Folk Dance: Jiffy Mixer
This dance is quintessentially American, perhaps a more modern and simplified version of the Pat-a-Cake Polka. The light-hearted tune traditionally used for the Jiffy Mixer is reminiscent of Big Band music, but I can find no definite dates for the dance or tune. This is a free-spirited dance that includes clapping, hopping, and plenty of opportunity for improvisation.
Preliminaries
The dance requires an even number of dancers—the more, the merrier! In the case of fewer dancers, however, enlarge the circles by increasing the space between dancers; the gentlemen will need plenty of space behind them to chug back.
There is a traditional tune for the Jiffy Mixer, but we cannot locate it anywhere for purchase. We did find, however, in time for our Costume Dance in December, that the Jiffy Mixer can be danced to the popular holiday song “Jingle Bell Rock.” We have also seen a very lively version danced to “Rock Around the Clock.”
Shall We Dance?
The dancers form a double circle (two concentric circles), gentlemen in the inside facing out, and the ladies on the outside facing in.
Couples are joined by a simple hand hold (gentleman’s hands below). The dance begins in a counterclockwise direction.
•Tap heel, toe, heel, toe. (4 beats)
Note: Since the dance begins in a counterclockwise direction, the ladies begin by tapping their right foot, and the gentlemen their left.
•Slide twice, counterclockwise. (4 beats)
Note: To slide, step out with one foot and bring the other up to it. Have fun and swing your joined hands!
•Tap heel, toe, heel, toe. (4 beats)
Note: Since the dance is now going in a clockwise direction, the ladies tap their left foot, and the gentlemen their right.
•Slide twice, clockwise. (4 beats)
•Chug back four times, clapping each time. (Variation: Clap on the last chug.) (4 beats)
Note: To chug back, hop backwards, keeping both feet together. Add style to your chug by twisting your body and waving your arms.
•Walk, angling to your left (or right—choose one and be consistent!), to get a new partner. (8 beats, or with variation below: 4 beats)
•Variation: Clap your knees, clap your hands, and clap your partner’s hands. Join hands. (4 beats)
•The dance begins again.
Here is the traditional dance tune.
Interestingly, most of the YouTube examples of the Jiffy Mixer are foreign. In this short example we can see the fun this Brazilian dance group has improvising at a festival.
Friday, March 18, 2011