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Latin American dances3 minutes

Jive Windmill: step-by-step guide for couples

By Mary De LucaUpdated

In a nutshell
  • The Jive windmill is a circular turning figure for advanced couples in Jive.
  • The movement effect is created by continuous walking steps around each other.
  • The arms are extended during the turn and moved like windmill blades.
  • A precise Jive hand change on the correct counts ensures stability.

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The windmill adds spectacular dynamics to your Jive, without you needing extremely fast kicks to pull it off. With the right angular momentum and clean footwork, you will master this elegant partner figure in no time.

What you need for the windmill

  • Secure Jive basic step in 6-count rhythm
  • Good basic tension in the upper body and arms
  • Ability to orient yourself while dancing without looking
  • Flat dance shoes for fast turns

Swing and precision on the dance floor

Jive is one of the most dynamic Latin dances in the world dance program. Once you have mastered the basics, it is time for new challenges. A guide to the Jive windmill shows you how to master one of the most elegant turning figures through skillful weight shifting and precise leading. This figure thrives on optical illusion: while the bodies move around each other, the arms circle like the blades of a windmill. It involves a typical body tension in dancing, which prevents the connection between leader and follower from breaking.

In contrast to pure kick combinations, the focus here is entirely on the upper body and the fluid hand change. The steps of the Jive windmill are based on continuous walking in a circle while the arms describe a circular motion. Good spatial orientation is crucial for this figure. Leader and follower must be aware of where the common axis lies at all times in order not to lose their balance. Anyone who masters these Jive figures for advanced dancers will immediately bring more dynamics and visual variety to every social dance round.

Step by step to the perfect windmill

  1. Dancing a back rock step

    Dance a standard back rock step on counts 1 and 2 to build the necessary basic tension and distance for the figure.

  2. Positioning the arms

    The leader guides the follower's right hand upward with their left hand, while the free arms point downward, stretched out, to prepare for the windmill look.

  3. Hand change behind the back

    Start the circular movement around each other. On count 3, perform the precise Jive hand change behind the leader's back, while the steps continue to flow.

  4. Continue circular motion

    Continue the rotation on counts 4 and 5, with the arms extended like large windmill blades as they pass each other.

  5. Unwinding and catching

    Finish the turn on count 6, release the crossed hold, and return harmoniously to the closed or open basic position of the Jive.

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The most important do's and don'ts for the windmill

Like this

  • Keep your arms fully extended and stable throughout
  • Continuously walk around each other
  • Initiate the hand change fluidly on count 3

Not like this

  • Bend your elbows and pull your arms in
  • Stay in place or stop moving
  • Grab or jerk your partner's hand frantically

The Jive windmill check in three phases

Before you start

Preparation

When starting to dance

During

After the figure

Afterwards

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. The windmill in Jive is counted in the classic six-count rhythm. The movement starts with the rock step on 1, 2, followed by the circling walking steps on the counts 3, 4, 5, and 6.

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