1. The Hustle: More Than Just a Dance, It Was a Phenomenon
Emerging in the mid-70s, The Hustle quickly transcended being just a dance move to become a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Van McCoy’s 1975 hit “Do The Hustle” provided the soundtrack to this craze, but the dance itself was a versatile form that evolved into various styles. From the partner version popularized by Saturday Night Fever, showcasing a blend of Swing and Latin influences set to a disco beat, to line dance variations that filled dance floors, the Hustle had something for everyone. Its enduring appeal is evident in its continued presence in ballrooms and social dance scenes worldwide, proving its status as more than just a fleeting trend.
2. The Bump: Simple, Social, and Slightly Risky
Simplicity was key to many 70s dance crazes, and The Bump was a prime example. Requiring only a basic swaying motion and a gentle (or not-so-gentle!) hip bump with a partner, this dance was instantly accessible. Dancers would stand side-by-side, moving to the music and rhythmically bumping hips, usually every other beat. While the intention was lighthearted contact, the energetic nature of the dance sometimes led to more forceful bumps, adding an element of playful chaos to the dance floor. The Bump captured the social and carefree spirit of the decade, encouraging interaction and laughter through movement.
3. YMCA Dance: Spelling Out Fun for Everyone
The Village People’s 1978 anthem “YMCA” gifted the world one of the most universally recognized and beloved novelty dances. Uniquely, the YMCA dance focuses on arm movements rather than footwork. As the iconic letters are sung in the song’s chorus, dancers use their arms to form the shapes of Y, M, C, and A. During the rest of the song, participants are free to improvise and freestyle, often incorporating skips and other simple steps. Its infectious energy and easy-to-learn nature have made the YMCA dance a staple at sporting events, weddings, and parties across generations, demonstrating its timeless appeal as a fun, inclusive activity.
4. Funky Chicken Dance: Strut Your Feathers on the Dance Floor
Embracing the era’s penchant for playful and expressive movement, the Funky Chicken dance was a solo sensation that encouraged dancers to embody the quirky movements of a chicken. With steps named “chicken legs” and “chicken wings,” this dance was all about jerky, bird-like motions and improvisational flair. Distinct from the more structured “Chicken Dance” often seen at celebrations, the Funky Chicken was about letting loose, being silly, and bringing a bit of barnyard fun to the disco or party. It was a dance that celebrated individuality and comedic expression through movement.
5. The Disco Finger: Saturday Night Fever’s Signature Point
Synonymous with the image of John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever, the Disco Finger is less a full dance and more an iconic gesture that encapsulates the cool confidence of the disco era. This move minimizes lower body movement, focusing on a hip-swaying stance reminiscent of Travolta’s character, Tony Manero. The key element is the rhythmic pointing of the right index finger, starting low, sweeping across the body, and reaching skyward in time with the music. 
John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever performing the Disco Finger dance move It’s a simple yet instantly recognizable move that evokes the swagger and style of the disco scene.
6. The Bus Stop: A Rhythmic Ride Across the Dance Floor
The Bus Stop, while perhaps a bit more challenging rhythmically than some of its contemporaries, was another quintessential 70s line dance. Characterized by its step patterns that mimic the motions of waiting for and boarding a bus, it involved a sequence of steps and turns that required a bit more coordination. Despite its slightly higher complexity, the Bus Stop was still widely popular, becoming a staple in clubs and parties. Its catchy rhythm and structured steps provided a fun challenge for dancers looking to move beyond the simpler crazes.
7. The Robot (or Mannequin): Illusion and Precision in Motion
Emerging from the street dance scene of the 70s, The Robot, also known as the Mannequin, is a dance style that blends illusion and precise, controlled movements. Dancers aim to mimic the stiff, mechanical motions of a robot or mannequin, often creating the appearance of disjointed or segmented movement. Popularized by Michael Jackson and becoming a cornerstone of hip-hop and pop dance, mastering The Robot requires significant practice and control. It showcases a different facet of 70s dance, moving beyond social interaction and novelty towards a more technical and visually striking form of expression.
8. The Lawnmower: Start Up Some Fun on the Dance Floor
Embracing the silly side of 70s dance crazes, The Lawnmower is a simple and comical move accessible to almost anyone. As the name suggests, it imitates the action of starting a lawnmower. Dancers pull one arm back as if pulling a starter cord, then extend both arms to grip an imaginary lawnmower handle, pushing it back and forth across an imaginary lawn. Its humorous and relatable motions made The Lawnmower a popular party dance, perfect for lightening the mood and encouraging everyone to join in the fun, regardless of their dance ability.
9. The Sprinkler: Watering the Dance Floor with Grooves
Continuing the theme of everyday actions translated into dance, The Sprinkler is another easy-to-learn move that brings a touch of playful absurdity to the dance floor. Mimicking the motion of a lawn sprinkler, dancers extend one arm straight out to the side while bending the other, hand near the head. The straight arm then moves in a slow, punctuated, back-and-forth motion, like a sprinkler distributing water. Its simple, repetitive movement and visual imagery made The Sprinkler a fun and memorable addition to the 70s dance repertoire.
10. The Electric Slide: A Line Dance Classic That Still Sparks Joy
Created in 1976 and originally set to Marcia Griffiths’ song “Electric Boogie,” The Electric Slide is a four-wall line dance that has become a timeless classic. Its repetitive sequence of steps makes it easy to learn quickly, and its adaptability to various music genres has cemented its place at weddings, parties, and social gatherings for decades. The Electric Slide embodies the communal spirit of line dancing, bringing people together in synchronized movement and shared enjoyment, proving its enduring appeal as a fun and accessible dance for all ages and abilities.
The 1970s may be decades behind us, but the energy and creativity of its dance culture continue to resonate. These 70s dance moves are more than just steps; they are a reflection of a unique era of music, fashion, and social expression. From the glitz of disco to the playful novelty dances, the 70s left an indelible mark on dance history, offering moves that are still getting people on their feet and grooving today.
