Modern Jive (a form of which is trademarked in the UK as “Ceroc” by Ceroc Enterprises), is a stylish, addictive and wildly popular dance form that has taken England, Australia and New Zealand by storm in the past few years. Modern Jive includes elements of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Swing, and Salsa; however is easier to learn than any of these.
Now you can try Modern Jive right here in Toronto! Nicky Heatherington, founder of Jive Nation Toronto, has been teaching University of Toronto students the elements of this dance for the last year, and now brings classes to the rest of Toronto.
“The Modern Jive dance market in Canada is underserved,” says Nicky. “Our goal is to fill the gap by making this stylish, exhilarating and addictive dance available to Toronto’s great dance scene.”
What Exactly is Modern Jive?
Modern Jive originated in France and was introduced to the UK in the 1980’s, really gaining momentum in the 1990’s. Dancers dance to a wide range of music from 1940’s Swing, right up to current, Top 40 charts, and everything in-between. The above video is a demonstration of some freestyle Modern Jive by Nicky and her partner.
Modern Jive quickly became known as the easiest partner dance to learn as well as one of the most fun. In fact most people can pick up a few moves even after their first evening. “It’s not unusual for people who’ve never danced before to be dancing after their first night – and go on to become confident dancers in about 6 weeks,” says Nicky who danced Modern Jive three times a week in her hometown of London, England. “And their excitement and confidence in their new-found skill is infectious.”
“Many dance classes focus on where to put your feet,” says Nicky. “New dancers often worry about their feet and where to put them. They get discouraged if they don’t make progress quickly. Rather than fixate on how to move your feet Modern Jive classes focus on learning basic moves. Classes are aimed at people with little or no dance experience, making it very easy to learn and lots of fun.”
Partner dancing is great way to meet people, expand your social circle, exercise and unwind from the stresses of the day. If your inexperience or time commitment constraints have been holding you back from participating in this beneficial activity, then Modern Jive is definitely something to consider.
Jive Nation Toronto is running Modern Jive classes every Wednesday in the Annex at the Walmer Centre, 188 Lowther Avenue, near Spadina and Bloor. A 6-week class pass is $76 and walk-ins are $15. For more details and to book on-line go to:
- Modern Jive Lessons with JiveNationToronto.com
University of Toronto students will also enjoy
If you think you have two left feet but have always dreamed of gracing the dance floor, perhaps it’s time you joined the Modern Jive dance craze!
I agree, Jive is one dance that is great for partners. The dance really combines extravagant moves with partner cooperation and ease.
Has modern jive found its way out into the rest of Ontario yet? We visited from the UK this summer and it seemed to be confined to Toronto.
Hi Clive, it’s Nicky from JiveNationToronto.
Thank you – and everyone – for your comments! I wish I could say that there was more modern jive in Ontario, but it’s still confined to Toronto at the moment. There’s also a Ceroc venue in Vancouver, but that’s not much good to you. I am from London, England and I started Jive Nation Toronto because there wasn’t any modern jive in Toronto (apart from te UofT Dance Club)and I felt there should be more. It is such a fun dance and a great way to meet other people. However, at least we’ve started somewhere 🙂 We are not yet at where the UK is as yet,but at least we can recreate a little of it through modern jive here. And through spreading the word more people will hear of it and perhaps take it to their towns too.
Incidentally I was in London last month – August – and went to modern jive almost every night. The atmosphere was electric… you just turned up and had a blast. I had so many dances I felt myself improving my own dancing in just two visits… and of course it’s so addictive I went back for more.
Nicky
Nicky
I too am from London and used to go to Ceroc regularly which I love! I have just moved to Toronto, so where is the best place to go to for a similar Ceroc experience?
Thanks
Amanda
I have been doing modern jive style in Vancouver for 6 years and have recently moved to Hamilton. Are there any other jive or former Ceroc dancers here in my area as I would like something closer than Toronto. Would love to get together as my partner is not into dancing and I miss it. Can follow any good lead, can lead beginner and some intermediate moves. Not looking for love (already have that) just a dance partner, male or female. Post here as I will check back.
I have to agree as well. Modern Jive is a superb way to learn-to-dance, get fit, meet new people, and ‘smile’. We teach in the UK, and our beginners love it.
UKTiler: Our beginners love it too. Some of them can’t believe you can have so much fun learning to dance… it’s quite funny watching them realize that hey – this really IS fun! Love your point about ” and smile…” you are totally correct.
I’m a Canadian who’s been living in the rural parts of the UK for 8 years, teaching Zumba and more recently, attending modern jive classes/freestyles. I. LOVE. IT. We are emmigrating back to the Toronto area next year and I was hoping to see there would be some classes in the outlying GTA. Shocked to see how new it is over there!! Well done for getting the craze going. I’ll be there soon to help you out…
Hi
I see you are doing classes. As dancers from the UK familar with Ceroc, is the format the same? Is it classes + freestyle or just classes?
We are here for 1 week and would love to dance.
Kay