The 1970s was a decade of vibrant cultural shifts and groundbreaking artistic expression, and nowhere was this more evident than on the dance floor. As musical landscapes evolved, so too did the ways people moved, leading to an explosion of dance crazes that defined a generation. From the rise of disco to the influence of soul and funk, the 70s sparked a unique era of movement and rhythm that continues to captivate and inspire. Television shows like Soul Train amplified the dance revolution, bringing the latest steps and styles into living rooms across the nation and solidifying dance as a central part of pop culture. As discotheques proliferated, becoming havens of self-expression and social connection, dancing became even more deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric. Synonymous with bold fashion, from polyester flares to towering platform shoes, the 70s pulsed with an energy that translated directly onto the dance floor, giving rise to some of the most unforgettable dance crazes ever witnessed. While 70s fashion remains instantly recognizable, the dances are just as iconic. Let’s take a trip back in time and explore the funky moves that defined Dancing In The 1970s.
1. The Hustle
Emerging in 1975, The Hustle quickly became synonymous with 70s disco dancing, largely thanks to Van McCoy’s chart-topping song, “Do The Hustle.” This infectious track propelled the dance into the mainstream, and soon “hustle” became a blanket term for many disco-style partner dances of the era. Regional variations sprang up, including West Coast and East Coast styles, as well as both partner and line dance versions. The couples’ hustle gained immense popularity after its dazzling showcase in the iconic film Saturday Night Fever, cementing its place in dance history. A fusion of Swing and Latin dance elements set to a pulsating 70s disco beat, The Hustle remains a beloved dance form, still enjoyed in ballrooms and dance studios worldwide, a testament to its enduring appeal and infectious energy.
2. The Bump
Simplicity was key to the widespread appeal of The Bump. This incredibly accessible dance craze required only one fundamental step, making it easy for anyone to join in the fun. Dancers would pair up, stand side-by-side, and sway rhythmically to the music. The defining move of The Bump involved gently bumping hips with their partner on every other beat. While the intention was a light tap, the energy of the dance floor sometimes led to more forceful bumps, occasionally sending less sturdy dancers hilariously off course. The Bump was so popular it inspired several songs of the same name, but its adaptable nature meant it could be danced to virtually any song with a good beat, making it a ubiquitous presence at 70s parties and discotheques.
3. YMCA Dance
Universally loved across generations, the YMCA dance, born from The Village People’s 1978 hit song “YMCA,” is a unique dance phenomenon. Unlike most dances, the YMCA dance primarily focuses on arm movements, making it accessible and enjoyable for almost everyone, regardless of their dance experience. Participants simply use their arms to spell out the letters Y, M, C, and A whenever they are sung in the song’s chorus. Beyond the letter formations, dancers typically improvise and move freely to the music. Its simple, catchy, and inclusive nature has ensured the YMCA dance’s longevity. It remains a staple at sporting events, weddings, and social gatherings, bringing people together in collective, joyful movement.
4. Funky Chicken Dance
The Funky Chicken Dance injected a dose of playful silliness and vibrant energy into the 70s dance scene. This solo dance, as colorful as its name suggests, is all about embodying the quirky movements of a chicken. With steps like “chicken legs” and “chicken wings,” the dance involves jerky, bird-like motions that are both humorous and engaging. It’s important to distinguish the Funky Chicken from the Chicken Dance often seen at wedding receptions; the Funky Chicken is a distinctly 70s solo expression of funky, feathered fun.
5. The Disco Finger
Another dance move indelibly linked to the cultural phenomenon of Saturday Night Fever, The Disco Finger is all about attitude and upper body expression. This iconic move requires minimal footwork, allowing dancers to focus on embodying the cool confidence of the disco era. Inspired by John Travolta’s signature pose in the film, The Disco Finger involves a stance with hips thrusting rhythmically from side to side. The key element is the right index finger, which points assertively from the floor, moving back and forth across the body and upwards towards the sky, capturing the spirit of disco swagger in one concise gesture.
6. The Bus Stop
While perhaps a bit more challenging for those with less rhythmic inclination, The Bus Stop was nonetheless a catchy and quintessential 70s line dance. Its step patterns, while requiring a bit more coordination than some of the simpler crazes, were still accessible enough to become a popular choice at parties and dance clubs. The Bus Stop embodied the line dance trend of the decade, encouraging group participation and synchronized movement on the dance floor.
7. The Robot
Also known as the Mannequin, The Robot emerged as a captivating street dance style in the 1970s, often alongside the burgeoning breakdancing scene. Its illusion-like movements, characterized by subtle yet impactful isolations and articulations, create an almost optical illusion, making it mesmerizing to watch and challenging to replicate. Mastery of The Robot typically requires years of dedicated practice. Its popularity exploded when Michael Jackson adopted and popularized it as one of his signature moves, elevating The Robot to iconic status within hip-hop and pop culture, where it remains a respected and influential dance style.
8. The Lawnmower
Injecting a dose of humor into the dance floor, The Lawnmower is a simple and silly dance that anyone can easily attempt. The steps are exactly as descriptive as the name suggests. Dancers mimic starting a lawnmower by pulling one arm back as if pulling a starter cord. Then, grabbing an imaginary mower handle with both hands, they extend their arms and push the “mower” back and forth across an imaginary lawn. Its comical nature and ease of execution made The Lawnmower a fun, lighthearted addition to the 70s dance repertoire.
9. The Sprinkler
Simplicity reigns supreme again with The Sprinkler. This dance requires no intricate footwork, making it instantly accessible and enjoyable. As the name implies, The Sprinkler mimics the motion of a lawn sprinkler. Dancers extend one arm straight out to the side, while bending the other arm and holding their hand near their head. The key movement is in the extended arm, which moves in a slow, staccato, back-and-forth motion, imitating the oscillating spray of a sprinkler watering a lawn.
10. The Electric Slide
The Electric Slide, a four-wall line dance, originated in 1976 and was initially choreographed to Marcia Griffiths’ song “Electric Boogie.” Its repetitive step pattern makes it remarkably easy to learn quickly, contributing to its enduring popularity at weddings, concerts, and countless social gatherings for decades. The Electric Slide’s adaptability to various music genres further cemented its versatility and appeal, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into diverse musical landscapes and dance styles, ensuring its continued presence on dance floors worldwide.
The 1970s may be decades in the past, but the spirit of the era lives on vibrantly through its nostalgic music and the carefree, infectious energy of its dance steps. These iconic dances continue to be enjoyed and rediscovered by new generations, ensuring that the legacy of 70s dancing will endure for years to come.
