The 1970s: an era of bell-bottoms, shimmering disco balls, and a cultural revolution that spilled onto the dance floor. As music evolved, so did movement, giving birth to a vibrant tapestry of dances that are as iconic as the decade itself. From the pulsating rhythms of disco to the burgeoning sounds of funk and soul, the 70s provided the soundtrack to some of the most unforgettable dance crazes in history. Forget the wallflower routine; this was an era that demanded you get up and boogie. Television shows like Soul Train became national platforms, broadcasting the latest steps and styles directly into living rooms and solidifying dance as a central part of pop culture. As discotheques popped up like mushrooms after rain, a new generation flocked to these temples of rhythm, eager to express themselves through movement. So, dust off your platform shoes and polyester, because we’re taking a trip back to the 1970s to explore the funkiest dances that defined a generation.
1. “Do The Hustle!” and All Its Variations
In 1975, Van McCoy’s infectious anthem, “The Hustle,” wasn’t just a song; it was a call to action for dance floors worldwide. The Hustle became an umbrella term for many disco-inspired partner dances of the era, evolving into diverse regional styles. The East Coast Hustle differed from its West Coast counterpart, and variations sprung up for both couples and line dancers. The partner version, particularly, exploded in popularity after gracing the silver screen in the disco-era defining film, Saturday Night Fever. Blending elements of Swing and Latin dance with a distinct 70s disco beat, The Hustle remains a cherished dance form, still enjoyed in ballrooms and social dance scenes around the globe. Its enduring appeal lies in its blend of sophistication and infectious energy, perfectly capturing the spirit of the decade.
2. Bump and Grind (But Mostly Bump)
Simplicity was key to the widespread appeal of The Bump. This dance craze minimized complex footwork, focusing instead on a playful interaction between partners. Standing side-by-side, dancers swayed to the music, rhythmically bumping hips, typically every other beat. While intended to be a gentle nudge, the “bump” could sometimes become more forceful, especially when enthusiastic dancers got carried away! The Bump’s easy-to-learn nature made it an instant hit, adaptable to virtually any song, and it even inspired a few tracks bearing its name. It was the perfect dance for crowded clubs and carefree nights, embodying the social and sometimes slightly chaotic energy of the 70s dance scene.
3. Y.M.C.A.: More Than Just Letters
“YMCA” by The Village People, released in 1978, transcended the realm of just a song; it became a cultural phenomenon accompanied by one of the most universally recognized dances. Remarkably, the YMCA dance primarily involves arm movements, making it accessible and fun for everyone, regardless of dancing ability. As the lyrics spell out Y-M-C-A, dancers form the corresponding letters with their arms. During the rest of the song, participants are free to freestyle, skip around, and generally express their joy. The sheer catchiness of the song and the simple, inclusive nature of the dance have cemented its place in popular culture. You’ll still find the YMCA dance enthusiastically performed at sporting events, weddings, and countless social gatherings, proving its timeless appeal as a feel-good, communal dance.
4. Get Down with the Funky Chicken
The Funky Chicken dance injected a dose of humor and playful absurdity into the 70s dance landscape. This solo dance is all about embodying the quirky movements of a chicken. Steps with names like “chicken legs” and “chicken wings” perfectly illustrate the dance’s objective: to mimic a strutting, pecking chicken. It’s important to distinguish the Funky Chicken from the Chicken Dance often seen at wedding receptions; the Funky Chicken is decidedly funkier and more improvisational, encouraging dancers to fully embrace the silliness and let loose with their best chicken impersonation. Its vibrant and comedic nature made it a standout dance of the era, perfect for those who wanted to inject some lighthearted fun onto the dance floor.
5. Point the Way with The Disco Finger
Synonymous with the swagger and style of Saturday Night Fever, The Disco Finger is pure 70s cool distilled into a single, iconic gesture. This dance move minimizes lower body movement, focusing all the energy and attitude in the upper body, particularly the arm and finger. Inspired by John Travolta’s legendary performance, dancers typically adopt a similar stance: hips slightly thrust to the side, while rhythmically pointing the right index finger. The finger starts low, near the floor, and then arcs smoothly across the body and upwards towards the sky, following the beat of the music. The Disco Finger is less about complex choreography and more about attitude and embodying the confident, stylish essence of the disco era.
John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever demonstrating the iconic Disco Finger dance move.
6. Catch the Rhythm of The Bus Stop
While perhaps a bit more challenging rhythmically than some of its contemporaries, The Bus Stop remains a quintessential 70s dance. Often performed in lines, this dance involves a sequence of steps that mimic waiting for and boarding a bus. The steps are generally forward and backward, with side steps and claps incorporated to add flair and syncopation. The Bus Stop required a bit more coordination and rhythmic awareness, but its catchy steps and social nature made it a popular choice at parties and clubs. It’s a dance that encapsulates the communal spirit of the 70s dance floor, where lines of dancers moved in unison, sharing the groove.
7. Become a Human Machine with The Robot
The Robot, also known as The Mannequin, emerged from the streets and quickly captivated audiences with its illusionary movements. This dance style, born alongside the burgeoning breakdancing scene of the 70s, creates the impression of a robotic or mannequin-like figure through jerky, segmented movements. The subtlety and precision of the movements often create an optical illusion, making it appear as though the dancer is moving in stop-motion. Mastering The Robot takes significant practice and dedication, but its impact on dance culture is undeniable. Famously adopted by Michael Jackson, The Robot became a signature move, catapulting into mainstream popularity and remaining a staple in hip-hop and pop dance to this day.
8. Mow the Lawn with The Lawnmower
Simple, silly, and undeniably fun, The Lawnmower dance is accessible to anyone with a sense of humor. The steps are exactly as the name suggests: mimicking the actions of starting and operating a lawnmower. The dance involves pulling one arm back as if starting a pull-cord engine, then grabbing an imaginary mower handle and pushing it back and forth across an imaginary lawn. The Lawnmower’s charm lies in its sheer ridiculousness and ease of execution. It’s a perfect icebreaker on the dance floor, guaranteed to elicit laughs and get people moving without any pressure to be a skilled dancer.
9. Water the Dance Floor with The Sprinkler
Another dance relying on imaginative mime, The Sprinkler is as straightforward as it gets. No fancy footwork is required for this dance; it’s all in the arms. To perform The Sprinkler, extend one arm straight out to the side, while bending the other arm and holding your hand near your head. Then, move the straight arm in a slow, staccato, back-and-forth motion, imitating the oscillating spray of a lawn sprinkler. The Sprinkler is another example of the 70s dance craze embracing simple, mimetic movements that are easy to learn and fun to perform in a group.
10. Slide into Fun with The Electric Slide
The Electric Slide, a four-wall line dance, originated in 1976 and quickly became a wedding reception and social gathering staple. Originally choreographed to Marcia Griffiths’ song “Electric Boogie,” its repetitive step pattern makes it remarkably easy to learn in a short amount of time. The Electric Slide’s genius lies in its versatility; it can be danced to a wide range of music genres, ensuring its relevance across different musical tastes and dance settings. Decades later, The Electric Slide continues to fill dance floors with its infectious energy and accessible steps, proving its enduring legacy as a party dance classic.
The 1970s may be a decade in the rearview mirror, but its vibrant spirit lives on through its music and, especially, its dances. These steps, born from a time of cultural shifts and musical innovation, continue to bring joy and get people moving across generations. The dances of the 70s are more than just steps; they are a time capsule of a fun-loving, expressive era that continues to influence dance culture today.
