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Hustle
The Hustle gives us the fusion of Swing and Disco.
History:
Discotheques
(Disco) with high quality sound 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 couple danced
touching each other. The popularity of modern and "retro" music with "disco"
beat keeps Hustle dance steps 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 Hustle dance steps. The more accomplished
dancers will use syncopated timing and fakes along with elaborate arm
styling.
Teaching
Elements:
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Hustle Basics--Concentrate
on turns and position changes
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Open Breaks--Teach
fingertip lead & follow, arm control
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Footwork--Work
on weight changes in rotation
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Connections--Prepare
for unity of movement & control of body
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Hustle Motion & Accents--Stress
use of beats to steps, body to music
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Various Timings--Use
straight & syncopated timing to adjust to different music tempos
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Compare/Contrast--Swing,
Lindy, Cha Cha, Merengue
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