Welcome to Paphos Jivers

Paphos Jivers are a friendly group of Modern Jive dancers who meet at 7pm on Tuesdays at the main Church Hall in Chloraka Village.

Paphos-Jivers Main Welcome Banner - the signpost has all the information about upcoming closures

Step-out onto the dance floor!

The group welcomes new dancers to its lessons every Tuesday night, where we teach you the best moves and techniques to use when dancing with a partner. There is nothing formal about us, we are just out to enjoy dancing together, and will often organise groups to visit local music events.

Our evenings consist of:

Beginners mixing with other dancers to learn Modern Jive in Paphos

7pm Foundation Lesson

There are about a dozen foundation moves, of which three or four are covered each week. In a lesson we will teach a simple but complete routine, with one or two moves repeated from the previous week.

paphos-Jivers Intermediate Lesson, for the more confident dancers.

8pm Intermediate Lesson

After a few weeks you will want to join the intermediate lesson, where those foundation moves are developed into smoother, more stylish moves that really do impress on the dance floor.

Until that point beginners will stay with an experienced dancer who will use the time to help them master the foundation moves.

Free Dancing

Between the lessons and after the Intermediate lessons we dance, and practice our moves with the other dancers. You can ask anyone to dance and they will always be pleased to join you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Modern Jive?

Modern jive is a partnered dance which has its roots in Lindy Hop and Salsa, but it is less complicated to learn and can be danced to a greater variety of music.

What is the P3A?

In order to keep our club within the Cypriot Financial and Legal Framework, the Paphos Jivers are affiliated to the Paphos3rdAge.org (P3A). Being part of the P3A also gives our members access to their wide range of activities available from over 40 similarly affiliated groups and clubs within the P3A umbrella. Their Website: Paphos3rdAge.org

Our Dancers are strongly encouraged to become members of the P3A, which you can do at our venue. P3A membership currently costs €10 the first year and €5 per year thereafter. We do hold copies of the P3A membership forms, or you can download and print them from here: Paphos3rdAge.org

What is the Lesson Price?

Just €3 a night for P3A members or €5 for visitors and other non-P3A members.

Are classes suitable for Beginners?

Yes, our foundation class is designed for dancers of all levels, including beginners. The first lesson will consist of three or four of what we call Foundation Moves which will show you the best techniques for dancing with a partner. There will be experienced dancers with you, as it both helps them both perfect their dancing, and encourages new dancers to join them.

When do Beginners Start?

Beginners can start on any Tuesday. The Foundation Class is suitable for complete beginners, then, when the Intermediate class is on, the beginners are taken aside so that they can repeat the foundation moves that they have learnt with a dedicated experienced dancer.

Whilst we don’t put our videos on YouTube, all of the foundation moves that we teach can be found as tutorials on YouTube if you want to practice.

Danced Modern Jive Before?

Please join us, you will recognise the lesson format and the foundation moves from other venues, and will quickly fit in.

Our Lesson format?

We start with a Foundation lesson, three or four foundation (or beginner) moves to show how to keep the beat and maintain contact with your partner. We always start in the handhold you will have when you reach the dance floor and each week we add two new moves and repeat one or two from the previous week.

After a few weeks you will want to join the Intermediate lesson, where those foundation moves are developed into smoother, more stylish moves that really do impress on the dance floor.

What is a Foundation Move?

Modern Jive has its roots in French Jive dancing, which had its roots in the American Swing Dance styles that the Americans bought over to Europe during WW2. It trended in the UK for a short period after the war, but other styles like the Twist superseded it.

This didn’t stop a small group of dancers reviving it in the ‘70s in London, laying the foundations of what we now call Modern Jive, which is taught by organisations like LeRoc and Ceroc* in the UK.

These dancers recognised that most Modern Jive moves have elements in common, and that if you taught beginners these elements then as followers they will know how to follow specific leads, and the Leads would have a collection of moves to build their dance repertoire on.

We call these basic elements the Foundation moves. You will recognise these moves even in the dances of the most advanced dancers.

Paphos Jivers use a standard names for these moves, if you go into YouTube and search for ‘Ginger Jive’ and a move name (for example Ginger Jive First Move) you will find a great tutorial on all of the foundation moves that we teach.

If you are interested in the history of Modern Jive, the timeline on the ModernJive Website is recommended reading.

*Ceroc is a registered trademark of Ceroc Enterprises Limited.

What is an Intermediate Move?

The Intermediate moves are more challenging moves to develop the dance repertoire. They will form a routine in themselves, but more importantly are there for dancers to ‘pick and choose’ the moves they are comfortable with.

Unlike the Foundation Moves which are internationally recognised, the Intermediate moves are unique to your teacher, who will have designed them for the lesson. The names too are unique and most won’t be found on any website.

Teachers are always open to suggestions and requests for material to teach in the Intermediate Lesson.

What is the Age Group?

Many of us started in our 30s and 40s and are still enthusiastic 20-30 years later. Nothing is stopping you from starting at a mature age, and you will pick it up and wish you’d done it earlier. On the dance floor you will find a massive age range in people you dance with, and it really doesn’t matter.

We do however want to appeal to the younger generations as there seems little opportunity for professionals to get out and socialise on the Island. With us you can have a great night out for €3 (plus a drink afterwards) and really clear your brain!

Best clothing to wear?

Wear light comfortable clothing, as you will warm up as you dance. Unfortunately the hall does not have heating or cooling facilities so bear that in mind (It has not been a problem to date).

Best shoes to wear?

The floor is tiled, so bring shoes that allow you to spin on tiled floors.

What if I have two left feet?

Don’t worry, this is probably the easiest dance style to dance with a partner, we believe that as long as you smile your feet will follow.

What if I don't bring a partner?

Again don’t worry, during the classes we rotate partners as it is the easiest way to learn. When we practice after the lesson you will learn the best way to ask others to dance, and when we go dancing there will usually be a crowd of us.

What if you are very shy?

Hide your shyness behind your dancing. As long as you can smile you can express yourself in your dancing.

Are the Paphos Jivers very social?

Yes, we do like to chat, and love a dance at the many local bars and bands. If someone wants to go to a local event they put the details on our WhatsApp group so that others can join them. If you live in the area you may well have already seen us, and we do support the local bands when we can.

Will I love it?

Yes. It is a bit of a challenge at first as your brain and feet have different ideas, but we have all been there and you will soon get over it. Each lesson is a complete routine (even in your first week), however it takes about 6 weeks to get going and then you are hooked. The best part is that our lessons are very similar to Modern Jive, LeRoc and Ceroc* lessons in the UK and across the world, so you can take your dancing with you wherever you go.

*Ceroc is a registered trademark of Ceroc Enterprises Limited.

Is it good for me?

Modern Jive will improve your co-ordination, your fitness and your confidence, and it is far more social than going to the Gym.

How do I start?

Turn up before 7pm on a Tuesday and ask for Lynn, who will take your details and introduce you to the other dancers.

Don't worry, we were all beginners once, and everyone will want to help you through your first routine.

Jiving Around the World

"60 places in my 60th year"

New dancers Steve and Di Modern-Jiving on a Warship.

We were complete beginners when we started jive lessons as a way to meet new people in Paphos, and it quickly became an important part of our lives.

So much so that now we are taking part in a challenge that has seen us jive around the world. From the ramparts of a chateau in France to jiving in the water with sea lions in Peru, we have even jived on a warship and a submarine. We are now jiving to raise money for the Charities: ❤️ Macmillan Cancer Support (UK),and Cyprus Alzheimer’s Association (Mi-me-lismonei) Paphos branch - more details can be found on our GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/7b54a0f9

We still are beginners but we are loving learning. The patience of the instructors and the friendliness of the fellow dancers have made this new hobby so much fun!

Di and Steve

Directions

Taxi: If the taxi driver doesn't know where Chloraka Church Hall is, ask the driver to take you to the Local Pub in Chloraka. Then walk towards the large Orthodox Church behind the pub, which is in Chloraka Square. The Church Hall where we dance is to the left of the entrance to the large Church.

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Driving: Drive to the Local Pub in Chlorakas. If you turn in and drive past the front of the pub you will go through a small car park, at the end of that road is a large car park and building site. Turn right on the unmade road and in front of you is the Church, and to it's right is the Church Hall where we dance. Park in that car park and walk across the road.

Google Maps

Chloraka Church Hall is here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/psMszBR3wbFzuNuA8

Parking here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/W83626kVowz7zcHb7

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(if you are early, try the friendly J'Adore Tavern next door, who let us take their drinks into our Hall.)

About us

Paphos Jivers is an established provider of Modern Jive dance instruction in Paphos, Cyprus. We are passionate about sharing the joy of dancing and offer classes to suit dancers of all levels from beginners to intermediate. Join us and discover the fun and excitement of Jive Dancing!

Paphos Jivers are proud to be affiliated with the

Paphos 3rd Age (P3A)