Are you thinking about learning to dance — but Salsa, Tango, Discofox, West Coast Swing and Swing/Lindy all sound exciting and confusing at the same time? Here is a comparison from a beginner’s perspective. We teach Modern Jive; we describe the other styles fairly so that you make the right choice.
Modern Jive at Jive.Berlin
Modern Jive is a mix of many styles for us: roots in jive and swing, plus figures and techniques from salsa, tango, West Coast swing, bachata, Lindy and more — as described on Was ist Modern Jive?. Focus on pop, disco and soul — from quiet, lyrical songs to funky-expressive tracks. Modern Jive adapts to the tempo, slowly or quickly. Sometimes we also dance surprises such as metal or dubstep. Connection and Impro deepen over time. Partner rotation, all levels combined and an open dance culture are firmly built in.
Comparison of dance styles
| dance style | Getting started without a partner? | Music feeling | learning curve | Social dance factor | Particularly suitable for... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Jive | Yes, rotating | Pop, disco, soul — lyrical to funky, all tempos | Gentle; mix of many styles | Very high — open culture | Social dancing to diverse music |
| Salsa/Bachata | Depends on dance school and etiquette | Latin, salsa, bachata | Rhythm & hip need practice | Hooray for Latin Nights | Who wants true Latin style |
| West Coast Swing | Depends on dance school and etiquette | Blues, R&B, Pop (WCS Tempo) | Slot & Anchor need practice | Your own WCS scene | If you're looking for pure slot style |
| Discofox | Depends on dance school and etiquette | Disco, Party Fox | Clear steps | Medium (course + party) | Fans of German party music |
| Tango | Depends on dance school and etiquette | Tango music | Steeper, very technical | High on Milongas | Anyone looking for Embrace & Milonga culture |
| Swing/Lindy Hop | Depends on dance school and etiquette | Swing, Big Band | Energetic, footwork-heavy | Very high | |
| retro swing fans with stamina |
Modern Jive is what we offer at Jive.Berlin — as a mix of many styles. The other lines describe typical entryways; every scene in Berlin has its own highlights.
Why many beginners end up with Modern Jive
- No partner needed — you can come alone
- No previous knowledge — join anytime
- Pop, Disco, Soul — lyrical to funky, all tempos; occasional surprises
- Regular dates — Tuesday & Thursday in Neukölln
- Low threshold test — 5 € Probebesuch
Try Modern Jive for €5
**Without a partner. No previous knowledge. Tuesday & Thursday in Berlin. **
Try-class registration
After you confirm by email, you will receive a digital pass with a QR code — pay 5 € at your first check-in.
More about individual styles
Are you looking for an alternative to a particular style? These pages explain what Modern Jive offers:
- Social Dancing Berlin
- Tanzen ohne Partner Berlin
- Discofox Alternative
- West Coast Swing Alternative
- Salsa & Bachata Alternative
- Tango Alternative
Also: Was ist Modern Jive? · Tanzkurse · Kalender
Common Questions
Does Jive.Berlin teach all of these styles?
We teach Modern Jive. Salsa, tango or WCS elements may occur; there are specialized schools in Berlin for pure style lessons. Read more on Was ist Modern Jive?.
I don’t even have a dance partner — what do you recommend?
Modern Jive is built explicitly for exchange partners. Hier geht’s zum Probebesuch.
How do I find out if I like it?
Come to the €5 rehearsal visit on a Tuesday or Thursday — then you’ll know if the atmosphere is right.
Where in Berlin?
Neukölln, near S/U Hermannstrae — Dienstag & Donnerstag.