hand jive etymology

Etymology:

"Hand jive" is a slang term that originated in the African-American community in the United States in the mid-20th century. It is believed to have developed from the term "jive," which referred to a lively swing dance popular in the 1940s and 1950s.

Meaning:

Hand jive refers to a set of hand gestures and movements that are performed in rhythm to music, often while dancing. It involves stylized clapping, snapping, and finger rolls, and can range from simple to elaborate patterns.

Origin:

The exact origin of hand jive is uncertain, but it is thought to have emerged from the improvisational dance styles of African-American dance halls and nightclubs. It was particularly popular among young people in the 1950s and 1960s, and was often performed in conjunction with swing dance, rock and roll, and soul music.

Hand jive was also influenced by military choreographed drills and marching bands, as well as the rhythmic hand movements used in traditional African and Caribbean dance forms.

In the 1950s, the term "hand jive" became associated with a specific dance created by choreographer Nick Castle for the 1957 musical film "The Pajama Game." The dance involved a series of intricate hand gestures performed by the characters while singing the song "Steam Heat." This performance helped to popularize hand jive among mainstream audiences.

Today, hand jive is still performed as part of various dance styles, including swing, jazz, and hip-hop. It continues to be a symbol of the vibrant and expressive dance culture of the African-American community.

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