Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the Jive course guides?
Visit: https://surreyjive.co.uk/course-guides
(You will need the password provided to you, for the course you are attending).
What is Swing Jive?
Swing jive started during the big band era of the 1930’s as an alternative to ballroom dancing, and a dance style much loved by the generations who followed. During the 1940’s, it was adopted by the American GI’s during WWII and brought to England. It then became the first style of jive danced to Rock n’ Roll music in the late 1950’s. If you watch the dancers in the film ‘Rock Around the Clock’ (1956) starring Bill Haley, you will see that they are swing jivers!
What is Country Line Dancing?
American Country line dancing developed from several traditional forms of group dancing, including square dancing, in which the movements were directed by a caller.
In recent years, artist such as Taylor Swift have helped introduce country influenced music to a wider, younger audience, renewing interest in country music and the dancing associated with it.
Country line dancing has consequently enjoyed a surge in popularity and is now danced at venues across the country to a mixture of modern country hits and familiar classics.
Routines can involve one wall, where you always face the front, and they develop into more complex patterns, involving two and four walls. Common movements include grapevines, shuffles, heel digs, kicks, k-steps, coaster steps, jazz boxes and quarter turns.
10-Week Swing Jive Courses - £100 Per Person
5-Week Country Line Dance Courses - £50.00 Per Person
Please register your interest by completing a booking form. Payment is not required until 2-weeks before the course starts, so if you change your mind we understand, and there is no obligation to continue.
What to Expect Your Jive Course?
You will learn 2 new jive moves per week.
At the start of class, we revise the previous two weeks. This is useful should you miss a week.
Classes are supportive, friendly and fun (please see our testimonials).
Teachers will stand in the middle of a large circle so you can see clearly.
Each move is demonstrated, broken down and you are then asked to copy this.
What to expect on your Country Line Dance Course?
No partner is required, no previous dance experience needed, and most importantly there is no pressure.
The emphasis is on learning to dance, whilst having fun in a friendly and supportive class (please see our testimonials) and the dances are designed to be low impact and achievable.
You will learn two new line dances each week. At the beginning of every class, we will revise the dances taught during the previous week, before introducing the new routines.
Our teachers will stand on a stage so that everyone can see their movements clearly. Each dance will be demonstrated and broken down into easy to follow sections. You will then practice each section with the teachers, at a slow and steady pace, before putting the complete dance together.
What should I wear when learning to Jive?
Please wear what you feel most comfortable in. Although the classes are NOT high impact you might start to feel warm as the course progresses. Most people, who do not come straight from work, wear casual clothes. In terms of shoes, please do not go out and buy dance shoes at this stage, because it is not necessary. That said, ladies please avoid high heels or training shoes as this will make your turns more difficult. Flat, smooth soled shoes are best for ladies or gents. If you do not own a pair of smooth soled shoes, ‘Dance Socks’ are a great addition and they can be worn over your regular shoes. Amazon stock these and they can be purchased for about £6.00 per pair.
What should I wear when learning to Line Dance?
Although, country line dancing has a strong western influence, you certainly don’t have to wear cowboy boots or a hat to take part. However, if you enjoy the western look, please feel to embrace it!
The most important thing is to wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. We recommend comfortable, securely fitting shoes with a smooth sole that will allow you to turn easily. Please avoid very high heels, flip-flops or footwear that may stick to the floor such as training shoes.
In short, come dressed in whatever makes you feel comfortable and ready to dance!
Jive Video Tutorials and Class Handouts
Video tutorials are available for all 10-Week courses and are included in the course fee. Should you wish to practice in the week these can be accessed through our website by the use of a password. Written handouts are also provided online.