The Hustle gives us the fusion of Swing and Disco. Featured in movies like ‘Saturday Night Fever’ and ‘Thank God It’s Friday’, in the 1970s, disco became all the rage. Shortly after, a new form developed called “Touch Disco”, the partnered Hustle we know today. This high-energy dance features lots of spins, turns, and wraps and is not only danced to hits from the Bee Gees but today’s artists like Bruno Mars and Maroon 5
History:
Discotheques (Discos) with high quality sound systems and flashing lights became a popular form of entertainment in Europe and America in the late 1960’s and throughout the 1970’s. In the early 1970’s, a new dance craze became popular on the crowded dance floors of New York. This “Touch Disco” was called the Hustle. The Hustle marked a return to popular dances where couples danced touching each other. The popularity of modern and “retro” music with “disco” beat keeps this dance fresh, exciting and full of energy today.
Music:
Disco music is normally written in 2/4 or 4/4 time with a strong bass beat. The melody and beat are based on rhythm and blues and the accent on each of the bass beats makes the music hard to resist.
Characteristics:
Turns, spins and wraps are primary components of the Hustle. The more accomplished dancers will use syncopated timing and fakes along with elaborate arm styling.