Dance, for me, is principally Ceroc, a form of modern
(French) jive that anyone can learn. There are regular Ceroc
classes in most major towns every week, and it's a great
social dance that spans the UK and several countries
abroad.
So here you have . . . An unofficial website of links and information of interest to
Jivers
This website has an slight emphasis on Jive in Scotland, but also provides a gateway by means of links, tips and much information that is perhaps of interest to jivers across the UK.
When you get addicted to dance you want to be able to
enjoy lots of different forms, and there are many that
are related to Ceroc, often under the name of
"Jive" or "Swing". This website is
for friends and dancers who want quick access to
interesting links and information on these dance-related
activities in Scotland, as well as links to main sites in
London (especially for those who want to take advantage
of some of the dance tuition south of the border).
I like blending other forms of dance into Ceroc. My
personal favourites for this are aerial moves, dips and
drops, "Blues" and "Dirty Dancing".
Only basic aerials and drops, that can be attempted by
anyone, are taught in Ceroc classes. The more adventurous
dancer may want to take additional workshops.
Aerials are special moves involving jumps and
throws and add a spectacular touch to a jive routine. If
you intend to include aerials in your dancing, it's best,
for safety's sake, to practice the particular move in
slow motion first with the partner you will be dancing it
with. The bigger aerials are not suitable for social dancing (unless you want to make yourself unpopular very quickly!) but the smaller jumps can often be practiced without danger to other dancers. The principle teachers of aerial moves in the UK include
Andy and Rena of Jump 'n' Jive, who run regular
weekend classes on a wide number of aerial moves together
with extensive instruction in the necessary safety precautions.
Dips and Drops are a category of moves that can
add much grace and elegance to a dance routine. As the
drops usually involve the lady's head swaying toward the
floor, she should remember that she can always say
"no"! If the lady doesn't feel comfortable and
confident doing a particular drop with that partner, even
if he is an experienced dancer, it is quite OK for her to
refuse to do the move, even in the middle of a dance -
after all - it's her head that gets damaged if anything
goes wrong! Some of the principle teachers of Drops are
Peter and Maria of Drop-in-n-Jive
who do regular workshops at different locations
throughout the year.
Blues is a form of dance currently enjoying a
resurgence. Principally researched and taught by Nina and
Nigel of Jump 'n' Jive, Blues allows for slow,
atmospheric dancing with sizzling (and sometimes
spectacular) flourishes and tempo changes.
Dirty Dancing refers to dance moves and styles
popularised by the movie of the same name. It includes
many romantic and sexy moves but avoiding tackiness.
Dirty Dancing teachers in the UK include Nina and Nigel
of Jump 'n' Jive. There is also a training video
available called "Swayze Dancing", taught by
Patrick Swayze (a dancer of many years experience before
he entered movies) and his mother, a world-famous
choreographer and dance instructor.
There are many, many dance styles and no one dancer can
learn all of them, but at Ceroc you will find a friendly
atmosphere to practice all modern jive related dance,
expert tuition and help and encouragement while you
learn. Because Ceroc is a franchise and a business
(unlike many dance classes) it is able to provide a
reliable and consistent form of instruction across the
country. Every Ceroc night has the same format and, once
you have mastered a few basic steps, you will find it
easy to join in at almost any major city at least one
night of the week. In London, Ceroc is on every weekday
evening as well as weekend parties. Edinburgh has three
nights of Ceroc a week with weekend, monthly parties and
additional venues within easy reach. Ceroc has also been the stepping stone for many people who now enjoy one of the many similar dance forms - although Ceroc is quite distinct, the newtork of friendship amongst dancers spreads beyond the borders of any one style.
Dancers' List
Jivers in the Edinburgh and surrounding area may wish to subscribe to the Dancers' List (hard copy only). This is a list of dancers' phone numbers and e-mail addresses for extramural dance activities. It is mainly South East Scotland and mainly French jivers. If you want to be on the list and also be entitled to get a copy, or to change the details, contact Chris on
Email: jive@gateway.to

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