History of Swing Jive

The history of swing jive dates back to the era just after the world war in Australia. The term Swing Jive was first depicted when the American Sailors brought their style of dance to Australia.

Swing Jive's current format was derived from a set of dance parameters brought into the competion arena by Jan Oshea (Austarlian Dance Champion dancer from the 1950's and Dennis Blackburn followed by adapting these to Dancesport arena, the music consits of 38 to 46 Bars per minute (for competition pruposes). Accomplished dancers will also dance to faster music than 46 bars per minute but with sufficeint skill to maintain the dance style. The Swing Jive Dance style that is the true Swing Jive is a "SLOTTED DANCE", There are a lot of dance schools that have chosen to use the name "SWING JIVE" but unfortunately they do not understand the true Slotted definition of this Dance Style. What these dance schools teach is actually Eight step Rock N Roll.

This dance is a slotted dance the basic action must include a triple step jive action (six beat construction) & is a light compression with a quick release of foot pressure into the floor with a nice body frame (not to stiff). Flicks, sweeps, side by side, walk-a-ways & quick close-in work characterize the dance. Variations in the basic step is acceptable with sweeps & flick ball changes however it must stay as a variation & not as the basic step. One of the most important apsects of this dance style is the fact that is never "BOUNCY" it always flows and is very very smooth.