As the city unwinds after long workdays, Mumbai’s dance floors are coming alive again, pulsing with old-school jive and new-age joy. Held on weeknights, twice or thrice a month at different venues, these gatherings are less about polished performances and more about community, meeting new people, letting one’s hair down and dancing simply for the love of it.
For the love of dancePetra Fernandes, one of the organisers and a dance teacher says, “These socials are for those who love to dance. They offer a wholesome, breezy atmosphere that’s also beginner-friendly, often with free introductory workshops.” Jive instructor Philip Mendonsa explains that the idea was to move jive beyond its “Catholic wedding vibe”. “We wanted to revive it for a wider audience, alongside salsa and bachata.” Choreographer Valentino Victoria describes the evenings as a playful blend of styles. “It’s jive with a dash of Kizomba and Bachata and these socials capture what I call a true révolution du dance floor.” More than a dance, it’s a community For many participants, the appeal goes far beyond learning steps. Vama Jain, a marketing manager from Juhu, calls jive her “go-to after a hectic work day,” adding, “It’s my way to let loose and have a good time. The jive community as a whole is very wholesome and kind.” She describes her takeaway from the social as “energetic, beginner-friendly and warm.” Echoing this sentiment, Fiona Puthur, a senior brand manager from Mira Road, believes “life needs whimsy.” For her, jive is “a fun break from everyday corporate sludge,” and a rare space where community flourishes even as adulthood takes over. “After a few jive socials, the people really start to become the best part and the reason I keep coming back,” she says. A safe, welcoming space for all Participants also highlight how inclusive and welcoming these socials feel. Nerissa Fernandes from Andheri says what stands out most are the themes and the warmth of the hosts. “My core takeaway from all of the jive socials is that it’s a safe space for women to socialise,” she shares. For Anjana Ayyar, who works as an administrative professional at a clinic, curiosity about jive turned into commitment. “This community, the music and the fact that we are all so different but our love for jive brings us together is what makes me come back to this,” she says. Dancing away the Monday blues That sense of belonging is what keeps professionals returning, even on packed weeknights. Devang Bidaye, a dentist from Bandra East, loves the “pure infectious energy, music and a close-knit warm-hearted community.” For him, timing doesn’t matter. “It doesn’t matter how the Monday goes, there’s always a jive social to make it end perfectly joyful and full of energy to kickstart the week.” Across generations, one beat The socials cut across age groups, too. Kael Mascarenhas, a college student from Goregaon West, says watching his father dance inspired him to attend. “My core takeaway from here is that friendships and connections can be made anywhere and everywhere,” he says. For Faye Rodrigues from Bandra, jiving is her monthly stressbuster. “It feels like I am out of my reality and come to just dance my heart out,” she says, praising the innovative themes, spot prizes and the chance to network while brushing up on her moves.
Themes, sneakers and shared joy The themed nights have also built a loyal following. Samuel Ranganathan, a senior analyst from Santacruz East, says the organisers’ attention to detail keeps him hooked. “It’s been more than a year and not a single theme has been repeated,” he says, adding that as a sneaker enthusiast, some themes are simply unmissable. “Dancing unites people, brings us joy and happiness, and lets us forget all our problems.” Finance executive Ejnath Salian agrees. “Dance always brings people together,” he says. “For those few hours, we forget everything else going on in life.”
