By Tara McCormack
Across the country, jiving is transforming not just the dance floor but also people’s lives, bringing together communities, sparking new friendships, and improving health and emotional well-being.
Social dancing has become much more than a leisure activity; it’s a powerful way to foster connections, regardless of age or background.
At the forefront of this movement is James McGrath.
For the past eight years, James has dedicated himself to spreading the joy of jiving, introducing more than 4,500 thousand people to his dance classes.
And they have quickly gained popularity, drawing dancers from all corners of Ireland.
But for James, jiving is more than just learning steps – it’s about changing lives.
Central to the dancing experience is ‘Jivercise’ – a concept James developed that combines traditional jiving and line dancing with empowerment.
“We specialise in ‘Jivercise’, so it’s all about your emotional well-being; about your body, your health.
“It is focused around jiving and line dancing, but it also has the empowerment and confidence coaching element in it as well.”
This unique blend has had a remarkable impact on individuals from all walks of life.
“Some people who have come to our classes have lost two or three stone in weight. Some have improved their mental health. Others have even found love,” James, who is married to Hannah, explained.
“I believe most people come for the buzz, the energy, the craic, the humour, and that they can meet new people, but also, they can improve their relationships,” James said.
James’ passion for jiving goes hand-in-hand with his dedication to giving back to the community.
He recently organised the ‘Dance for Lucy’ event in memory of his late mother, Lucia, which was a massive success.
It raised over £120,000, setting an Irish record for a 14-hour dance-a-thon, with 250 dancers from across Ireland, London, and even America.
The funds are being used to build schools and provide clean water to communities in Africa, with a well-named ‘Lucia’s Fountain’ planned in her memory.
For James, who recently became a dad to daughter, Sadie Rose, the impact of jiving is clear: It’s about connection, community, and celebrating life through movement.
You can follow James and his team on social media at ‘JivinGym’.
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