The first thing to learn is simply how to start, not only in the correct way but also at the same time as your partner. All of the moves start in the same manner, its hardly rocket science, so once you have taken a few minuets to view this page you should never have to return to it again

Above all else the most important thing to remember from here on is...... The men lead and the ladies don't.

The Starting Position

All of the moves taught on these pages start from the same position, the only variation being with which hand the men start. You should start face to face with your partner and standing about 18 inches apart.

Men, offer one hand to your ladies, which hand will be described in each move but for the purposes of this exercise offer your left hand. 

When you offer your hand  it should be flat, at waist height with your palm facing your stomach and your thumb pointing upward toward the ceiling.

Ladies you always offer your right hand. This should be  draped over the top of the man's offered hand. At this point your hands, although connected, should not be holding each other as the grip should remain as loose as possible. Unlike other forms of dance where the man might lead his partner by means of a firm hand hold  if you grip to hard when learning Modern Jive  many of the moves will become either very uncomfortable or even impossible.  

Both Starting at the Same Time. 

Once you are both standing correctly you need to start. As we said at the top of this page the men are leading so it is up to them to start you both off. Rather than standing in the middle of the dance floor and leaving it to chance or the men shouting 'GO', there is a slightly more subtle way we use to start.

Men, if you are starting with your left hand, as we are in this case, all you have to do is draw a small semi-circle to your left at waist height. As soon as this semi circle starts your ladies know that you intend to start dancing and you both take a step backward at the same time. With which foot you step back with is up to you, whichever comes most naturally will do for now. If the move starts with the right hand the men should draw the semi-circle to the right rather than to the left.