The 1970s were an era of groundbreaking change, marked by social and political shifts that fueled an explosion of artistic and cultural expression. This vibrant decade gave birth to a unique music scene, and naturally, a wave of unforgettable dances followed. From the rise of disco to the emergence of street styles, the dances of the seventies became synonymous with freedom, self-expression, and pure fun. Television shows like Soul Train amplified the dance craze, influencing fashion, music, and popular culture for decades. As discotheques popped up everywhere, dancing became central to the social scene, fueled by iconic fashion and the pulsating rhythms of disco. While 70s fashion is instantly recognizable, the dances of the decade are just as iconic. Let’s take a trip back in time and explore some of the funkiest dances from the 1970s!
1. Get Down with The Hustle
In 1975, Van McCoy’s hit song “Do The Hustle!” ignited a global dance phenomenon. The Hustle became more than just a dance; it became an umbrella term for many disco-inspired dances of the era. This led to diverse Hustle styles, from West Coast and East Coast variations to partner and line dance versions. The partner Hustle truly took off after being featured in the iconic film Saturday Night Fever. A fusion of Swing and Latin dance elements set to a catchy 70s disco beat, The Hustle remains a popular choice in ballrooms worldwide, proving its timeless appeal.
2. Feel the Bump
Simplicity was key to the popularity of The Bump. This dance craze required just one fundamental step! Dancers, often in pairs standing side-by-side, would sway to the music and playfully bump hips on every other beat. While the intention was a gentle bump, energetic dancers sometimes sent lighter partners flying across the dance floor! The Bump’s infectious rhythm inspired songs and could be danced to almost any tune, highlighting its adaptable nature.
3. Y.M.C.A. – Spell it Out!
Universally loved by both children and adults, the 1978 Village People anthem “YMCA” spawned a dance that’s as iconic as the song itself. Uniquely, the YMCA dance primarily uses arm movements. Participants simply form the letters Y, M, C, and A with their arms whenever those letters are sung in the song. Freestyle moves and skipping often fill the musical breaks. Its simplicity and infectious fun have made the YMCA dance a lasting favorite at sporting events, weddings, and countless social gatherings.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS9OO0S5w2k&index=5&list=PL3FDDE4369CCABEF7
4. Strut Your Stuff with the Funky Chicken
The Funky Chicken is undoubtedly one of the most visually distinctive dances, not just of the 70s, but of all time. This solo dance involved mimicking the jerky, comical movements of a chicken. Steps like “chicken legs” and “chicken wings” brought this poultry-inspired dance to life. It’s important to note that the Funky Chicken is different from the more generic “Chicken Dance” often seen at celebrations.
5. Point it Out with The Disco Finger
Another dance move popularized by Saturday Night Fever, The Disco Finger is characterized by minimal lower body movement. Inspired by John Travolta’s iconic pose, dancers thrust their hips from side to side while rhythmically pointing their right index finger. The finger starts pointing towards the floor, then sweeps across the body and upwards to the sky. It’s a simple yet instantly recognizable move that captures the essence of disco cool.
6. Catch the Rhythm of The Bus Stop
While perhaps a bit more challenging for those less rhythmically inclined, The Bus Stop remains a quintessential and catchy dance from the 70s. This line dance involves a series of steps performed in a line, mimicking waiting for and boarding a bus. Its complexity added a layer of sophistication to 70s dance floors.
7. Become a Mannequin with The Robot
Also known as the Mannequin, The Robot emerged from the streets and quickly became a sensation. This dance style creates an optical illusion, with movements that appear subtle yet are incredibly impactful and difficult to replicate. Mastering The Robot typically requires years of dedicated practice. Gaining prominence in the 70s alongside the burgeoning breakdancing scene, it was further popularized by Michael Jackson as one of his signature moves. The Robot remains a cornerstone of hip-hop and pop dance today.
8. Mow the Lawn with The Lawnmower
Simple, silly, and universally accessible – that’s The Lawnmower. The dance involves a straightforward action: mimic starting a lawnmower by pulling one arm back, then grab an imaginary handle and push it back and forth across an imaginary lawn with extended arms. Despite its simplicity, The Lawnmower is guaranteed to bring laughter and get everyone moving.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RL2bZYWO8p0
9. Water the Dance Floor with The Sprinkler
No fancy footwork is needed for The Sprinkler. As the name suggests, this dance imitates a sprinkler watering a lawn. Extend one arm straight out to the side, bend the other arm and hold your hand near your head. Then, move your straight arm in a slow, rhythmic, staccato motion, just like a sprinkler head in action. It’s a fun and easy dance that evokes summer vibes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qYR5gVsoY4
10. Slide into Fun with The Electric Slide
The Electric Slide, a four-wall line dance, was originally choreographed to Marcia Griffiths’ song “Electric Boogie” in 1976. It has since become a staple at weddings, parties, and social gatherings for decades. Its repetitive step pattern makes it quick to learn, and its adaptability to various music genres has cemented its place across different music and dance scenes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mOY2eWO2qw
The 1970s may be in the past, but the spirit of the era lives on through its infectious music and carefree dances. These iconic steps continue to be enjoyed by generations, proving that the Dances From The Seventies are truly timeless.
