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      Combining and refining Jive ideas to strive for greater partner awareness

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can both lead and respond to my partner when performing the Jive.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: partner jumps, cues and counterbalances are key elements of the Jive dance style.
      2. Think: leading when improvising as a pair requires quick and decisive decision making.
      3. Feel: repeatedly performing the same action to improve performance draws upon resilience.
      4. Connect: allowing another person control over our actions and safety involves trust.

      Keywords

      • Support - to assist, to bear all or part of the effort

      • Improvise - to perform instantaneously, without prior planning

      • Cue - a signal to a performer

      Common misconception

      Counterbalances are always symmetrical.

      Counterbalances can involve the same action as a partner but these can be varied by level, direction of size. Counterbalances can also use contrasting body parts to connect, e.g. the hand of one dancer pressing against the shoulder of their partner.

      Teacher tip

      If using arms when pulling away from a partner encourage the pupils to fully extend their limbs to prevent muscle soreness.

      Equipment

      Suggested music

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which country is considered to be the birthplace of the Jive?

      Canada
      Correct answer: the USA
      the UK

      Q2.
      What word describes moving spontaneously, making up actions on the spot?

      improving
      imploding
      Correct answer: improvising

      Q3.
      When dancing as a pair, what is meant by ‘being in hold’?

      being still
      Correct answer: how dancers connect
      lifting your partner

      Q4.
      In dance, what technique do performers use to prevent dizziness?

      Correct answer: spotting
      dashing
      dotting

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      How should a dancer's feet be positioned if lifting or supporting another performer?

      close together
      Correct answer: apart
      turned in

      Q2.
      When performing, what is another word for a ‘cue’?

      Correct answer: a signal
      a prop
      a gesture

      Q3.
      What is the process of repeatedly performing an action, section or all of a dance called?

      resilience
      respect
      Correct answer: rehearsal

      Q4.
      When rehearsing the Jive, what do consistency and accuracy from your partner build?

      Correct answer: trust
      tedium
      contact

      To help you plan your 11 physical education lesson on: Combining and refining Jive ideas to strive for greater partner awareness, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...