Hustle Dance Lessons in Our Warren Studio
The Perfect Way to Get Your Heart Pumping on the Dance Floor
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.
Group or Private Hustle Dance Lessons
The couple dance form called Hustle, also known as the Latin Hustle or New York Hustle, has some resemblance to Mambo and Salsa and shares steps with both. As in Latin dances, couples move more across the dance floor, rather than following a line of dance as in the Foxtrot. Hustle is a high-energy dance with smooth, fluid movements and quick, spinning turns, and can be enjoyed with a wide range of popular music, from classic disco hits to modern pop tunes.
The rhythm is somewhat unusual because of the syncopation. Latin Hustle is generally danced to 4/4 music but counted as a six-beat pattern. However, the syncopation in the three-count Hustle can also be danced. Hustle features a unique blend of Latin-inspired footwork with a touch of swing. The lead takes the back-forward steps from his left foot; however, it is not exactly a rock step.
At the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Warren, New Jersey, our private lessons and group sessions for Hustle classes focus on teaching the foundational steps, timing, and styling. Whether you’re a beginner looking to groove to the beat or an experienced dancer wanting to refine your technique, our experienced instructors will help you capture the spirit and excitement of Hustle. Come join us, and we’ll teach you how to let the music guide and inspire you on the dance floor.
First Thought of as a Line Dance
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.
Cross-Body Lead
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 sprang 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.
Beginner Hustle Dance Classes
Hustle lessons for beginners start with the basic steps that form the foundation of the dance. Instructors then introduce the inside turn and outside turn. The inside turn leads the follower to turn left under the leader’s arm. The outside turn sends the follower to the right. These turns are necessary for connection and rotation.
Next, dancers learn crossover breaks, where partners step across their bodies, break away, then return to face each other. This adds directional variety. The wrap follows, where the follower turns and wraps into the leader’s arm, then exits with or without a turn. These steps build timing, rhythm, and lead-follow coordination, all key skills in any social dance setting.
Advanced Hustle Dance Classes
Advanced lessons focus on more complex patterns. Dancers learn syncopated turns, which add extra steps or rhythmic variation. Instructors also teach leader turns, which give both partners rotation options.
Dancers then explore Sliding Doors, where partners break open and slide past each other in a side-to-side pattern. This often leads to a shadow position or sweetheart hold, where the follower moves beside the leader, opening up opportunities for intricate arm styling.
Instructors teach wrap variations, including pretzel wraps and double hand-hold patterns. These require precise coordination and strong spatial awareness. Dancers also learn rotational patterns, which create circular movement on the floor.
For visual impact, dancers perform tunnels and hand tosses, where arms move over and around each other in flowing combinations. Lessons conclude with drops and dips, which use weight shifts and timing to create dramatic finishes.
Saturday Night Fever
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 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 Dance Classes in a Fun and Supportive Environment
So what are you waiting for? Give us a call at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Warren studio. And ask about our Introductory Offer for new Students… our talented and friendly dance instructors can help you realize your ballroom dancing goals! Our experienced staff will teach you the basic steps and techniques of hustle, as well as how to incorporate your own style and creativity into your dancing.
Hustle dance lessons are available now. You’ll be on your way to confident dancing by the end of your very first dance!
Ballroom Dance Styles We Teach
Dancing is a great way to express your emotions. Hop on the dance floor and try a ballroom or Latin dance class with us. Get creative and have fun! To learn more about each type of dance and view a demonstration video, simply click on the dance style to learn more. Then give us a call at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, and be sure to ask about our money-saving introductory offer for new students. Together, we’ll get you started on your personal dance journey and make sure you leave each dance lesson feeling happy and more confident with your dancing skills!
Classes are available for students of all skill levels – from beginners to advanced and all ages. Adults and children are welcome! Fred Astaire ballroom dance lessons are fun, exciting, and a great way to express yourself.
Our exceptional staff is ready to take your dancing journey to the next level. Sign up for an intro class!