Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 35

Thread: The Ten Commandments of Modern Jive

  1. #1
    Registered User Baruch's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Pontllanfraith
    Posts
    2,261
    Rep Power
    11

    The Ten Commandments of Modern Jive

    I've been putting together a leaflet for beginners entitled "The Ten Commandments of Modern Jive: A Guide for Beginners". Here's the basic text. Any constructive suggestions gratefully received. If you like it, feel free to use it.

    1. Thou shalt have fun!

    Modern Jive (the dance style we teach) is, first and foremost, a fun activity. Relax, smile and enjoy the experience. It may seem a bit daunting in your first few weeks, but you’ll soon get the hang of it. In time, those moves that look so impressive and complicated now will become second nature to you.

    2. Thou shalt use a correct hand-hold.

    It’s important to keep a loose hand-hold. Don’t grip on to your partner’s hand as this can hurt your partner, particularly in turns. As a general rule, keep your thumb off your partner’s hand. If your partner’s hand-hold becomes a tight grip and is causing you discomfort or pain, ask them to loosen their grip.

    3. Thou shalt either lead or follow.

    Modern Jive is a male-led dance. Ladies, it’s the one area of life where men still get to have their own way, so humour them! Men, it’s your job to provide a clear lead. That doesn’t mean yanking your partner around like a hod of bricks, though. Keep your lead smooth; treat her as if she’s got a "fragile" warning label stuck to her. Ladies, it’s your job to follow what the man leads. Don’t put yourself into spins and turns; let the man lead you into them, and you’ll find it’s a lot easier.
    This is all made much easier if you keep a springy tension in your arms. If you’re not sure what this is, ask a teacher. They’ll be happy to explain it to you.
    Lastly, some dancers develop a bad habit of bouncing their hands up and down in time with the music. Try to avoid this if you can, as not only does it look a bit naff, but it can make proper leading and following much more difficult with all that extra bouncing going on.

    4. Thou shalt dance in time.

    Dancing is basically moving to music. With that in mind, it’s surprising how many people just throw their partner (or themselves) into moves without paying any attention to the beat. Your teachers teach moves to a count to help you dance them in time. Try to listen to the beat while you’re dancing. If you lose the beat, there’s nothing wrong with pausing for a moment to pick it up again.

    5. Thou shalt practise what thou learnest.

    Doing dance classes is a great way to learn how to do moves, but in order to remember them and to learn how to put them together in a dance, you need to practise. At the end of the beginners’ class, and again after the intermediate and beginners’ revision classes, there is "freestyle" time to practise what you’ve learned. It can be nerve-wracking at first, but try to relax. Men, try doing the moves you know, perhaps dancing them in a different order. Have a simple "filler" move in mind to fall back on if your mind goes blank; the Octopus/Loophole or the First Move are good ones. Ladies, practise following what the man leads.

    6. Thou shalt be safe.

    Always dance well within your own capabilities. Sometimes you’ll see experienced dancers doing drops and other flashy moves on the dance floor, and you may think, "I’d love to have a go at that." However, those moves can be extremely dangerous if done by someone who hasn’t learned to do them properly. Until you have been taught the proper techniques, NEVER do drops or other dangerous moves. Men, even when you have learned to do them safely, always check with your partner beforehand that she is happy to do drops. Ladies, never throw yourself into a drop, as more than one lady has hit the floor or injured her partner because she threw herself backwards when her partner wasn’t actually leading a drop.
    Aerials or air steps are potentially even more dangerous than drops. Again, DO NOT attempt these unless you have been taught how to do them properly and safely, and even then they should be avoided on a crowded social dance floor.
    With any move, if you feel yourself pulling on your partner’s arm in an awkward way, stop and let go. Never try to force it or you may end up hurting your partner.
    Dancing within your own capabilities also means that you should wait a while before attempting the intermediate class. The moves are generally much harder and more complicated than those in the beginners’ class, so you need a thorough grasp of the basics before attempting this class. For most people this takes at least 2-3 months. The best way to tell if you’re ready to move up to intermediates is to ask one of the teaching team.

    7. Thou shalt not refuse a dance without a good reason.

    One of the great things about Modern Jive is that you are allowed to ask anyone to dance. It’s accepted etiquette that you don’t refuse to dance with someone unless you have a very good reason. Ladies can ask men to dance too. Don’t be shy – the only way to improve is to dance as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to ask experienced dancers, either. Everyone was a beginner once, and we all remember what it was like. Most people are happy to dance with beginners. Having said all that, if someone does turn you down for a dance, don’t take it personally. They may be too tired, needing a drink or any of a number of good reasons. Just move on and ask someone else instead.

    8. Thou shalt take care on the dance floor.

    When you’re on the dance floor, particularly if it’s crowded, you should always be aware of what’s going on around you. It is your responsibility to avoid bumping into other dancers and to protect your partner. Never walk backwards onto the floor without looking where you are going. Men, always look where you are leading your partner (e.g. look over your shoulder before leading her behind you in a Catapult). If there’s not much room to move, keep your moves small. Ladies, be aware of where you’re moving and keep an eye out for your partner’s safety as well.
    Also, remember that the dance floor is only for dancing. If you want to chat, move to the edge of the room. Always walk around, rather than across, the dance floor if you’re not dancing.

    9. Thou shalt dress appropriately.

    You don’t need to buy specialist dance shoes (though these will be worth considering further down the line if you start to take your dancing seriously), but wear smooth-soled, comfortable shoes that you can spin in. Rubber-soled shoes are generally a bad idea. Comfortable clothing helps as well. Don’t wear rings with stones set into them, because these can hurt your partner’s hand when you’re dancing. Avoid loose jewellery etc. as well, as it can easily get tangled or broken when you’re dancing.
    Ladies, keep your nails trimmed. Long nails can really hurt your partner when they’re digging into his palm.

    10. Thou shalt not smell.

    Personal hygiene is extremely important when you’re dancing up close with someone. Always have a bath or shower before going to a dance class or freestyle, and use antiperspirant or deodorant. There is no excuse for not bothering. Some people think they don’t need deodorant – trust me, you do when you’re dancing. That’s just as true for men and women.
    Dancing is a very physical activity, so it’s a good idea to bring along a hand towel to wipe your face, as well as a can of deodorant and a spare shirt or two so you can change when your shirt gets too damp. Nobody likes to dance with someone who is wringing wet.
    Try to avoid smoking before dancing. If you do smoke, eat a breath mint before dancing. Also, please remember not to eat strong foods such as garlic or smoked fish before dancing. Your partners will notice if you do. A little consideration goes a long way.

  2. #2
    Lovely Moderator ducasi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Glasgow
    Posts
    10,015
    Rep Power
    14

    Re: The Ten Commandments of Modern Jive

    Good work.

    For #3 I'd say something more general about waiting to be led, and not anticipating. I'd maybe also clarify the tension thing to say you should *match* the tension of your partner, but perhaps that's too subtle for beginners... Also, it's not just guys who yank.

    In #5, maybe you should say something like "ladies, please be patient while the men master the new moves they've just been taught."

    I've soften #7 to "You should accept any offer of a dance unless you have a good reason", and drop the "very" from the second sentence.

    Um... That's all I can think of at the moment.
    Let your mind go and your body will follow. – Steve Martin, LA Story

  3. #3
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Sunny KSA :/
    Posts
    3,383
    Rep Power
    10

    Re: The Ten Commandments of Modern Jive

    Great work

    Although I would change this one

    Quote Originally Posted by Baruch View Post
    7. Thou shalt not refuse a dance without a good reason.
    to Thou shalt refuse a dance politely

    I know that the etiquette is to never refuse a dance - but there are some people I just don't want to dance with for the simple fact that I don't like dancing with them - I no longer feel the need to give a reason in these cases - I just say no thank you - if they are persistent I will say I am resting this song - but make no offer next song or later - I've paid my money I have a right to dance with whom I would like too dance with. That said if I do make an excuse I abide by it - i.e. if I say I am resting and my favourite dancer asks me for a dance I will refuse them as well - but ask for the next dance

  4. #4
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    London
    Posts
    2,781
    Rep Power
    11

    Re: The Ten Commandments of Modern Jive

    Nice...

    For number 9. Thou shalt dress appropriately, I would add something about bringing extra tops if you intend to dance a lot: everybody gets sweaty and it is nice to your partners to freshen-up from time to time. And beginners usually don't know that it is a normal practice at ceroc/MJ venues. I remember when I started it struck me. Now when I tell non dancing friends that I take several outfits for a party, they look at me like this:

  5. #5
    Registered User Blueshoes's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Manchester
    Posts
    1,428
    Rep Power
    9

    Re: The Ten Commandments of Modern Jive

    Nice work!

    For point three it would be useful to stress that dance is a partnership; male led yes, but the dancers should be working together to a common goal. When I stopped trying to fight my partner if things weren't going well everything smoothed out a lot and made for a much better experience.

    For point number nine it may help to suggest ladies dance-test clothing prior to wearing it at a venue - it's really offputting when your partner is putting the strap of her top back on her shoulders after every turn!

  6. #6
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    bedford
    Posts
    4,899
    Rep Power
    13

    Re: The Ten Commandments of Modern Jive

    A really good effort.

    Quote Originally Posted by Baruch View Post
    ...1. Thou shalt have fun!
    Thou shalt do your best to ensure that everybody has fun?

    2. Thou shalt use a correct hand-hold.
    Thou shalt be safe?
    The hand-hold ....

    3. Thou shalt either lead or follow.

    Modern Jive is a male-led dance...
    MJ is a lead-follow dance. Usually the Leader is male and the follower female. There can be more than one follower, but only one leader at one time....

    4. Thou shalt dance in time.

    The leader should try to dance in time. The follower should follow...

    5. Thou shalt practise what thou learnest.

    5. Thou shalt practise.

    (MJ is a creative activity, you also have to practise, carefully, anything new that you are trying to add.)


    [quote]6. Thou shalt be safe.[/quote] I would make this No.2.

    7. Thou shalt not refuse a dance without a good reason.
    New 8? IF refused thou shalt believe there is a good reason, which may be private and personal.

    8. Thou shalt take care on the dance floor.
    redundant - covered in the thou shalt be safe and and fun commandments, and care extends beyond the dance floor.

    9. Thou shalt dress appropriately.


    10. Thou shalt not smell.

    Thou shalt be aware of personal hygiene? I would incorporate this into everybody has fun.

    add: Thou shalt spread the word.

    add: Thou shalt try to learn more.

    not a well organised reply, but I am out of time.

  7. #7
    Registered User Nick M's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Bath
    Posts
    310
    Rep Power
    11

    Re: The Ten Commandments of Modern Jive

    I would expand #10 to

    Honour thy partner

    which would include

    don't smell
    don't letch
    don't grope
    don't be rude
    do smile
    do say thank you

  8. #8
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Worcester, UK
    Posts
    4,157
    Rep Power
    12

    Re: The Ten Commandments of Modern Jive

    1. Have fun.
    2. Don't prevent your partner having fun.
    3. Dance.

    I think that covers everything.

  9. #9
    Lovely Moderator ducasi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Glasgow
    Posts
    10,015
    Rep Power
    14

    Re: The Ten Commandments of Modern Jive

    Quote Originally Posted by MartinHarper View Post
    1. Have fun.
    2. Don't prevent your partner having fun.
    3. Dance.

    I think that covers everything.
    4. Don't prevent other people having fun?
    Let your mind go and your body will follow. – Steve Martin, LA Story

  10. #10
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Worcester, UK
    Posts
    4,157
    Rep Power
    12

    Re: The Ten Commandments of Modern Jive

    Quote Originally Posted by ducasi View Post
    4. Don't prevent other people having fun?
    There are other people on my dance floor? How very rude.

  11. #11
    Registered User Daydreaming Diva's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Reigate, Surrey
    Posts
    107
    Rep Power
    10

    Re: The Ten Commandments of Modern Jive

    Great thread - good work!!

    I particularly like this reply

    don't smell
    don't letch
    don't grope
    don't be rude
    do smile
    do say thank you[/QUOTE]

    Regarding leading and following. Yes it is the guys (or leads) job to lead and the job of the ladies (or followers) to follow. (Trying, if fun, keeps us on our toes and is not just a passive participation, it is sometimes hard work). Given that, I think it should be pointed out that it is very rude of a guy (lead) to look at his partner in a snotty tone of voice when his lead was rubbish and his partner consequently misinterpreted it. So 'though shalt accept responsibility for a poor lead' or something might be nice. MJ can only be fun if such mistakes taken in good part. Laugh about it guys!

  12. #12
    Registered User Baruch's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Pontllanfraith
    Posts
    2,261
    Rep Power
    11

    Re: The Ten Commandments of Modern Jive

    Quote Originally Posted by bigdjiver View Post
    MJ is a lead-follow dance. Usually the Leader is male and the follower female. There can be more than one follower, but only one leader at one time....
    This is right, but I personally think it's a bit too much information for beginners. That's why I've used more general terms, as it generally is the man who leads and the woman who follows. They can learn the exceptions later.

  13. #13
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Cruden Bay (Aberde
    Posts
    7,053
    Rep Power
    13

    Re: The Ten Commandments of Modern Jive

    for the text, I've thought about something similar, but slightly more fragmented:
    Hands
    - the Hand hold is simply maintaining contact; you don't need to grip or actually "hold" your partner's hand.

    Leads
    - The follower is a person, not an inanimate object; you only need to tell them to move, not physically move them.

    Followers
    - Try not to anticipate
    - Follow your hand with the rest of your body.

    Feet
    - Exact footwork is unimportant, as long as your body is where it should be; just try not to fall over.
    - The count of the dance is on a marching beat; weight normally goes from one foot to the other on this count.

    Social Ettiquete
    - It's a one-on-one activity where you are very close to your partner: respect your partner's sense of smell; sprey, mints, changes of top are suggested.
    - Everyone is here to dance; guys ask girls, girls ask guys. There are very few reasons not to dance, so why refuse?
    - Followers have to place their trust in the lead; please ensure that this trust is never betrayed.

    I would perhaps change a couple of things in yours -
    Quote Originally Posted by Baruch View Post
    1. Thou shalt have fun!
    I don't like being commanded to have fun, or the concept of being instructed to "have fun".
    Enjoy the music, enjoy the dancing, enjoy your partner; that will lead to fun. But I'm not sure that "Thou shalt" is right. Perhaps "Thou shalt Relax"?

    2. Thou shalt use a correct hand-hold.
    I don't like the wording on this either - perhaps "Thou shalt not grip." would be better?

    3. Thou shalt either lead or follow.
    This is a bit confusing IMHO, Perhaps "Leads shal lead and Followers shal follow."? I would also de-genderise it as BigD suggests.
    The "bouncing hand" thing I would remove - for some people it's just a way of marking time that seems to develop. Beginners seldom have it when they start.

    4. Thou shalt dance in time.
    Like the "fun" thing, I think this is a bit 'on high' and places a lot of emphisis on the beat rather than the music.
    Perhaps change it to "Thou shalt listen to the music"?

    5. Thou shalt practise what thou learnest.
    Sorry, but to me this reads like "you must do your homework" - fairly condesending to grown adults. Sure, in order to remeber/get better, you must use the knowledge - not sure if folk need to be told that.
    Perhaps a simple "Thou shal dance."? It could then take in the no-refusal ettiquete point as well.

    6. Thou shalt be safe.
    To me, that's rule No1: "Thou shat not cause thine partner pain."
    I like the "don't just try and do what you've seen done" bit, but I wouldn't introduce things like "arials" and "drops" to fresh beginners - let them enquire if they are curious.

    7. Thou shalt not refuse a dance without a good reason.
    commandments never really have an escape clause, sure put one in the text, but as a commandment, I would keep it to "Thou shalt not refuse a dance." {And I dissagree with Yliander's philosophy on this, but that's personal preference; I think it's a good social law.}

    8. Thou shalt take care on the dance floor.
    I know floorcraft is important, but isn't that covered in the "no pain" commandment?

    9. Thou shalt dress appropriately.
    Not sure that this is a commandment as such - more to do with consideration to your partner. People can make their own decision on what to wear and take their chances with a 'fashion fouxpa' (Is jewlery part of "dress"?)
    I would change it to "Thou shalt respect thy partner" and include personal hygene in it.
    {Smoking is much less of an issue up here now so I wouldn't really see a need to include it.}

    10. Thou shalt not smell.
    .. which makes this sort of redundant.


    Other than that, there are a few bits I would trim and re-word, but it's not my text - well done for the work and thought put into it

  14. #14
    Registered User jiveoholic's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2002
    Location
    Basingstoke
    Posts
    161
    Rep Power
    12

    Re: The Ten Commandments of Modern Jive

    Quote Originally Posted by Gadget View Post
    Sorry, but to me this reads like "you must do your homework" - fairly condesending to grown adults. Sure, in order to remeber/get better, you must use the knowledge - not sure if folk need to be told that.
    Perhaps a simple "Thou shal dance."? It could then take in the no-refusal ettiquete point as well.
    Folk DO need to be told! So many ladies tell me that they learn interesting moves in the lessons, and they never get to practice them because other regular dancers do their same old moves!

    One difference between modern jive and other dances is that the weekday evening "experience" is about learning AND dancing. Some need reminding of this!

  15. #15
    Registered User CeeCee's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Posts
    323
    Rep Power
    11

    Re: The Ten Commandments of Modern Jive

    originally posted by Gadget
    Leads
    - The follower is a person, not an inanimate object; you only need to tell them to move, not physically move them.
    The follower is a person – thank you
    not an inanimate object – thank you
    you only need to tell them to move – try inviting instead of telling
    not physically move them – thank you




    .

  16. #16
    Registered User timbp's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    544
    Rep Power
    10

    Re: The Ten Commandments of Modern Jive

    Quote Originally Posted by CeeCee View Post
    The follower is a person – thank you
    not an inanimate object – thank you
    you only need to tell them to move – try inviting instead of telling
    not physically move them – thank you
    I agree.
    But also tell the follower these same things, in followers terms.

    (Actually, I think both leaders and followers should be given different advice to what is in this thread, but the thread is about what beginners should be told, and I agree beginners need lies that help them learn the truth.)

  17. #17
    Registered User Baruch's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Pontllanfraith
    Posts
    2,261
    Rep Power
    11

    Re: The Ten Commandments of Modern Jive

    Quote Originally Posted by timbp View Post
    (Actually, I think both leaders and followers should be given different advice to what is in this thread, but the thread is about what beginners should be told, and I agree beginners need lies that help them learn the truth.)
    Exactly. I'll be taking on board some of the ideas that have come up in this thread for the next batch of leaflets I print off, but if I put in everything that it would be helpful to know in order to get the most out of dancing, I'd end up writing a book rather than a leaflet. The idea is to give beginners a simple introduction to the basic concepts of Modern Jive. The details come later. The last thing I want to do is give beginners so much information that they can't process it. (Also, there's only so much space on a 3-panel A4 leaflet.)

  18. #18
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Worcester, UK
    Posts
    4,157
    Rep Power
    12

    Re: The Ten Commandments of Modern Jive

    you only need to tell them to move – try inviting instead of telling
    I think in MJ "telling" is more standard than "inviting", so that seems more appropriate for a beginner lead.

  19. #19
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    Cruden Bay (Aberde
    Posts
    7,053
    Rep Power
    13

    Re: The Ten Commandments of Modern Jive

    as martin said: it's beginners. If you are "Telling", it is a lot easier to get the idea of 'clear intention' into the lead. "Inviting" is a bit wishy-washy and subtle for beginners IMHO.

    I cut about 90% of my text and changed a few things.. thought on a few more since then as well. As Baruch says: there is only so much space. I would cut back on the explinations and examples quite a bit while trying to make a single sentance contain all the information. Very hard to do; for coming so far and wanting to progress it further.

  20. #20
    Formerly known as DavidJames David Bailey's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Norf Lundin
    Posts
    17,001
    Blog Entries
    1
    Rep Power
    18

    Re: The Ten Commandments of Modern Jive

    Quote Originally Posted by MartinHarper View Post
    I think in MJ "telling" is more standard than "inviting", so that seems more appropriate for a beginner lead.
    I disagree - this isn't a simplification-for-beginners, this is a bad habit to start with. If you start off by focussing on the "invitational" aspect of lead-and-follow, you hopefully get less yankers in the long run.

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. Modern Jive
    By Swinging bee in forum Let's talk about dance
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 13th-October-2005, 01:07 PM
  2. Modern jive name
    By Swinging bee in forum Chit Chat
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 11th-March-2005, 10:39 PM
  3. Challenging Your Modern Jive
    By Starlight Dancer in forum Let's talk about dance
    Replies: 40
    Last Post: 28th-October-2004, 02:11 PM
  4. WCS and Modern Jive
    By Gus in forum Let's talk about dance
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 21st-September-2004, 10:46 PM

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •