Hustle

Partnered Hustle, also known simply as Hustle, is a lively and energetic partner dance that gained popularity in the United States during the disco era of the 1970s. It is characterized by its dynamic movements, spins, and the use of syncopated footwork. The dance is often performed to disco, funk, and pop music, and its social and lively nature makes it a favorite in dance clubs and social dance scenes.

The roots of the Hustle can be traced back to the Latin and Swing dance scenes, particularly the Mambo and the West Coast Swing. It evolved as dancers sought to incorporate the vibrant and fast-paced disco music into their repertoire. The Hustle's rise to popularity coincided with the disco music craze, and the dance quickly became associated with the energetic and glamorous nightlife of the discotheques.

Hustle is characterized by a distinctive slot-like structure, where partners move along an imaginary line on the dance floor. The dance features a mix of open and closed dance positions, allowing for a variety of turns, spins, and intricate footwork. The lead and follow dynamics in Hustle involve a strong connection between partners, with the lead providing cues for turns and changes in direction.

Over time, the Hustle has seen variations and adaptations, including the New York Hustle and the Latin Hustle, each with its own unique styling and footwork. Despite its disco-era origins, Hustle has endured as a social dance, finding its place in contemporary dance scenes and being embraced by dancers of various ages.

The versatility of Partnered Hustle has contributed to its continued popularity in social dance communities, and it is often taught in dance studios and at social dance events. The dance's fun and lively nature, combined with its adaptability to a wide range of music genres, make it a dynamic and enjoyable partner dance that continues to captivate dancers around the world.