Hustle Dance Studio San Diego, CA
In the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, discotheques (or discos), with high quality sound systems and flashing lights became a popular form of entertainment in Europe and the U.S. Early ‘70s dancing in discos was mostly freestyle dancing (similar to the “rock” style exhibited by pop stars of the day like The Jackson 5) along with the prerequisite dress code of bellbottom pants and elevator shoes.
In 1973, at a disco called The Grand Ballroom, a new type of “touch dance” without a name was being exhibited by females. This simple 6-count step with a very basic form, including inside and outside single turns, would give birth to what would later be called “Hustle.” The young men of the club took notice, and became interested in this new dance.
As it began to gain popularity and more people began to participate, the Hustle started to evolve. In the Latin discotheques of that day, including The Corso, Barney Goo Goo’s, and The Ipanema, disco music was used as a bridge between live band sets. In these clubs, touch dancing had always been present in the form of mambo, salsa, cha cha and bolero. Although considered very much a touch dance, the Hustle was now performed mostly side-by-side and incorporated a lot of the intricate turn patterns of the mambo. The dance also included multiple turns and hand changes with a rope-y feel to the arm movements; hence, the dance was now referred to as the “Rope Hustle” or “Latin Hustle.”
As dance contests sprung up across the U.S. and the phenomenon spread, many Hustle dancers were also involved in the professional performing arts community and contributed long balletic arms and elasticity to the movement. Around this time, the dance also began to move from a slotted pattern into a rotational one. As dance contests increased, young competitors were seeking an edge and so acrobatic and adagio movements were introduced into the dance for performances and competitions. In 1975, this new field of entertainment inspired nightclubs, hotels and television programs to hire young and innovative professionals to perform. With these new opportunities opening up, the young dancers sought out innovative ways to excite the club audiences.
Throughout the late 1970s, even though Hustle was still taught in many different forms (4-count Hustle, the Latin or Rope Hustle) by dance studios, the most exciting form was done by NYC club dancers and competitors who performed the 3-count count Hustle (&-1-2-3.). The NYC Hustle dancers from the ‘70s paved the way for the rest of the Hustle community across the U.S. As it continued to evolve, Hustle began to borrow from other dance styles including smooth ballroom, from which it took traveling movements and pivots and other partner dance forms such as swing and the Latin rhythm dances.
Hustle is danced to the contemporary pop dance music of the last 20 years. It is a fast, smooth dance, with the lady spinning almost constantly, while her partner draws her close and sends her away. Free rhythmic interpretation is characteristic of this dance. So what are you waiting for? Give us a call at Fred Astaire Dance Studios. And ask about our Introductory Offer for new Students… our talented and friendly dance instructors can help you realize your ballroom dancing goals!
Hustle Dance Lessons in San Diego, CA
The Hustle emerged in the late 1960s and flourished during the 1970s as discotheques became the epicenter of entertainment in the U.S. and Europe. These vibrant venues pulsed with energy, their top-notch sound systems and radiant lights radiating the stylish moves of dance idols like The Jackson 5. The flashy dance floors of the 1970s were the perfect storm for dance pioneers to let loose, harmonizing seamlessly with the fashion trends of the time.
In 1973, a pivotal moment occurred at a nightclub called The Grand Ballroom. Female dancers introduced a unique, unnamed “touch dance” that would later be known as the Hustle. With a straightforward six-count step and basic inside and outside turns, this dance quickly caught the attention of male club-goers, sparking its growth in popularity.
As it gained traction, the Hustle evolved. In Latin discotheques like The Corso, Barney Goo Goo’s, and The Ipanema, the Hustle was influenced by traditional Latin dances such as mambo, salsa, cha-cha, and bolero. As dancers took to the floor, they introduced a dynamic new style: the Latin Hustle or Rope Hustle, marked by bold turn patterns, multiple revolutions, and seamless arm movements that seemed to flow like a perfectly choreographed dance.
The Hustle’s rise to fame in the 1970s was turbocharged by dance competitions that sparked a creative explosion. Professional dancers brought balletic elegance and elasticity to the style, transforming it into a more dynamic and rotational dance. Nightclubs pulsed, TVs glowed, and live event audiences roared as the Hustle blended acrobatics with mesmerizing adagio elements, a born-to-thrill sensation.
By the late 1970s, while variations of the Hustle dance (like the four-count and Latin Hustle) were being taught in studios, the three-count NYC Hustle gained prominence. The next evolution in dance arrived in New York clubs, birthed by boundary-pushing performers who injected slick velocity into their routines, snagging inspiration from timeless swing and ballroom styles. NYC Hustle brewed a frenzy on the dance scene, spinning a web of sultry spins, edgy synchronizations, and tantalizing movements that soon became the gold standard.
Today, the Hustle dance remains a fast and fluid style performed to contemporary pop and dance music. Spin fluidly, trade partners effortlessly, and make rhythm the star of the show. Imagine yourself lost in the thrill of movement, surrounded by people from all walks of life – that’s what our dance experience is all about.
Ready to dive into the energy and style of the Hustle? At our Hustle dance studio in San Diego, CA, we offer personalized Hustle dance lessons led by experienced Hustle dance instructors. Imagine flashing lights, disco balls, and a dance floor that can’t get enough of your smooth moves – our Hustle dance training will take you there, whether you’re a dance newbie or a seasoned pro looking to level up. Contact us today and ask about our Introductory Offer for new students. Let us help you achieve your dancing goals in a fun, supportive environment with professional Hustle dance instruction!