The Dance Primer

Swing dancers have a tradition known as a “jam circle.” Jam circles come in different flavors, but follow the same general guidelines: for one song dancers circle up and clap in support of central dancers, and featured dancers rotate in and out of the middle.

Different types of jam circles follow different standards. Here are the some common types:

Spontaneous Jam: An exciting song is playing - or a couple on the floor is dancing exceptionally well - and dancers begin clapping and form a circle on the floor. If the circle was formed around a couple, they may soon move to the sidelines to make way for other dancers to strut their stuff. Confident dancers will take turns showing their tricks. A jam circle like this is about the only place it’s appropriate to do air steps on the social dance floor.

Performance Jam: Similar to a spontaneous jam, except it’s called for ahead of time, and only invited people dance. It is often seen at dance camps or when guest performers come to town. What they do in the center is not choreographed.

Honor Jam: On birthdays, marriages, goodbyes, or any other reason the DJ or organizers see fit, honorees are invited to the middle with a partner. Different partners will enter and graciously take a turn dancing with the honoree.

This type of jam circle is NOT about flashy moves, but about giving as many people as possible a chance to dance with the honoree. An honor jam is NOT about skill, it’s about love. DO show the person you care by dancing with them even if you’re insecure about your skills. DON’T try to turn it into a performance or competitive jam.

Do you have a favorite Jam Circle story? Please leave a comment and share the love.

*Photo by Scott Larson.