Sarah and I are quite hooked on Modern Jive. We learnt this (do you ever stop learning??) back in 1994 and have been jivin' ever since.

The South Coast has become quite well served by venues over the past few years and we regularly travel as far as Portsmouth or simply stay in the Brighton area where there are dances most weekends. London has a vibrant dance scene.

There are many organisations - Ceroc, LeRoc, LeJive... (any French sounding variation on the theme of 'roc' or 'jive' has probably been tried) - all claim to be the original and different! In my experience, you can go to any venue and after ironing out a few minor variations, enjoy dancing with anyone.

Classes are held in Brighton and the surrounding towns and villages on most weekday evenings by various organisations. Some teach using their own staff whilst others employ guest teachers - with some variation in teaching ability! The classes invariably consist of a beginners' lesson and an Intermediate lesson (which you should be ready for after six weeks or less) and a period of 'freestyle' - in other words, dancing! You can go as singles or a couple - the lessons invariably rotate the class so everyone gets a go. Be warned - it's completely addictive.

There are plenty of other styles such as Salsa, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, American Swing, Jitterbug, Lindy Hop to name but a few. The great thing about jive is that you can incorporate moves and ideas from the other styles, as there is little formal footwork.