The hustle is a rather fast and swing-like couple dance; it is often danced to disco and pop songs. It should not be confused with the group dance which takes place on the notes of the song "Do the Hustle".
Steps
Step 1. Find suitable music
Check the "Things You Will Need" section to find some suitable titles.
Step 2. Listen to the music and practice feeling the rhythm
The music suitable for a hustle is in 4 quarters, ie it has 4 beats per beat. What makes the Hustle special is that only 3 of the beats are used (see step 3). Number 1 of the step chart will correspond to time number 1 of the measure and will be repeated after 12 beats. A good music track will not, however, feature a number 1 time distinct from the others: all 4 tempos will be similar. So it doesn't matter where you start counting.
Step 3. Learn to count times
The hustle is counted as follows: "and 1, 2, 3. 1 and, 2, 3." The "e" and "1" will be part of the same bar, so you need to take TWO steps on the first half.
Step 4. Practice moving to the rhythm
Turn off the music and count out loud. If you are driving, start with your left foot on the "E." If you are following instead, start with the right. Take one step every time you say a syllable, so four times per line.
Step 5. Start dancing the steps
If you are driving, move your left foot behind your right, then shift your weight to the right and replace the left, then step with your right again. If you are following do the same movements, but starting with the right. Try to move with time.
Step 6. Count and repeat the steps for at least ten minutes, until you are able to do it without thinking about it
Match the steps to the music. Repeat for at least two songs.
Step 7. Grab your partner's hands, left in right and right in left
Hold your partner's hand softly. Repeat the steps in time. When you feel more confident, repeat the steps but start moving clockwise with each movement.
Step 8. Practice to get better and better and start inserting other moves as well
Hustle is a very forgiving rhythm: as long as you keep the basic steps described above, it will allow you to insert swing, salsa, merengue and cha-cha steps with relative ease.
Advice
- If you find it difficult to perform the two steps in part "e 1", you are probably making the mistake of putting too much weight on the foot of "e." It will need to be a normal shift (take a small step and then shift your weight to the other foot).
- If you practice dancing alone, you will never be able to do it with a partner.
- There is nothing like taking dance lessons to learn how to dance. Find a gym to take classes.
