Beginner's Survival Guide
It is very important to us that you enjoy your first few lessons, but with so much new information, some of you may find it all a bit daunting. In fact your first Beginners class is probably the hardest class you will ever do! Please don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask questions before or after class. Everyone was a beginner once and nobody will mind you asking.
General Information for Everyone
A Ceroc class is meant to be fun so relax and smile. Believe it or not, it is easier to dance if you don't try so hard! Don't worry if you don't get all the moves in the Beginners class - you can ask all your questions in the Learn to Freestyle Class, which is taught just after the Beginners class and goes over the Beginners routine again, but in a smaller group.
Footwear
Girls and guys - you need to be able to spin so no grippy soles.
Clothing
Cool comfortable clothing works best - anything too restrictive, and you will find it uncomfortable as you get hotter.
Jewellery
Jewellery would be best removed so you don't catch, gouge, or endanger anyone else with your rings, bracelets, chunky belts or even watches.
You are partner dancing, so remember:
- Fresh breath and the use of deodorant will be appreciated by all your dance partners
- Fluids are important - and water is best of all
- Guys - you may like to bring an extra shirt to change into, if you get too sweaty
The Beginners Class and After
- A Ceroc class is fun - so relax and enjoy yourself
- The Beginners Class lasts about 45 mins, followed by ...
- A Learn to Freestyle Class which lasts about 45 mins (this class takes place while the "Intermediate" class is taking place )
- When you rotate to a new partner please follow the lines
- Please come back, no matter how difficult you found the class. It gets much easier each time you come - ask anyone and they will tell you. It will take about 6 weeks to feel totally at ease, then, there will be no stopping you!
- You can copy down the names of the beginner moves from the front desk on the night, to help you remember what you have learnt
Information for Guys
- In classes we teach you the footwork for all moves, but when you are just starting out this can be a little confusing - don't worry!
- What is really important is that you lead the girl through the moves as well as you can, footwork is not as important initially
- The secret to a good lead is to keep your hands low, around the girls waist height - it gives the girl good tension and keeps her close to you
- Try and stay close to your partner and take small steps - it really helps It's not that easy for the girls in the beginning-they have to spin & turn & they sometimes get dizzy etc
- Try and give them as much help as possible and be understanding - just have a look at what they have to do (see below)
Information for Girls
- Everyone finds it hard to begin with but if you follow the 3 rules to turning and spinning (see below) you will pick it up in no time
- It really helps to take small steps in the beginning & don't step back too far, as this makes for "jerky" dancing
- Give the guy some tension (by keeping your hands low and arm bent) as it will help you to follow the guys lead more easily. Think of your hand as a communicator to the rest of your body, so if it is floppy the communication is lost. A bit of tension allows you to feel the lead
- It's not that easy for guys in the beginning - they have to lead a move, think of the next move and do footwork all at the same time
- Try and give your partner as much help as possible and be understanding - just have a look at what they have to do (see above)
Turning and Spinning
Turning and Spinning are very important in Modern Jive, but here are a few simple points to help you.
Top Turn - a clockwise turn when the guy is holding onto the girl's right hand
Return - an anti-clockwise turn for the girl that usually occurs at the end of a move
Spin - a free turn in either direction (for both girls and guys) when there is no handhold at all.
There are just three simple rules to remember - they apply to both girls and guys.
- You spin on the foot you turn towards
- You spin with both feet together
- Afterwards, you step back on the foot that you have just spun on