NORTHERN Ireland is jiving to a new beat and every one of every age is getting in on the dance action!
Never mind your Strictly because the jive craze is taking off, fuelled by the power of country music.
Queues are forming at dance studios and at weekends venues are heaving with eager dancers.
It may have started when American GIs landed in Northern Ireland during the Second World War, but it is very much all the rage on the local music scene.
With singers like Derek Ryan, Nathan Carter and Lisa McHugh thriving jive is packing out dance floors.
Dance instructor Evelyn McAleer (43) of the Let’s Dance in Kelleeshil has her roots in jiving.
“I’ve been jiving for as long as I can remember as I was brought up with country music and jived with my father from a very young age,” she said.
“I think a lot of people are of the impression that there’s the old Jive and the new Jive, but it’s basically the same with some fancier moves added in.”
Evelyn started to teach jiving around 10 years ago, over the last decade she’s witnessed a significant change in the age group of her students.
She explained: “In the past couple of years there has been a massive surge of interest from young people wanting to learn to Jive, I’ve noticed it especially in the Tyrone and Monaghan areas, where they are following the bands quite closely.
“I would say Nathan Carter changed the country scene here for sure. He’s young, and fresh, and has sex appeal, which without a doubt got the younger crowd interested.”
The country jiving dance craze has proven to be so popular in recent years, that in addition to the sold out country music shows and regular dance nights, the annual Monaghan Town Country Music Festival features a Jive competition that attracts some of the best dancing talents in Ireland.
Lucy McVeigh (17) a Student from Dungannon is a recent convert to the scene, and a dance student of Evelyn’s.
“I had always known about jiving growing up, but just never got into it. I’d always listened to popular country singers such as Philomena Begley and Mike Denver, but when I first heard Johnny Brady I just loved his music, and eventually got to go to one of his gigs” she said, adding: “I sat in awe watching the crowd Jive. I could’ve sat all night, it was just so outstanding. I thought I would love to do something like that, and now I’ve learned how to Jive, I love it” she said.
For Lucy, she says she’s glad she made the leap to learn and encourages others to do the same.
“When I first started dancing, I went to private classes with Evelyn at Let’s Dance, and once I got the hang of it I progressed into bigger classes with more people. Everybody has to start somewhere, so source dance classes in your area, and I guarantee you will not regret it!” she said.
As jiving is becoming ever popular with younger crowds, we’re seeing a massive increase in the number of gigs, dances, and events hosted locally, and Lucy’s social calendar is full to bursting.
“I regularly attend The Ryandale in Moy, partially because it’s quite close to home, but I also love going to The Silver Birches in Omagh, or to The Mourne Country in Newry, and when I fancy branching out a bit more I go to The Alingham Arms Hotel in Bundoran.”
When most people think of country music and Jive dancing, it’s hard not to associate them with an older generation, assuming that teenagers and young adults are more likely to be queuing up to see dance, rock or pop acts, which is something Lucy hears a lot.
She said: “Every time I tell people about my love for country music, I tend to get the same reply ‘Are you serious? You’re only 17, why are you listening to that?’
“But country music has so much meaning – whether it’s a happy, sad, or funny song.
“And I would much rather go to a country dance than a nightclub. As Johnny Brady’s song goes, ‘living for the Jive’, which sums me up completely.”
And, jiving isn’t a dance just for the girls. Gareth Allen (25) a Farmer also from Co Tyrone, is also a Jive dance student of Evelyn’s, who whole-heartedly shares Lucy’s enthusiasm.
“I’ve really gotten into jiving in the past two years, and the scene is getting bigger and bigger, with more men looking to learn the moves” he said, adding: “My younger brother knew how to jive, and I had friends who could do it too, so it got a little lonely at the edge of the dancefloor when everyone else was in the thick of it having great craic.”
Gareth Allen
Like Lucy, Gareth has some absolute favourite country artists, but he also travels much further afield to see them perform.
“I really like Jonny Brady, Michael English, and Lisa McHugh, and I travel all over the North and South of Ireland to see some of my favourite acts. I used to think country music was for the older ones, but it’s really upbeat now, and the young ones just love it. It gets hold of you and gives you a new lease of life, when the music starts you never want to leave the dance floor.
“Knowing how to Jive has really changed my life when it comes to heading out at the weekend, especially when you’re looking a wife to help milk the cows” he said.
The verdict is in, and it looks as though the country music craze in Northern Ireland won’t be going anywhere anytime soon there are plenty in the industry getting in on the act.
Such is the popularity of country music and jive that chart-topping dance artist Avicci has sampled traditional country sounds on a dance track, and the phenomenally popular Ed Sheeran’s latest release, Divide, has multiple tracks that blend traditional Irish instrumentation into mainstream pop music.
If you like to keep up with the latest trends, try booking in to some Jive classes, it’s safe to say it’s a fad that’s here to stay.
Find Evelyn’s classes online at www.facebook.com/