Modern Jive is an easy style of partner dancing, with one partner leading, and the other following. It has been influenced by almost every other style of dance but without the complicated footwork. There is no set choreography, just lots of moves with infinite possibilities. We always say there’s no such thing as a wrong move – it’s just a new move!

We start off the evening with a Step-Up class at 7.30pm for our more experienced dancers. This is followed by a Newcomers’ class at 8.15pm where you’ll join our experienced dancers in learning the basic techniques and moves of Modern Jive. After class the lights go down and we have freestyle, where you’ll ask and be asked to dance by dancers of all levels, and get to enjoy moving to the music and practising what you’ve learned.

Modern Jive is a social dance and it’s all about having fun, so it’s perfect for beginners. If you can walk, you can dance Modern Jive. If you are enjoying yourself, that’s what matters. If you want to improve or do competitions then there are opportunities for that but most of our dancers come simply for the friendships and the joy of moving to music.

No, everyone is welcome at Dance Hub – singles, couples, groups, friends. During classes you will rotate so that you dance with everyone – teachers, crew, experienced dancers and other newcomers. During freestyle, you’ll dance with anybody and everybody.

Freestyle is unchoreographed social dancing. Modern Jive moves are designed to mix and match, and in freestyle the lead will choose and lead a move, and the follow will follow whatever the lead leads! You never know what’s coming next – and that adds to the fun. Modern Jive moves are very flexible and can be adapted to suit any music. There aren’t really any rules, and there is no such thing as a wrong move – just a new move.

No, you can start whenever it suits you. We run classes from February through to December, and you can start any week. There is no schedule to stick to, and over time you will learn and refresh a series of beginner moves to build your repertoire.

No, but you’ll probably want to! The more you come, the more you’ll learn, and the more fun you’ll have. However if life gets in the way it’s fine to come when you can. Our classes are designed so that each week is a standalone mini-routine, and no prior knowledge is required.

No, you can just turn up on the night. We recommend you arrive at least 15 minutes before the class on your first night to get your ticket and get your bearings.

No, you have to come and join in the fun! We don’t allow spectators as it can make other dancers a bit nervous to be watched. But if you’re coming for the newcomers’ class you are welcome to watch the Step Up class while waiting for your class to start.

One of the highlights of Modern Jive is that it can be danced to almost any music. We play a broad selection, from old school to the latest releases, with some hidden gems you may never have heard before. And requests are always welcome.

No, you can dance in whatever you feel comfortable. Once you’ve got into it, you may want to get shoes that allow you to spin – suede or leather soles are ideal. It’s a close contact sport and you will warm up quickly so layers are a good idea, as are deodorant and fresh breath!

18 to 80, and beyond! You’re never too old for Modern Jive. If you can walk, you can dance.

Dance Hub is primarily an adult social scene, but we do allow 14-17 year olds to attend when they are accompanied by a parent/caregiver who is also dancing.

You’ll want to understand the techiques of lead and follow, and be able to do a simple spin. Most new dancers will want a good few months of lessons under their belt, but everyone is different, so just have a chat with one of our friendly teachers or crew to figure out where you’re at.

Just $15 per night, which covers the whole evening. And we offer five-trip tickets for $50 for the Newcomers’ classes (including freestyle afterwards), and ten-trip tickets for $130 when you are ready to include the Step Up class. We take EFTPOS (debit cards only, no credit cards), as well as good old-fashioned cash.

Our classes are held at Petone Central School Hall, in Britannia Street, Petone, Lower Hutt, every Friday night. The Step-Up class starts at 7.30pm followed by the Newcomers’ class at 8.15pm. Come down to the end of the driveway and turn right – the hall is located behind the main school building.