Step slowly to the left with the left foot. Each step should be performed in two beats, with a slight bounce.
Step in place with the right foot. Do not step to the side. Perform this step in two beats.
Step backward quickly with the left foot, placing the left foot behind the heel of the right foot. Perform this step in two beats.
Step in place quickly with the right foot. Do not step forward. Perform this step in one beat. Repeat the steps in time with the music.
Branch out with wild steps of your own invention. Dip and twirl your partner. Even in its heyday, the dance incorporated many improvisational elements, so don't hesitate to put your personality into it.
Step slowly to the right with the right foot. A slight bounce should be performed with each step. Perform this step in two beats.
Step in place with the left foot. Do not step to the side. Perform this step in two beats.
Step backwards quickly with the right foot, placing the right foot behind the heel of the left foot. Perform this step in one beat.
Step in place quickly with the left foot. Do not step forward. Perform this step in one beat. Repeat the steps one by one slowly until you've mastered each one before you put them together. Once you've integrated the hands and feet in sequence, step up the tempo until you're jitterbugging in time with the music.
Invent extra steps, adding twisting motions, hops and shimmies. Make funny faces at your partner. The jitterbug was infamous in its day as an example of youthful decadence, so get wild!