So what is Modern Jive?

Modern Jive originated in France and came over to the UK in the 1980s, really gaining momentum in the 1990s.  Modern Jive is the easiest partner dance to learn and most people can pick up a few moves even after their first evening.  It has elements of Rock_'n'_Roll   and Salsa, but is easier than either.  It is a fun and healthy way to keep fit and to meet and mix with friends old and new.  We dance to a very wide range of music from 1940s Swing, right up to current charts, and everything in-between. 

 
What is Jive+ ?

Jive+ is an independently run Modern Jive organisation running weekly dance lessons, and monthly dances (freestyles) in and around Oxfordshire.  Our aim is to get people of all ages and walks of life onto the dance floor, dancing to a wide range on music, mixing and meeting with others.  Modern Jive is huge fun – in fact the most fun you can have with your clothes on!

Weekly dancing classes
We run several Weekly Classes in and around Oxford.  Our classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays run to more or less the same format. 
For specific details, see Weekly classes.  Click for further information.
The mood is relaxed and friendly.  We believe learning to dance should be fun!  And although a steady beat helps beginners get the hang of things, we know that thump, thump, thump all evening long becomes tedious.  Because the playlist is influenced by the dancers, all our venues have a different vibe and you can be part of it, by requesting the tracks you'd like played.
Have a look at the Teachers & Crew page, to see the people at the heart of Jive+.

Freestyles
Jive+ also run bi-monthly Friday dances or freestyles as they are called.  

Freestyles @ The Rover Club  are held in the impressive Emperor Ballroom, just off the Oxford Ring Road, in Cowley and everyone of all levels, is welcome.  The Rover Club is one of the best purpose-built dance halls in the country.  Ladies: show off your swirly skirt, or "to-die-for" shoes.  Gents: ditch the jeans and 'T's for something a little smoother. Our resident DJ: Jon Brett is reckoned to be the UK's leading jive DJ and plays a great mix of tracks from popular jive classics to current charts and includes some Swing and jiveable RnR

Our Thank Friday it's Freestyle ! in contrast, is at St Michaels' in Summertown, and is aimed at experienced dancers, wanting to expand their dance skills with other like-minded souls.  Here you have the opportunity for private tuition and to dance with some of the best dancers and teachers in the UK. Morris Revdrop is our resident DJ and with accompanying guests, play music in a range of tempos, but aimed at allowing maximum interpretation.

Workshops
From time-to-time we offer afternoon workshops on a specialist aspect of Jive dancing or a related style, sometimes followed by a T dance and many people travel quite a distance to attend both, making a day of it, seeing something of Oxford possibly beforehand.

Level workshops at Beginner, Improver and Intermediate stage are run from time-to-time at various locations close to our weekly class venues.
For info on what’s coming up see our Events page. 

OK, learning Modern Jive sounds like fun - what can I expect when I get to the classes?

How much does it cost?
For a great night out, it costs £8.50 per person - in these recession times what else can you do as cheaply as this?  
On your first visit, there is the option of paying £10 to receive a voucher for the following week to get in for £2.
There are also loyalty cards to save you money.
See Cool Deals.
 

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing, that allows you to move easily.  Light layers are a good idea even in winter, since you will soon warm up.  Shoes with smooth soles are best, rather than rubber ones like trainers have.  Ladies, wear whatever height of heel you choose except at our Woodstock venue where to protect the new smooth-as-silk floor, the school have requested that only flats or cuban heeled shoes be worn, or heel protectors over heeled dance shoes.  These can be purchased at £2 per pair either @ the venue or from the local dance shoe shop ON Your Toes - well worth a visit anyway, at 1, Market Square, Woodstock.

Format for Weekly classes

7.45 pm Arrive, take off your coat, get a drink if you wish, and have a chat with the person sitting nearest to you.  Just say hello, and talk about anything else apart from the weather!!   Better still unless it’s your first evening, get up, grab a partner and dance!
8.00 pm Beginners class
The teacher will introduce 3 of the 18 Beginners Moves, which everyone practises and rotates partners.
8.35 pm Freestyle or practice time
Taxi dancers (experienced volunteers in Jive+ t-shirts), are there to help Beginners with the moves you’ve just learned or any other of the Beginner moves, or if you’ve come with a partner, you may wish to have a practice with them.  Otherwise, you are encouraged to ask anyone to dance - ladies ask guys just as much as the other way around. 
9.00 pm Choice of Beginners Review or Intermediate/or monthly *Advanced class 
Beginners Review
Until you are confident with the 18 Beginners moves, you will find it helpful to spend the second class going over the first one again in a smaller group and at a slower pace.  There is also the opportunity to ask questions and get individual help from the teachers in these classes, and they will be happy to help you with any of the Beginners moves. 
Intermediate Class
OK, you are now confident with all 18 Beginners moves - this is likely to take a minimum of 6 weeks, possibly quite a lot longer.
In the Intermediate class you are taught 4 moves (usually), some of which will be selected from the Classic Intermediate moves list and others which are variations, and/or possibly something interesting and completely different! There is quite a big jump from the Beginners class to the Intermediate class, as the latter caters for dancers with years of experience behind them, so please don't worry if you find this class very difficult at first - you will find it slightly easier each week as you get more familiar with the moves. 
9.45 - 10.45 pm Social dancing (Freestyle)
Chance to dance your socks off to a great selection of music.  Let us know if you want us to play any of your favourites.  Even if you are a Beginner, do stay on for at least a couple of tracks, so you get a chance to practise what you've learned.  Why not ask someone new for a dance?  Don't be shy to ask the better dancers - you should find them easier to dance with, and no-one should refuse you.

*Advanced classes - Jive+  Cocktails - see Weekly Classes for more details
Usually on the first Monday of the month, at our Woodstock venue, Nigel Anderson, one of the country’s leading Modern Jive teachers, takes the second class, and the level is Advanced.  On these nights, the Beginners Review becomes an Improver level class, and will teach some other moves as well as going over any particular difficulties in the Beginners class.
Similarly at Banbury it's the third Tuesday, and on the last Wednesday of each month our Witney teachers will teach an Advanced level class.

... And to help you review, we have listed the 18 Beginners' moves, plus a list of Classic Intermediate Moves, on our Moves & Tips page.

Having a special party, anniversary or getting married?
We simply love helping out at these events, and can work with you to provide a fun evening of class plus music, to make your party unforgettable for you and your guests.  Please see Your Special Party for more information.