Hustle

History

The Dance of the Disco Era

Hustle was born in the early 1970s in New York clubs, where dancers fused elements of Latin dances, swing, and freestyle movement to match the sound of disco music. It exploded in popularity with the film Saturday Night Fever and became a defining dance of the decade.

Evolution Into a Ballroom Dance

Ballroom studios later formalized Hustle into a partner dance with smoother footwork and structured patterns. Modern Hustle is danced to:

• Disco classics
• Retro hits
• Fast pop music
• Dance remixes

It remains one of the most energetic and fun club-style partner dances.

Musical Information

• Time Signature: 4/4
• Tempo: 28-32 mpm (often faster socially)
• Basic Timing: 3-count or syncopated - &1-2-3
• Musical Feel: Fast, upbeat, driving rhythm; strong beat focus

Dance Characteristics

Key Characteristics

Hustle features:

• Fast turns and spins
• Smooth arm styling
• Compact footwork
• A relaxed, cool upper body
• Strong lead-follow dynamics

It feels energetic but polished - like dancing inside a music video.

Why Hustle Works for Weddings

• Fits upbeat, celebratory wedding songs
• Great for couples with fun personalities
• Creates exciting choreography with simple patterns
• Works beautifully in small spaces
• A huge crowd-pleaser

Even beginner dancers can look spectacular with a few Hustle basics.