Erratum: Hazel Fletcher's lecture notes were not published in the Spring Congress Programme. We apologise for this oversight and have published her lecture notes in full below.

Competitive Jive, the Action by Hazel Fletcher

W.A.R.

I will explain the three main elements that I feel make up the essential priority for the competitive approach for Jive.

'W' stands for weight. By that I mean partnership weight. This comprises the stance and the posture and how the weight should be carried in a completely different way from any other Latin Dance. I will show some simple ideas in preparing the dancers to use partnership weight.

'A' stands for Action. I believe that this dance is unique in as much as the action commences in the knees, continues and finishes in the knees. Footwork, foot positions, timing, musicality and rhythm can all emanate from a correct understanding of the use of the knees. It is an alternative use mostly, understanding which knee should be the consideration at any given moment. Part of this section will be my explanation of my interpretation of the written technique.

'R' stands for rotation. I will explain the role for both man and lady regarding rotation. In competitive Jive I believe the lady's priority is that she should want to be in a rotational mode throughout and not simply waiting to be led to turn. The latter makes it difficult if not impossible for the man to lead her by his own action.

In the open competitions where the choice of choreography is optional I have a very strong opinion that far too many couples prefer side by side solo choreography. This is highly unsuitable as the above three themes cannot be adhered to without a partnership connection.

Finally, I want to thank the ISTD for allowing me this chance to explain my viewpoint. As my husband and I have had a huge influence on many of the leading Championship couples who have been successful in their Jive it gives me great pleasure to pass on to the ISTD teachers the same insight in order to help advance their pupils.