Originated in New York City in the 1970s Disco Era, the Hustle was first popularized by John Travolta in the famous 1977 movie Saturday Night Fever. The music and dance both swept the country — and although the fashion of gold jewelry and white suits has faded, the dance remains popular to this day. It’s one of the biggest nightclub dances today as Techno and House music have borrowed from the Hustle’s tempos. And it’s very popular at weddings and most social parties.
The Hustle is a partnership dance and derives from the Basic Hustle, Latin, Spanish, and Tango Hustle, and the most popular Street, Three-Count or Swing Hustle, which originated in CA as the Street Hustle by skaters in Malibu and Venice. Thanks to Travolta and Saturday Night Fever, the Hustle — and dancing in general — became the hip thing (pun intended) for several people, especially men. For some time, the Hustle fad caused lines out the door at Arthur Murray Dance Centers. There has still never before been a more sudden rise of interest for a dance in the U.S.
The Hustle offers a blend of Swing and Disco. While the partner lifts and tricks of the 70s have been toned down, there’s still plenty of energy and excitement when people Hustle on the dance floor. One of the smoothest and easier dances to learn, many Arthur Murray Dance Center students dance the Hustle at many of the various events and parties held in our studios. Talk to a professionally trained instructor to take a class today!
