in that direction.
Keep your back straight and maintain a strong stance throughout the move.
Avoid moves that twist, bend or pull on your partner's back.
style and technique
Modern Jive dancing involves two people and part of the enjoyment is making sure your dance partner is having fun.
So give them encouragement, let them know you're enjoying dancing with them, and try to adapt your dance style or moves to theirs.
Use your eyes, your smile and your brain.
Look at your partner, no-one likes looking into a blank face. Your eyes are very important to how your dance looks and how your partner reacts, so use them. Let your partner know that someone's at home!
And smile. You don't have to delve into your partner's soul, just a simple smile will do. A smile can not only light up a dance and make your partner feel wonderful, it can cover any number of errors too!
Try to think about what you're doing and anticipate what's coming next. That doesn't mean you girls should start leading! It just means listening to the music and planning one or two moves ahead if you can. You'll find that everything becomes much more relaxed when you stop trying to 'wing it' every move.
thumbs, bums and jelly!
Keep those thumbs out of the way! You don't need to hang on for dear life, just a light contact is usually all that's required.
Stand up straight, keep your bum in and keep in contact. Jiving involves a lot of stepping in and stepping out movements, but you can't step back if you're already too far apart!
Girls, while on the subject of bums (were we?), if you ever get stuck waiting for the next move to spring magically into your partner's head, just get down and gyrate or wiggle it. Works wonders every time!
Also for the girls, try to avoid the dreaded 'jelly arms', the guys can't push you or pull you if they've got nothing to push or pull against. Bend those arms and get some tension into them.
