A "Disco" is a "Discotheque" (the french word for Library) with high quality sound systems and flashing lights. It became a popular form of entertainment in Europe and America in the late 1960’s and throughout the 70’s. In the early 70’s, a new dance craze became popular on the crowded dance floors of New York City.

This “Touch Disco” was called the "Hustle". The Hustle marked a return to popular dances couples danced touching each other. The popularity of modern and “retro” music with “disco” beat keeps this dance fresh, exciting and full of energy today.

Hustle is danced in 2 different counts: "1, 2 and 3", or "1-2-3". With either one, there is little or no difference once you get moving. However, there are a few arguments why the 1-2-3 method is slightly better to start off the dance. (1) You start on the beat of the music, instead of before it. (2) The +1 motion takes the form of some sort of rockstep for the follower. This can be deceptive since, once you're moving, there is no rockstep for the follower. In fact the 3 and 1 motion is a coaster step, requiring much less of a lead than bringing the follower forward in West Coast Swing. (3) With a 1-2-3 count, the leader starts on the right foot, and the follower on the left, which is unusual.

American Hustle, Tap Hustle, Glide, and Continental Hustle: are some of the the first forms of Hustle known to be done in the early 70’s. These dances are merely evolved from Fox Trot with added movements to emphasize the steady driving beats of disco.

Disco Swing and Lindy Hustle: were just triple time and double time East Coast Swing done at discos during that time, they were not different, outside of styling.

Latin Hustle aka L.A. Hustle: is the famous disco dance from the 70's. This flashy partner dance is a clever combination of Swing footwork and Latin hip motion. The patterns and footwork are actually taken from Swing while hip motion and feel of the dance is more similar to Salsa. This was probably the most complicated form of hustle done and is a rare breed in that both leader and follower share the same identical footwork with the same movement and timing. Sounds impossible but somebody figured out how to make it work.

Rope Hustle: is another mythical dance which is actually just an evolution of Merengue using a forward-back basic that emphasized intricate arm leads hence it’s name 'The Rope'. Skippy Blair is quoted as saying it had been done in Mexico for some time before it’s import.

Street Hustle: as it was known in the late 70’s is what currently is known as the Hustle. It was the preferred form for many seasoned dancers in discotheques (french for “record library”) at the height of the disco era (1978-1985). This was primarily due to two things; it’s speed which makes it fun to watch and do, and also it is easier than many of the other complex Hustles while appearing quite difficult. Its ease has to do with it being comprised of a repeating 3-count pattern to make a 6-count basic, so you need only remember half as much footwork. The focus instead became the many pattern variations developed over the years.

Tango Hustle: was actually not Hustle, but a double rhythm Salsa variation which was another dance growing in popularity at the time.