Hustle

Early hustle was a 5-step count with no turns, created by teenagers of Puerto Rican descent in late 1972 as a direct result of the Elders of their community objecting to young teenagers doing a dance known as the 500. Created in the South Bronx, it was originally done at house parties, hooky gigs and basement clubs. It became known as Spanish hustle; from 1975 to 1976. It was also known as the Latin hustle; and was a 6 step count to the beat of the music. Around 1976 it became known as the New York hustle. Today it mostly refers to the unique partner dance done in ballrooms and nightclubs to disco music. It has some features in common with mambo, salsa and swing dance. In the 1970s there was also a line dance called the hustle. Modern partner hustle is sometimes referred to as New York hustle, however, its original name is the Latin hustle. People still do this dance around the world today.