Hustle Lessons

Learn to disco dance the Hustle at Arthur Murray Dance Studios in Ottawa. We invite you to take advantage of your first free dancing class. Click Here

Private Disco Classes

During your one-on-one private lessons, you will receive personalized instruction that will help you achieve your goals in dancing. Your instructor will spend the time necessary on technique, styling and general dance improvement. An up-to-date record of everything you have learned will also be kept as part of your instruction.

History

Discotheques (discos), with high quality sounds systems and flashing lights, became a popular form of entertainment in Europe and America in the late 1960′s and throughout the 70′s. In the early 1970′s a new dance craze became popular on the crowded dance floors of New York. This “Touch Disco” was called the Hustle. The Hustle marked a return to popular dances where couples danced touching each other. The popularity of modern and “retro’ music with a “disco” beat keeps the dance fresh, exciting and full of energy for today.

Music

Disco music is normally written in 2/4 or 4/4 time with a strong bass beat. The melody and beat are based on rhythm and blues and the accent on each of the bass beats makes the music hard to resist.

Characteristics

Turns, spins and wraps are primary components of the Hustle. More accomplished dancers will use syncopated timing and fakes along with elaborate arm styling.

Teaching Elements

Basics – Concentrate on turns and position changes
Breaks – Teach fingertip lead and follow, arm control
Footwork – Work on weight changes in rotation
Connections – Prepare for unity of movement and control of  the body
Hustle Motion and Accents – Stress use of beats to steps, body to music
Various Timings – Use straight and syncopated timing to adjust to different music tempos
Compare/Contrast – Swing & Lindy, Cha Cha, Merengue

Songs and Artists Include:

I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
Last Dance – Donna Summer
Believe – Cher