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Hustle
The Hustle gives us the fusion of Swing and Disco.
History:
Discotheques (Disco) 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 70'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 couple danced touching each other. The popularity of modern
and "retro" music with "disco" beat keeps this dance fresh,
exciting and full of energy for 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.
Teaching Elements:
Hustle Basics--Concentrate on turns and position changes
Open Breaks--Teach fingertip lead & follow, arm control
Footwork--Work on weight changes in rotation
Connections--Prepare for unity of movement & control of body
Hustle Motion & Accents--Stress use of beats to steps, body to music
Various Timings--Use straight & syncopated timing to adjust
to different music tempos
