Frequently Asked Questions
 "What is Modern Jive?"
Modern Jive is a fun and very popular dance and is a great way of keeping fit and a fun way of socialising and making new friends. As it is incredibly easy to pick up, you’ll look great on the dance floor after only a few lessons. Modern Jive can be danced to a whole range of music from Rock ‘n’ Roll to the latest chart hits. We invite you to try a Modern Jive class for free at one of our professionally trained and/or qualified Modern Jive teachers’ classes. We’re sure you’ll have a great night out!
What do people normally wear to the class?
You do not have to wear special clothing. Generally, both men and ladies dress casually. Some wear jeans and a T-shirt. Some ladies wear a skirt but its up to the individual. Wear whatever you would feel comfortable in. However regarding footwear it is advisable not to wear rubber-soled shoes (i.e. trainers, joggers) as they tend to stick to the wooden floor and they do not give you good maneuverability. The best footwear is your normal street shoes.
Can I come on my own?
Certainly, and you are most welcome. The way the classes are conducted is that the teacher moves everybody around and you dance with different people, ie. you do not dance with the same person all lesson. Of course it is a wonderful way for everyone to mix and creates a great atmosphere to lead into the freestyle (practice) session after the lesson.
I don’t want to dance with other people, only my boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife.
As beginners we suggest you do the lesson and join in changing partners. The reason is that in the lesson you will dance with people who will help you as they have more than likely done the move before and hence know the moves to varying levels of ability. Some will be very good dancers and have been dancing since the class began and others will have been coming perhaps only a few months or weeks. In any case from our experience this will help you infinitely more than if you stay with your partner who is also new. It will help your dancing if you do the lesson changing partners gathering knowledge and help from the more experienced and then after the lesson, in the freestyle session, come together with your partner (who has also been helped from dancing with more experienced dancers). You will both improve so much faster this way. In the freestyle session you are more than welcome to stay with your partner the whole time.
 "What sort of music do you dance Modern Jive to?"
You can dance Modern Jive to virtually all types of music from the all time classics of the 1950s right up to the latest chart music that you hear on the radio today. Teachers try to play a mix of music to appeal to everyone’s taste in music.
"Can I come along and just watch for the first time?"
If you want to find out if you would enjoy Modern Jive then the best and only way is to join in and give it a go! It’s really lots of fun and we’re sure you’ll enjoy it.
"What’s the difference between Le Roc, Le Step, Ceroc and Modern Jive?"
In terms of the dance itself there is very little difference. Modern Jive is the generic name of the dance and all the other names are trademarked, some are also limited companies and franchises. However they all teach Modern Jive.
"What are medals and how do they help my dancing?"
The IAMJ/ADS provide the only medals system in Modern Jive in Australia. Medals are a great way of marking your improvement and certainly gives you an incentive to focus on brushing up on technique and continue to learn interesting and challenging moves at your own pace. Certainly those who do medals notice a significant improvement in their dancing and confidence. There is a very large range of levels so there’s one right for you to start at.
If you think competitions are daunting but yet want to focus on moves to improve your dancing, medals provide a worthwhile incentive and enable you to improve your dancing and accomplish self-satisfaction on a personal level without the pressure of being pitted against others.
Medals are not scary in any way and previous candidates have found them a lot of fun and very rewarding as the atmosphere is informal and relaxed. The Modern Jive medal syllabus reflects the freestyle spirit of the dance and so in this way is very different from other dance style’s medals. In addition, all the medals examiners are experienced and qualified Modern Jive specialists.
So, ask your teacher when their medals workshops are.
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