wikiHow to Do the Hand Jive

This is a classic hand pattern that is easy to learn and fun to perform! It is most famously seen in the musical Grease; however its origins date back to the rock and roll and rhythm and blues music of the 1950s, taking off in the Soho, London, coffee bars such as The Cat's Whisker and the 2i's..


This dance lasts for 16 beats (2 sets of 8, or 4 measures) then repeats itself.

Steps

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    Pat your hands on your knees or thighs 2 times.
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    Clap your hands two times.
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    Crisscross your hands right hand above.
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    Crisscross your hands right hand below.
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    Making 2 fists, hit your hands together twice with the right hand on top.
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    Making 2 fists, hit your hands together twice with the left hand on top.
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    Make a thumbs-up sign with your right hand and point backwards over right shoulder twice, as if you were hitchhiking.
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    Make a thumbs-up sign with your left hand and point backwards over left shoulder twice, as if you were hitchhiking.
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    Repeat all steps

Article Info

Categories: Music Techniques