Disco Dance Moves

Disco music was originated by African-American somewhere in 1970s. Eventually, the music along with its unique dance form, called disco dancing, became extremely popular amongst various cultures. This new music and dancing style took many urban centers all around the world by storm in the mid 1970s. Especially, with the release of movie 'Saturday Night Fever' in 1977 starring John Travolta, disco dancing reached new heights of popularization and fan following. More on history of disco dance.

Disco dancing came in a variety of formats, like partner dancing, line dancing and even solo dancing. Its moves were highly choreographed and dictated by deejay-driven beats, which later became more athletic and stunt-driven. But with the upcoming of other dance forms like hip hop dance, break dance, etc. its popularity eventually faded away. However, disco dance has always been a fun dance and so is enjoyed by people of all age groups. Therefore, let us have a look at some of the classic disco dance moves that are easy to learn and perform.

Disco Dance Styles
Disco dance moves can be performed either partnered or solo, also called freestyle. Solo moves generally vary from one person to another, as per the body type, prior dance experience or the dancing environment. One such example of solo dance is back catch, where the dancer stands on one leg, and kicks the other leg up and back, meanwhile reaching their arms over head as if trying to catch their foot behind them. Splits, jumps, spins, kicks and cross-kicks are some other freestyle or solo moves. Partnered moves are performed either between couples or groups, depending upon the learned patterns. Electric slide or Clarence Carter's 'Strokin' are large pattern-based line dances which are some of the most enduring disco dance moves.

Classic Disco Dance Moves
Disco dance moves basically share some common elements like revolving the hands and raising the arms or stepping side to side, which are some typical disco dance moves. Characterized by standard hip and pelvic movements, turning around, planting the foot on the floor with the beat, tilting the shoulders up and down while stepping forward and backward are some well known disco dance steps that one can see in night clubs and parties. So, now let us have a close look at some of the classic disco dance moves.

Point
It is one of the most common disco dance steps, which involves the upward and downward movement of the hand, with the index finger pointing out, along with alternating hip movements. For this move, your feet should be shoulder length apart, hips pointing left and your right hand with index finger pointing out, lifted up to the right. Then pull the right hand down across the body towards the left with your hips moving to the right. The move can also be performed using both hands, right and left, with respect to the alternate hip movements.

Hustle
It is an eight beat count step that can fit in any disco song. Just like 'the point', you need to keep your feet at shoulder length distance, while shifting your body weight on your right foot. Cross your left foot over, while touching your toe to the floor with a soft tap and allowing your arm swing naturally across the body. Now take your left foot back to parallel and allow your right arm swing back down. Keep your weight on your left foot and repeat the entire step. Practice the move alternatively in accordance to the beats of the song.

Electric Slide
Initiate the move by doing a grapevine, i.e. take four steps to the right and touch the left foot next to the right foot and clap on the last step. Likewise do a grapevine to the left and touch your right foot while ending it with a clap. Now take four steps back and step on the right then left then right and touch your left foot and clap at the end. Step ahead with your left foot and tap the right toe at the left heel, with a clap. Step backward with the right foot, tap your left foot at the right heel and clap again. Repeat the entire step touch sequence and step ahead with your left foot and tap the right toe at the left heel and clap. Now move back with your right foot, tap the left foot at the right heel and clap again. Take your left foot ahead, quarter-turn to the left, and end with a hop.

These were easy disco dance moves that wont require a professional dance trainer or lessons to learn. But remember whether you are John Travolta or just a newbie taking your first steps on the dance floor, the soul of disco dance is not to show off but to enjoy and have fun.