Newcomer Hustle & Swing

If you were into the dancing scene in the 1970s and 1980s, you are sure to have danced the hustle. For the uninitiated, the Hustle is a dynamic, flashy and powerful dance form that originated in the 1970s. It is rooted in a 6 count basic although the final form is a 3 count basic with some extended patterns. The Hustle was designed for the club and party music scene and is known as the ‘sports car’ of the dance family.

In the Hustle, the Leader and Follower change positions during each pattern. The movements are generally smooth. The Follower moves in a linear position or slot while the Leader uses positions outside the slot to guide the Follower. The leader does a ball-change / Left-foot to right foot while the Follower only does a ball change / Right-foot to Left foot on the &1.The dance can use traveling patterns as partners change position on the dance floor or done on-spot.

Swing is one of the liveliest social dancing styles that involve some well orchestrated lifts, spins and flips. It’s not surprising that couples with the biggest smiles and having the most fun are swing dancers. Swing is a quick, fast-paced dance where couples hold hands, which is a complete contrast to ballroom dancing where partners place hands on the shoulders or around the waist. The term ‘swing’ refers to a number of styles that includes the Lindy Hop, Jive, East Coast Swing and West Coast Swing.