Just Jiving

When & Where

24 April 2025 - 3 July 2025 ( 15 hours, 10 weeks )
Evening, Thursday
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Yes
Tutor Tony Huber
Course Code W24DNEE03C
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

This evening JUST JIVING course is a Beginners progressive year-long course which explores a variety of Jive dances deriving from 20th century African-American dance culture. In our final Summer term of JUST JIVING, we will introduce you to Jitterbug (Lindy Hop), a generic umbrella term used to describe swing dance synonymous with Lindy Hop, but could also include elements of the Charleston, East Coast swing etc. Get to grips with a different set of fundamentals (footwork, rhythm, techniques) distinctive to Jitterbug (Lindy Hop) and gain the repertoire of skills and moves needed to jitterbug with a partner with self-assurance. All welcome; come by yourself or bring your friends and have fun swing dancing to vintage Big Band Swing and Jazz music

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Recall and demonstrate the essential basic steps required for Jitterbug
Perform basic swing dance strolls to music
Develop fundamental movements, techniques and skills as well as rhythm, co-ordination, timing and style for Jitterbug
Strength the level of skill and insight in leading and/or following
Acquire and recall a repertoire of at least 8 basic Jitterbug moves and their terminology
Dance short basic Jitterbug routines to slower tempo music, Big Band Swing and Jazz music with confidence

Cost

Full fee

£140

Concession fee

£105

Click here for information on Fees, Funding and Concessions (including financial support)

Class format and activities

The class will start with a warming up, usually by doing a stroll. You will learn individual dance moves through repetitive practice, following step-by-step demonstration and guidance from your tutor. The class will practice in pairs with different partners through frequent rotation and/or in small groups as well as working at your own pace. At the end of the session, learners will have the opportunity to dance a short routine with different partners in free-style dance at the end of the session. You will have the opportunity to work one-to-one with your Tutor and/or Assistant. You will have the chance to ask questions, discuss your learning with your fellow students, the Tutor and/or Assistant. In order to ensure that you make the best possible progress on your course, you will have regular constructive and supportive feedback from your tutor. Achievement on your course will be measured by whether you meet the learning outcomes above. At the start of the course, you will have an opportunity to discuss these with your tutor and set your own personal targets, linked to the learning outcomes and future goals i.e.: progression to an advanced-level course

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements. This course is open to learners of all levels and abilities. No previous dance experience is required and no need to bring a partner. A level of physical fitness is required to maintain a session of sustained exercise. For adaptation of movement for individual learning needs, please speak to your tutor.

What you need to know before you enrol

You should have a reasonable level of fitness. As JUST JIVING (Jitterbug) is a partner dance, you should have the willingness to work with all participants. Excellent attendance and punctuality is required from all students. Photography and film recording of class activities may be used in order to aid learning. These images may also be used for publicity or marketing materials produced by Morley College, both online and in print. You will have the opportunity to either confirm or decline consent to being filmed or photographed.

What you need

You should wear appropriate and comfortable clothing and footwear for indoor use only. Footwear with a smooth sole is preferred; trainers and high heels are not suitable. Please also consider bringing a bottle of water.

What you can do next

You can progress to continue to study Jive Dance and/or other Jive related dances in the next academic year. Alternatively, the dance department offers a wide range of courses which your tutor would be pleased to discuss with you. Please contact dance@morleycollege.ac.uk for more information or visit our website at https://www.morleycollege.ac.uk/