Guide to swing dancing and jive dancing styles

Dive into Jive with this colourful medley of dances - and become an instant expert! However don't get hung up on names, as new ones are constantly being invented that old timers will never comprehend. For example talk to former Savoy Ballroom dancers about "East Coast" and "West Coast" styles and they won't understand a word of what you are saying, as this distinction has only been made in the last 15 years or so. You also need to be aware of the different meanings attached to names on either side of the Atlantic.

This guide was written by Christine Keeble with invaluable help, advice and input from Terry Monaghan and Warren Heyes.

Terry Monaghan, co-founder of The Jiving Lindy Hoppers, is a dance historian currently undertaking a Phd in Dance History at the University of London.

Warren Heyes is choreographer and artistic director of The Jiving Lindy Hoppers, the world's foremost authentic jazz dance company.

If you want us to add a jive style to this selection - please write and tell us about it.

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