Beginner Jive
This routine is designed to be used for competition by dancers who have been learning to dance for less than a year, and are just being introduced to the most basic figures. Although the routines may seem simple, perhaps even to the point of being uninteresting, remember that a perfectly pronounced sentence in a foreign language is more impressive than a poorly spoken speech. It is the quality of the little things that matter, and if dancers perform these figures correctly with good posture and a smile, they are more likely to do well than if they were to attempt more difficult figures and complex routines.
In addition to posture, smiling, and looking at each other, dancers should make an effort not to pull each other during the Rock Step (i.e. steps 1-2 of each figure).
Figure | Rhythm |
Fallaway Rock | QQ QaQ QaQ |
Fallaway Rock | QQ QaQ QaQ |
Change of Place R to L | QQ QaQ QaQ |
Change of Place L to R | QQ QaQ QaQ |
Change of Hands behind the Back | QQ QaQ QaQ |
Link | QQ QaQ QaQ |
Repeat |
Two Fallaway Rocks are used to make sure the couple can get into the music without stress, before the more complicated moves begin, however, if you prefer using only one, that would work as well.