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Jive: Basic Step

Chasse: It appears that one foot is chasing the other.

The counts here for the start are 3, &, 4. Thus there are a total of three steps. The counts are counted as "3", "and", "4". Since there are odd number of steps the count of 3, the first step of the beginning of the set of counts, alternates between the two feet.

Initially with counts given above, practice the 'First Exercise' for some time to get use to count and be able to move randomly around.

After this continue serially as given below. If one stops in between start again from the very beginning.

1. Start mark-time on the spot with the given rhythm "3, &, 4", and then try to move around randomly.
2. Move three steps to the side, in the direction of the free foot counting "3, &, 4". Then repeat the same in the other direction.

The first step to the side is large, but comfortable for the count of 3. For the count of "&" feet are together. And for the count of 4, take a small step is to the side.

Chasse
Thus if one were to start with the left foot then for the count of 3, the left foot moves to the side and away from the right foot. This is a large but comfortable step, to facilitate large distances.

For the count of "and" the right foot moves towards the left foot and taking the body-weight on the right foot. Thus the feet are together.

Next is the count 4 for which the left foot is moved a small step to the side.

For the next set of "3, &, 4" all of above is repeated moving in the opposite direction and starting with the right foot.

This movement is called a chasse, a French word, which meaning one foot chasing the other.

3. Next is to add the count "1, 2" and repeat the set "3, &, 4" twice. Thus the counts would be "1, 2, 3, &, 4, 3, &, 4". For 1, 2, one will be doing mark time on the spot.

Note: If the count of 1 comes on one foot then throughout the exercise the count of 1 will come always on the same foot. Also the gap between the feet for the rock step is small.

4. For the counts 1, 2, rock-step is done. Thus for 1, the free foot always moves backward, and for the count of 2, steps in the earlier position; i.e. in the position prior to moving for 1.

5. Repeat all of above starting on the other foot.

Through out the exercise one should be performing the mark time by consciously flexing the knee and weight should be only on one foot without the break in rhythm of counts.

Please note that in Jive, normally the man starts on the left foot and the lady on the right foot for the count of one. But it is advisable to be adept with the movements for one's self as well as that of the partner's at this stage.