Hustle

The Hustle is a catchall name for several disco dances which were extremely popular in the 1970s. Today it mostly refers to the unique partner dance done in ballrooms and nightclubs to disco music. It has some features in common with Swing dance. Its basic steps are somewhat similar to the Discofox, which emerged at about the same time and is more familiar in various European countries. In the 1970s, there was also a line dance called the Hustle, which is regaining popularity as people throw 1970s theme parties or schools have 1970s dance performances.[citation needed] Modern partner Hustle is sometimes referred to as New York Hustle.

History

Based on older dances such as the mambo, the Hustle originated in Hispanic communities in New York City and Florida in the 1970s.[citation needed] This was originally a line dance with a Salsa-like foot rhythm, that after some fusion with Swing and eventual shortening of the count to “&1 2 3”, became the present “New York” Hustle.
The original Hustle in the early 1970s was counted “1 2 – &a3 4 – 5 &a6” and went by many names, including Latin Hustle, New York Hustle, Same Foot Hustle and Tango Hustle.

Music Examples:

1. Dancing Queen by ABBA
2. Stayin’ Alive by Bee Gees
3. Hot Stuff by Donna Summer