West Coast Swing thrives on slot dancing, elastic leadership and its own scene — often to blues, R&B and pop. If that’s exactly what you’re looking for, a WCS course is the way to go. Here in Neukölln, we teach ** Modern Jive **: also guided couple dance with impro and connection, but as a mixture of many styles, with a change of partner and without a permanent couple. On Was ist Modern Jive?, we explain what it looks like for us.
We also have connection and improv
It’s not just a WCS issue. With us, you dance with changing partners; in the higher levels, Frame, Connection and Impro are added — until the floor feels almost like a small choreography.
Figures from many styles
Modern Jive at Jive.Berlin is deliberately a fusion: roots in jive and swing, plus elements from West Coast swing, salsa, tango and more. If you like the WCS feeling, you’ll find something related — embedded in our Berlin Modern Jive style.
Pop, disco, soul — all tempos
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. For extra quiet evenings: SmoothurSday on Thursdays (Intermediate).
Come alone — dance with everyone
For us, changing partners is part of it. You don’t need to bring anyone along and can get on in Neukölln on Tuesdays or Thursdays.
Try it out first
The first evening costs 5 €, near S/U Hermannstraße — Dienstag · Donnerstag.
In comparison
Both are pairs dancing to music — but not the same thing.
| West Coast Swing | Modern Jive at Jive.Berlin | |
|---|---|---|
| Core | Custom slot style (Anchor, Stretch, Compression) | Fusion of many styles, including WCS elements |
| Music | Blues, R&B, pop at WCS tempo | Pop, disco, soul — lyrical to funky, all tempos |
| Connection & Impro | Central from the start | Also important — delves into the levels |
| Getting started without a partner | Often depends on the scene | Yes — partner rotation, all levels combined |
| What we teach | — | Modern Jive |
For the pure WCS slot and the WCS community: WCS course. For a similar social feeling, but without a partner and with our Berlin style: try out Modern Jive.
Try out 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 info
Common Questions
Do you teach West Coast swing?
We’re about Modern Jive. How WCS elements occur is set to Was ist Modern Jive?.
Does Modern Jive also have Connection?
Yes The difference is more the style: WCS as your own slot dance vs. Modern Jive as a fusion with an easier start.
Why is the page called “Alternative”?
Many are looking for “West Coast Swing Berlin.” We want to clearly state what we offer: Modern Jive as our own Berlin style.
Is there also slow dancing?
Yes — including SmoothurSday on Thursdays for the quieter spectrum.
Can I join as a beginner?
Yes, anytime — Probebesuch für 5 €.