Partner dancing is typically
divided into two categories. The Latin dances consist primarily of
Mambo/Salsa, Cha-cha, Merengue, Samba, Rumba/Bolero, Paso Doble, along
with Swing/Jive. The Smooth dances consist primarily of Foxtrot, Waltz,
Quickstep, Peabody, and Tango.
Latin Dances are known for the most part as a spot dance although Paso Doble and Samba are taught to be done in "Line of dance", a counter clockwise flow around a dance floor. Latin dances are also known for their rhythmic movement and the fact that they are done on the balls of the feet rarely incorporating any heel leads (steps). Paso Doble an exception here due to it's unique marching style.
Smooth Dances on the other hand are all done using "Line of Dance" and incorporate heel leads regularly. The heel leads
along with the rise and fall seen in higher levels of smooth are mainly
responsible for creating the character of what we know as "Ballroom"
dancing. The balanced transitions, the gliding movement, and the
effortless traveling around the dance floor all display what is
different about smooth dance vs. Latin.
So, where does
Hustle fit in? Hustle, in my opinion splits the difference. For the
person following, the one, in the &123 count is primarily a heel
lead. There are people who will dance the one all on the balls of the
feet. I however feel this is one piece of technique that should not be
compromised. Anyone who had observed the top female dancers since
Hustle’s inception will undoubtedly see a heel lead on the “one” count
consistently. It is also the step that allows for greater travel around
the floor another similar characteristic to smooth/ballroom dancing.
Most
commonly however, Hustle is done on a spot which is similar to Latin
and often displays a rhythmic interpretation by many who dance it. The
“and”, specifically for the follower, offers a place to stylize the
dance with some hip movement, which is also more characteristic of
Latin.
One other thing that I feel makes Hustle unique is the
fact that good Hustle dancers don’t dance as mirror opposites as is
done in most of the Smooth and some Latin dances. You will hear me talk
later about both the follower and leader’s technique to illustrate that
things are done quite differently when we analyze the roles of both
partners in this dance.
This is why I feel Hustle is unique and
also why I personally enjoy it so much. It offers combinations of
characteristics not found in other dances . Hustle allows those that
work at it a greater opportunity to establish ones own personal imprint with a flexibility not offered by other styles of dance, CF
Disco Reborn The Next Dance Generation is Getting Warmed Up
All
across the country, Baby
Loves Disco is slowly but surely
transforming the hippest night clubs
into child proof discos as toddlers,
pre-schoolers and parents looking
for a break from the routine playground
circuit let loose for some post naptime,
pre-dinner fun. Make no mistake,
this is NOT the Mickey Mouse club,
and Barney is Banned. Baby loves
disco is an afternoon dance party
featuring real music spun and mixed
by real djs blending classic disco
tunes From the 70s, & 80s guaranteed
to get those little booties moving
and grooving.
The fun spills out from all corners
of the club: bubble machines, baskets
of scarves and egg-shakers,
a chill-out room (with tents, books
and puzzles), diaper changing stations,
a full spread of healthy snacks and
dancing, LOTS of dancing. But at it’s
core, Baby loves disco is a community
event that brings kids together with
kids and parents together with parents.
Started by professional dancer (and
professional mom) Heather Murphy, the
idea was to create an alternative to
the pre-packaged world of entertainment
for young kids. “We’re
parents, we’re always looking
for something new and different to
do with the kids,” says Murphy
whose lifestyle (like most of the baby
disco parents) was changed when she
gave birth to her 4 year old son Max.
The monthly event, which started in
Philly where it has sold out club Fluid
since inception, caught the ear of
Brooklyn-based music guy Andy Hurwitz
who brought the party up to New York
City in the fall of 2005: “my
kids had a blast, but the real bonus
was that my wife and I had a great
time too,” said Hurwitz, founder
of ropeadope records and father of
two young boys. He added, “It’s
more than just something to do for
the kids, Baby Loves Disco is fun for
parents, we get the chance to mingle
with other parents, dance with our
kids and have a Saturday afternoon
cocktail to boot.” By the fall of 2006 Baby Loves Disco
had spread coast to coast and now takes
place in over 16 cities. More Info
Check out our Events Calendar Dozens of Hustle Dance happenings take place weekly from Long Island to Philadelphia. Go to Events Calendar
Seeing
a resurgence in populairty in the last few years Hustle, (Disco to
Some) Has found it's home in many a weekend or weeknight dance event
throughout the city, NJ, and Long Island. With major events being held
in the Metro Area including the N.Y. Hustle Congress, The World Hustle
Dance Championship, and Disco America in Atlantic City. Check out our
Events Calendar for many of the goings on and do a search for "Hustle".
Check out some Local Dance Websites for Hustle events and happenings
