Next dances

SWINGIN' THE BLUES AT HOLMFIRTH Every last Wednesday of the month - great music for great dancing Please Note Due to local elections this month is cancelled. The venue is closed April 30th. Apologies

CEROC Freestyle:
See the NEWS/DIARY page

STOP PRESS !!!!
Holmfirth Civic Hall Closed April 30th due to local elections (SORRY)

See the NEWS/DIARY page for a full listing

FAQs

What time do the dance jive classes run?

The classes run on a Monday evening at Huddersfield Ukrainian Club (see directions) and a Wednesday evening at Holmfirth Civic Hall from 7.30 onwards, with chance to freestyle and practice until 10.30.

What type of dance do you teach?

We take many different styles of partnered dance "steal" bits and make a fun, easy to learn modern jive with a blues and west coast swing feel.

Will I need special clothes / shoes?

Not particularly, we recommend that you wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing, during winter you should wear several layers as you will quickly begin to warm up. Jive is an aerobic exercise, so make sure that you keep a spare T-Shirt and deoderant in your bag for comfort.

Once dancers decide this is the type of exercise and fun for them, many will invest in a pair of dance trainers or shoes and we can advise you on the best type and deal for you, should you wish to make that choice. However, comfortable smooth soles (not trainers) are great whilst learning.

Will I need a partner?

No, in fact, although we actively welcome couples, we recommend that you do not practice with the same person all of the time, as dancing with different people will allow you to improve much faster.

How long does it take to learn?

That depends on you, however, as a guide line in order to master the basic moves competently, we recommend you visit ten weeks without many breaks. Workshops are a fantastic aid to your improvement and will allow you to sail to the next level and develop your confidence.

What if I don't attend for a week or two?

That isn't a problem. There are 18 beginner moves to learn, and each week we teach three of them. One of the moves taught is repeated from the previous week so it does not take long for a move you may have missed the first time to come round again.

What happens on a lesson night?

On a lesson night, we start the beginner lesson at 7.35, teaching 3 of the 18 beginner moves. Each move is taught step by step, allowing people to break the move down and practice. People are moved round frequently to allow practice and encourage a pleasant social atmosphere. This lesson usually lasts around 45 minutes, and is followed by a 45 minute freestyle where you can practice the moves you have learnt to music, or watch others hard at work.

At 9 O'clock, we have an intermediate lesson as well as an intensive beginner refresher where our staff can take you through the moves at a slower pace, allowing you to really develop what you have learnt.

After this lesson, it is time for some fun and freestyle where you can dance and socialize through until 10.30.

What sort of music is played?

Everything! From Frank Sinatra to Franz Ferninand - from Peggy Lee to the PussyCat Dolls. If it has got a beat, we will have it. Should you have any requests, we will be more than happy to oblige and although we make no apologies for shouting to the world that our favourite style is Swing and Blues, we try and meet every taste.

Do I have to become a member?

Yes, but we do not ask for your life history or your entire indentity. You will be asked to fill a membership form in, and provided we have your name, we are happy. We do not share information with anybody else and the only time we would contact you is if you have requested details of workshops.

What is the difference between beginner and intermediate?

Very little, apart from confidence. As mentioned earlier, there are 18 beginner moves which can then be developed into thousands of intermediate moves. Intermediate, and advanced dancing is about developing style and musically in addition to making the move a little more complicated.

When will I know when the time is right for me to start intermediate?

As a guideline, we like you to be fully confident with all the beginner moves before progressing on to intermediate (usually between 6 and 10 weeks). However, you will know when you are ready.

What are workshops all about?

Workshops have two purposes. They are held usually on a Sunday, and last four hours. This includes refreshment and expert tuition. They cost £20 and can be improvement based, or specific style. We will let you know when a workshop is happening, either through email, or in classes. Remember these workshops fill up quickly, so ensure you know about it first by letting us have your email details on your membership form.

I don't know many moves, should I dance in freestyle?

Yes, this is the time when you get to practice what you have learnt, and have much more fun. It is also the best way to get to know other members of Style Jive. As mentioned below, do not be surprised if you are asked several times to dance by people you do not know, this is all part of the fun.

I am not sure about whom to ask for help?

This one is easy, any of the Style Jive team will be more than happy to help if you have difficulty with a move, or have a question. That includes staff, and customers alike! If they don't have the solution, they will direct you to someone who can.

What about dance etiquette?

Any modern jive venue has the same dance etiquette. Dancers will try not to refuse the request of a dance, unless they have a genuine reason. Ladies have as much right to ask gents to dance as gents do ladies. If you are asked to dance by someone you have not met before, they may ask how long you have been dancing, this is usually to allow them to ascertain what moves you are going to be comfortable with. Dancers are asked to make sure that where possible, they fully respect personal space until they get to know you, and do not take you into complicated moves, dips or drops unless they have asked you first. The final rule of dance is have fun- nobody ever had their dance license removed because they got a move wrong.

If i learn "Style Jiving" can I go to other modern jives venues and dance there?

Of course you can, the beginner moves are the same regardless of which company you learn modern with and although the intermediate and advanced style may be a little different, as long as you can lead, or follow, you will fit into new styles perfectly. Knowing 3 or 4 different styles of partnered jive offers versatility and energy.

Your leaflet says you teach "blues style and musicality", what is that?

Our style of dance and moves allows the dancer to 'read and interpret' music much more than basic modern jive can, allowing you to slow it down or speed it up and make your dancing more interesting for both you and your partner. It is no more difficult than other style but does require a greater awareness of your partner and the music being played.