Dance Yourself Dizzy Dance Blog

Teaching you to dance Modern Jive with our weekly dance classes and on-line dance lessons.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Intermediate Class - Winchester, Tuesday 13th May 2008

Please note that these Modern Jive move descriptions are intended to be used as a memory jogger for those who attended the dance class rather than a training aid for learning the moves from scratch. Much more in-depth move descriptions and videos are available in the Dance Yourself Dizzy Members Area.

Move 1 = Two Handed Sling Spin = Step back with a double handhold. Men step in and as you do so take both your hands together and pull them down to your right - then raise them over the lady's head to turn her in an anti-clockwise direction (men you should still be facing the same way as when you started with your lady now on your right hand side underneath your raised hands). Men take another step forward but do not turn to face your lady, as you lower both your hands down to waist level by your right hip - ladies your are now stood diagonally to the right behind your man. Men take a step back as you extend both hands together out at waist level. Men take another step back as you pull and let go with both hands at waist level spinning the ladies in an anti-clockwise direction. Catch right to right.

Move 2 = Nelson Flick = Beats 1, 2 & 3 as per a normal Yo Yo. Men keep your body facing the same way as you look over your right shoulder and take your right hand back in between you and your lady, then raise your right hand over the lady's head to turn her in an anti-clockwise direction behind your back. Men keep your back facing your lady as you take your right hand behind your back so your arm is in a half nelson - ladies you should be facing the man's back again. Men throw your right hand out to the right at waist level behind you - letting go to spin the ladies in a clockwise direction, as you turn to your left to face. Catch man's left to lady's right. Return. Step back.

Move 3 = Armjive Pretzel = Beats 1 & 2 as per a normal Armjive. Both pull back with your right elbow, but men raise your right hand near your right shoulder. Men raise your right hand out to the right as you throw your left hand past your right hip, letting go, to make the ladies step under your raised right arm. Men, pivot 1/2 turn to your left lowering your right arm into a half nelson behind your back and offer your left hand over the top of the lady's arm, ladies take hold. Men, like a Pretzel raise your left hand over the lady's head. Both take a step to your own left as you pass back to back, men lowering your left hand and raising your right hand over the lady's head. Men, bring your right arm across in front of your face keeping your right hand raised as you turn your back on your partner. Men, lower and let go with your right hand as you raise your left turning your partner anti-clockwise. Both step back man's left to lady's right.

Move 4 = Basket Man's Walkaround = Beats 1, 2, 3 & 4 as per a normal Basket. Men take a small step to your right so you are stood directly behind your lady as you take your left hand and put it onto the lady's left shoulder. Ladies wiggle on the spot for the next 4 beats as the men walk round them - men step in by the lady's right hand side as you raise your left hand over her head. Men step round in front of your lady as you lower your left hand to waist level. Men step round to the lady's left hand side as you raise your right hand over the lady's head. Men step round so that you are directly behind your lady, and lower your right hand down to the lady's right hand side. Men raise your right hand to start unwrapping the ladies in an anti-clockwise direction. As the ladies come round to face, men, lower and let go with your right hand as you raise your left hand to unwrap the ladies another turn in an anti-clockwise direction. Step back.

Full step by step instructions and video to all underlined dance moves are available in our Members Area. Beginners moves are available free of charge from www.danceyourselfdizzy.com

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Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Intermediate Class - Winchester, Tuesday 6th May 2008

Please note that these Modern Jive move descriptions are intended to be used as a memory jogger for those who attended the dance class rather than a training aid for learning the moves from scratch. Much more in-depth move descriptions and videos are available in the Dance Yourself Dizzy Members Area.

Move 1 = Almost Pretzel Variation = Beats 1 & 2 as per a normal Almost pretzel - Step back man's left to lady's right with the men signalling by offering his right hand behind his back in a half nelson. Men step in raising your left hand - ladies step in under the man's arm, turning slightly to your right as you try to tack hold of the man's offered hand behind his back. Men take your right hand away from behind your back before your lady can take hold and continue to swap sides lowering your left arm behind your back into a half nelson - as you do this offer your right hand out to the right at waist level, let go with your left hand behind your back and slide and catch right to right. Return. Step back.

Move 2 = Hatchback Nelson Slide = Step back right to right, men signalling by offering his left hand behind his back. Both step in so that your partner is on your right hand side, men take your hand across your chest and up near your left shoulder, ladies take hold of the man's offered hand behind his back. Men take a step behind your lady as you extend your right hand out to the right at shoulder level - ladies turn to your right so you are looking over the man's shoulder. Men raise your right hand back over your head as you turn to your left underneath to face your lady. Men take your right hand over the lady's head to turn her in a clockwise direction. When the ladies come round to face - men take your right hand over your head as you would in a Comb and lower the lady's hand behind your neck - the lady's left arm should be behind her back. Men let go with your right hand, push away with your left hand and step back sliding and catching man's left to lady's right.

Move 3 = First Move Chase = Beats 1, 2, 3 & 4 as per a normal First Move. Men raise your left hand up and out to your left as you guide your partner across in front of you with your right hand, beginning to turn her clockwise out to your left hand side. Turn the ladies another turn clockwise as you both travel forwards. When the ladies have completed the second turn, men, pivot ¼ turn to your left and pull your partner in so that you are facing each other in a ballroom dance style of hold. Men, pivot the ladies out to the right as per beat 3 but you should now both be facing the opposite direction ready to repeat yourself going back the opposite way. Men raise your left hand up and out to your left as you guide your partner across in front of you with your right hand, beginning to turn her clockwise out to your left hand side. Turn the ladies another turn clockwise as you both travel forwards. When the ladies have completed the second turn, men, pivot ¼ turn to your left and pull your partner in so that you are facing each other in a ballroom dance style of hold. This move now finishes in exactly the same way as a normal First Move - Men twist the ladies out to the side. Men bring your left hand back up near your left shoulder. Men turn the ladies clockwise. Face. Return. Step back.

Move 4 = Teapot Stir = Both step back, men offering your spare hand so you have a double handhold. Both step in so that your partner is on your right hand side bringing your left hand to your left shoulder - your right hand should be by your partners left shoulder. Both pivot to your right and step back out to face on the opposite side. Both step in so that your partner is on your right hand side bringing your left hand to your left shoulder - your right hand should be by your partners left shoulder. Men step behind the ladies pivoting to your right to face as you take your left hand in a big arc over the lady's head - your right hand should now be at waist level. As the ladies come round to face having changed sides, men raise your left hand and step underneath the lady's arm into a Teapot position. Men extend your left hand out to the left as you step to your right behind the ladies, and then bend down underneath the lady's left arm. Men continue to step back bent over underneath the lady's left arm. Men pull your right hand out from behind and underneath you, as you stand up in front of the ladies - raising your right hand over the lady's head to turn her in a clockwise direction. Face. Men let go with your right hand and return the ladies. Step back.

Full step by step instructions and video to all underlined dance moves are available in our Members Area. Beginners moves are available free of charge from www.danceyourselfdizzy.com

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Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Intermediate Class - Winchester, Tuesday 29th April 2008

Please note that these Modern Jive move descriptions are intended to be used as a memory jogger for those who attended the dance class rather than a training aid for learning to dance from scratch. Much more in-depth move descriptions and videos are available in the Dance Yourself Dizzy Members Area.

Move 1 = Right Handed Shoulder Slide = Step back right to right. Men step in turning to your left latching the lady's hand onto your right shoulder - ladies step straight forwards behind your man like you would in a normal Shoulder Slide. From here this move finishes in exactly the same way as a normal Shoulder Slide - men let go with your right hand and continue to turn to your left as you step back swapping sides, sliding and catching man's left to lady's right. Return. Step back.

Move 2 = Basket Parcel = Video Available

Move 3 = Pretzel Walkaround and Spin = Men step back signalling for a normal Pretzel - man's left to lady's right, with man's right hand offered behind his back in a half nelson. Both step in, men raising your left hand over the lady's head as the ladies take hold of the man's offered hand behind his back. Pass back to back, men lowering your left hand to waist level as you raise your right hand over the lady's head and then lower it in front of the ladies at waist level. Both walk round in a clockwise direction for 2 beats. Men let go with your left hand behind your back, but keep your left hand offered behind your back, as you pull with your right hand at waist level to make the ladies turn 1 whole turn in a clockwise direction. Ladies once you have completed your turn, take hold of the man's offered hand behind his back with your right hand again - you should both be back in your walkaround position again albeit with the man's right hand behind the ladies rather than in front of her - as you do this both continue to walkaround in a clockwise direction again for another 2 beats. Both take a step to your own right so you are back to back as the men let go with their right hand and extend their left hand out to the left at waist level. Men pull back letting go with your left hand to spin the ladies in a clockwise direction. Catch right to right. Return. Step back.

Move 4 = Comb Man's Turn = Beats 1 & 2 as per a normal Sway. Men keep hold with your left hand, but let go with your right hand, as you step forward to swap sides turning to your right to face your lady - you should now be left to left. Men step in raising your left hand out to the left to turn the ladies in a clockwise direction. As the ladies come round to face catch right to right at waist level. Men raise both hands out to the right and over the lady's head to turn her anti-clockwise. When the ladies come round to face, men lower your left hand to waist level as you take your right hand over your head like a Comb. Men let go with your right hand as you raise your left hand and turn to your left one whole turn underneath - ladies allow your right hand to slide round the man's waist as he turns. As the men come round to face catch right to right. Men raise your hands to return the ladies. Step back.

Full step by step instructions and video to all underlined dance moves are available in our Members Area. Beginners moves are available free of charge from http://www.danceyourselfdizzy.com/index.htm

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Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Intermediate Class - Winchester, Tuesday 22nd April 2008

Please note that these Modern Jive move descriptions are intended to be used as a memory jogger for those who attended the dance class rather than a training aid for learning to dance from scratch. Much more in-depth move descriptions and videos are available in the Dance Yourself Dizzy Members Area.

Move 1 = Walkaround = Step back left to right. Men step in leading the ladies into your right hand side by raising your left hand out to the right over your head - you can wiggle as you do so. Men stay on the spot and wiggle as you lead the ladies round behind you with your raised left hand, ladies - work your hips! Men lead the ladies round behind you for another beat. Men lead the ladies round to your left hand side as you turn one whole turn on the spot to your left underneath your raised left hand. Ladies walk around in front of the men, as men pull down with your left elbow to face. Step into return. Face.

Move 2 = First Move Archie = Beats 1, 2, 3 & 4 as per a normal First Move. Men raise your left hand as you pull and let go with your right hand at waist level, and both turn under the man's raised left hand - men turn to your left, ladies turn to your right. Face and step back. Return. Both step back.

Move 3 = Neckbreak Push Pull = Step back man's left to lady's right and men signal by making an 'L' shape with your right arm at shoulder height. Both step in so that your partner is on your right hand side, men take your left hand to your left shoulder as you place your right hand onto the lady's left shoulder. Men pull with your right hand and keep it on your lady's shoulder as you both step forwards pivoting to your right to swap sides. Step back to face with the man's right hand still on the lady's shoulder. Men step in to the left to begin to swap sides again, and pull with your right hand again, but this time take your left hand towards your right shoulder to make the ladies step straight forwards. Men continue to swap sides as you pull back with your left hand and then raise it over the lady's head to unwrap her in a clockwise direction. Step back to face. Return. Step back.

Move 4 = Tumble Dryer into a Catapult = Step back with a double handhold. Men step in behind the lady to begin to swap sides as you raise both hands together over her head, turning her to her left. Continue to swap sides but stay quite close together - as the ladies come round to face, men keep your hands raised and turn one whole turn to your right under your hands. As you come round to face your lady keep your hands raised and turn your lady another whole turn in an anti-clockwise direction. As the ladies come round to face, men keep your hands raised and turn half a turn to your right under your hands. When your back is to your lady lower your hands down to waist level - your right hand to your left hip and your left hand to your right hip. Wiggle on the spot for 2 beats. Men this move now finishes like a Catapult - let go with both hands, step forwards and offer both hands out behind you, ladies take hold. Men step back to the right bringing your lady into your left. Spin the ladies. Catch man's left to lady's right. Return. Step back.

Full step by step instructions and video to all underlined dance moves are available in our Members Area. Beginners moves are available free of charge from http://www.danceyourselfdizzy.com/index.htm

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Intermediate Class - Basingstoke, Monday 21st April 2008

Please note that these Modern Jive move descriptions are intended to be used as a memory jogger for those who attended the dance class rather than a training aid for learning the moves from scratch. More comprehensive teaching videos are available in the Dance Yourself Dizzy Members Area.

Move 1 = Sway Backpass = Beats 1, 2, 3 & 4 as per a normal Sway. Men nudge the ladies out. Men turn to your left one whole turn on the spot - as you are doing this change hands behind your back. Step back to face man's left to lady's right. Return. Step back.

Move 2 = Archie Turns = Step back man's left to lady's right - men signalling by placing his thumb on the back of the lady's hand and twisting her hand, so that the lady's palm is facing the ceiling. Men step in behind the ladies to start changing sides as you swing your left hand up and over the lady's head to turn her in a clockwise direction. Men transfer the lady's hand from your left to your right above her head on the halfbeat, before you raise your right hand to turn the ladies for a second time in a clockwise direction. Step back having changed sides - right to right. Return. Step back.

Move 3 = Catapult Flamenco = Beats 1, 2, 3 & 4 as per a normal Catapult. Men keep hold with both hands, as you lead your lady round in front of you 180 degrees by raising your left hand around in front of you and then out to your right above your head - take a small side step to your left as you do this and you should end up right side to right side with your lady, stood underneath your raised left hands, with the man's right hand behind his back in a half nelson. Both walk round in a clockwise direction for 2 beats. Men let go with your right hand as you step forwards turning to your left to face your lady throwing your left hand down and out to the left - letting go to spin your lady in a clockwise direction. Catch right to right. Return. Step back.

Move 4 = Yoyo Lasso Seducer = Video Available.

Full step by step instructions and video to all underlined dance moves are available in our Members Area. Beginners moves are available free of charge from www.danceyourselfdizzy.com

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Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Intermediate Class - Winchester, Tuesday 15th April 2008

Please note that these Modern Jive move descriptions are intended to be used as a memory jogger for those who attended the dance class rather than a training aid for learning to dance from scratch. Much more in-depth move descriptions and videos are available in the Dance Yourself Dizzy Members Area.

Move 1 = Right Handed Step Across = Step back right to right. Men, step forward and slightly to your left as you raise your right hand, stepping under your ladies raised right arm and pivoting to your left. Ladies step straight forward. Men as you continue to swap sides and turn to your left to face your lady, keep your right hand raised and take it over the lady's head to turn her in a clockwise direction. When she comes round to face lower your hands and both step back. Step in to return. Both step back.

Move 2 = Yo Yo Turn Change Hands and Spin = Beats 1, 2 & 3 as per a normal Yo Yo. Men keep your body facing the same way as you take your right hand back behind you, inbetween you and your lady - and then raise it over the lady's head to turn her 1 whole turn behind your back in an anti-clockwise direction. When the ladies come round to face your back - men transfer the lady's hand from your right hand to your left behind your back and then extend your left hand out to the left at waist level. Men turn to your left to face your lady as you pull back letting go with your left hand to spin the ladies in a clockwise direction. Catch right to right. Return. Step back.

Move 3 = Catapult into Sway and Back = Beats 1 & 2 as per a normal Catapult. Men lean forward as normal but do not offer your spare hand out behind you. Men step back turning to your right wrapping your lady anti-clockwise into a Sway position. Sway backwards. Sway forwards. Men nudge your lady out with your right shoulder turning your lady to her right as you turn to your left. Men lean away from your partner offering your spare hand out behind you like you would in a normal Catapult. Men step back to the right bringing your lady into your left hand side. Men let go with your right hand as you pull back with your left hand - letting go to spin your lady in a clockwise direction. Step back catching right to right. Return. Step back.

Move 4 = Window Walkaround = Video available.

Full step by step instructions and video to all underlined dance moves are available in our Members Area. Beginners moves are available free of charge from http://www.danceyourselfdizzy.com/index.htm

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Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Intermediate Class - Winchester, Tuesday 8th April 2008

Please note that these Modern Jive move descriptions are intended to be used as a memory jogger for those who attended the dance class rather than a training aid for learning to dance from scratch. Much more in-depth move descriptions and videos are available in the Dance Yourself Dizzy Members Area.

Move 1 = Single Handed Accordion = Step back right to right. Both step in as men raise their right hand out to the right to turn the ladies in an anti-clockwise direction. As the ladies come round to face - men drop your right elbow to block her as you both take another step forwards past your partner (you should be facing opposite directions with your partner to your right slightly behind you). Men take a big step back as you push and raise your right hand to unwrap your lady in a clockwise direction. Take another step back to face. Repeat all that - Both step in as men raise their right hand out to the right to turn the ladies in an anti-clockwise direction. As the ladies come round to face - men drop your right elbow to block her as you both take another step forwards past your partner (you should be facing opposite directions with your partner to your right slightly behind you). Men take a big step back as you push and raise your right hand to unwrap your lady in a clockwise direction. Take another step back to face.

Move 2 = Shoulder Slide Eight = Video available.

Move 3 = Almost Pretzel Wrap = Both step back,men, offer your right hand in a half nelson position behind your back. Both step in, men, raise your left arm and take your offered right hand away before your ladies have a chance to grab it. As you both continue to swap sides, men, lower your left arm in to a half nelson behind your back as you pivot to your right to face your ladies and offer your flat right palm at shoulder height. Men, take a small step forward, keeping you left arm behind your back as you raise your right hand up to the left to wrap the ladies clockwise into your right hand side then lower your right hand behind the ladies and down to her right hip. Swing your hips for 2 beats. Men, nudge your ladies with your right shoulder so that your ladies bend forward. Keeping hold with both hands, men, take a step forward so that you end up in a Catapult but with the ladies arms crossed. Men, let go with your right hand and take a step backward as you pull and let go with your left hand to to spin the ladies clockwise. Catch right to right. Return. Step back.

Move 4 = Hatchlock Wrap & Sway = Video available.

Full step by step instructions and video to all underlined dance moves are available in our Members Area. Beginners moves are available free of charge from http://www.danceyourselfdizzy.com/index.htm

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Sunday, April 06, 2008

Intermediate Class - Basingstoke, Monday 31st March 2008

Please note that these Modern Jive move descriptions are intended to be used as a memory jogger for those who attended the dance class rather than a training aid for learning the moves from scratch. More comprehensive teaching videos are available in the Dance Yourself Dizzy Members Area.

Move 1 = Catapult Teapot = Video Available

Move 2 = First Move Pushspin Scooparound = Beats 1, 2, 3 & 4 as per a normal First Move Pushspin. Men push down and away - letting go with your left hand to spin your lady 1 complete turn like you would normally, but keep your right hand on your lady's left hip as she spins - whilst she is spinning you will need to flip your hand over whilst keeping it in contact with her hip so that you end up with your thumb pointing to the floor and your right arm is behind her back. No pause - as soon as she has finished spinning, men pull back firmly with your right hand to lead your lady round behind you. Men keep facing the same way as you keep pushing with your right hand to lead the ladies round to your left hand side (men you may have to twist your torso slightly to the right to do this). Men let go with your right hand, as you step back whilst your lady passes by your left hand side - sliding and catching man's left to lady's right. Return. Step back.

Move 3 = Side to Side Walk around =
Video Available

Move 4 = Pretzel Back to Back = Men step back signalling for a normal Pretzel - man's left to lady's right, with man's right hand offered behind his back in a half nelson. Both step in, men raising your left hand over the lady's head as the ladies take hold of the man's offered hand behind his back. Pass back to back, men lowering your left hand to waist level as you raise your right hand over the lady's head. Men look at your partner as you drop your right elbow in between your faces and take your right hand over your head. Ladies step behind your man as men raise both hands out together over the lady's head to turn her in an anti-clockwise direction. Step back to face each other with a crossed handhold. Both step in, both turning a quarter turn to your right as men raise both hands taking your right hand over your head and extending your left arm so that your left hand goes over the lady's head, you should now pass back to back. Both take another step to your own left as you lower your hands to waist level behind your backs - Man's left hand behind his back, man's right hand behind the lady's back - your partner should be to your right behind you. Men let go with your right hand as you take a big side step to your right extending your left hand out at waist level. Men take another step back as you pull back with your left hand - letting go to spin the ladies in a clockwise direction. Catch right to right. Return. Both step back

Full step by step instructions and video to all underlined dance moves are available in our Members Area. Beginners moves are available free of charge from www.danceyourselfdizzy.com

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