The Hustle

Dance Summary Type: American Disco Character: Quick circular motion Music: 70's disco, techno (4/4) In Short: Made popular in the disco era, Hustle is back. Great for exercise, it is not a dance for beginners
Beginner's Rating Simple: Instructional: Creative: Slow-Paced: Practical: Overall Score:
Notes on Frame Hustle employs an open double handed connection between partners. The frame will oscillate between vertically and horizontally ovular shaping on the syncopated back rock and the forward rock respectively. Be sure to provide your partner with enough resistance for proper communication, especially considering the high speed of this dance. Do not allow elbows to go behind the torso or become locked at any time during the dance.
Notes on Footwork All steps are taken on the balls of the feet, no more than shoulder width to the side and no further than heel to toe forwards and backwards. The syncopated back rock should be very brief and should spring dancers quickly into the next step.
Notes on Movement Try to contain the dance to a small portion of the dance floor, only traveling when the area becomes too crowded or when additional space is required for certain patterns. Beginners will do best to stay put until they begin to learn more advanced patterns.

Practice Points

Break the basic down into pattern and timing. Practice the pattern first, without worrying about the timing. Then count the timing out loud and simply change weight in place. When both components have become more familiar, attempt to put them together to form the Hustle basic. Once the basic has become more natural and resistance through the arms has become more uniform, attempt to turn the basic in a clockwise fashion on the second and third step of each basic to arrive at the final turning basic which is standard to the dance.

Recommendations

The Hustle is a highly energetic dance which came about in the not so distant age of the Hippy. Though the dance is somewhat dated, it's still a thrill to watch and great exercise for those who want to dance for fitness. Beginners would probably do best beginning with a four-count hustle rather than the typical three-count syncopated Hustle until they are more used to fast-paced dancing and the patterns involved. Other dances, however, might prove a better investment of time and money until a basic repertoire is established.

This dance would be well suited for any of the following occasions:

Anniversary Evenings Ballroom Dances Class Reunions Corporate Events Cruises Dance Clubs

Fitness Centers College Formals In-home Parties Marriage Programs Marriage Retreats Outdoor Dances

Regional Vacations Social Dances School Proms School Talent Shows Wedding Receptions Youth Events