Modern Jive :: Modern Jive— Double Trouble

Double trouble is one leader dancing with two followers, and hence requires greater precision and discipline than dancing with a single partner as the leader has less scope to recover from inadvertent situations, e.g. if a catch is missed, then catching with the “other” hand probably won't work — as that hand is probably already used for the other follower. Followers must be able to dance “around” the man — there is less option for the leader to lead moves in a slotted style — particularly if the leader has to move left to avoid one follower while also moving right to avoid the second follower, e.g. in a doubles-catapult.

Followers should avoid travelling excessively in double trouble moves, e.g. when spinning, since the leader cannot easily adjust their position and facing — especially if followers start to move apart in opposite directions. Obviously, for most “normal” moves both followers should be within an arms reach of the leader. Hence, followers should ideally remain at about an arm's length from each other when in front of the leader — this means that the leader won't have to stretch too far, and there will be enough room for each follower to turn with colliding with each other.

Leading one follower to come in to a static position and then leading the other partner to dance a more dynamic move, e.g. leading one follower into a comb or sway and then leading the other follower to dance a walkaround.
Leading the same move at the same time with both followers, e.g. both dance push spins.
Leading the same move at different times with both followers, e.g. both dance a comb over the leader's head (and step back) so that as the first follower steps back as the second follower dances the combing motion over the leader's head.
Leading mirrored moves with both followers, e.g. both dance a (mirrored) catapult.
Leading completely different moves with both followers, e.g. the follower on the left can dance a “Classic” False Pretzel with a lady spin ending whilst the follower on the right dances a “Classic” Yo-yo — since the timings are consistent.
1. step-back — step-back.
2. step-under by man's left side — step-into man's right side.
3. continue step-under to face man's back — lady swivels out clockwise.
4. step forwards up to man's left side — lady swivels in anticlockwise.
5. travelling spin clockwise — lady turns under arm clockwise.
6. catch + return — return.
7. step backwards — step backwards.
Moves can also involve followers taking handhold(s) between themselves, as well as with the leader — this may require the leader to make a verbal request.

Obviously, followers can get extra benefit from swapping “sides” and dancing the “other part”.