The 1980s witnessed the explosion of a vibrant and captivating dance trend - disco dancing. With its smooth moves, dazzling lights, and energetic music, disco dancing became an icon of an era filled with excitement and freedom.
And now, we find ourselves in a time when everything old becomes new again. So, in this article, let's turn back time and explore the distinctive dances of the 80s and discover the irresistible allure they bring.
Let's embark on a rhythmic and nostalgic journey, immersed in the world of 80s disco dancing!
Introduction to the 1980s and the Evolution of Disco Dancing
Disco dancing emerged as a response to disco music, a popular genre in the 1970s. Disco music began to develop in the late 1960s and early 1970s in nightclubs in New York and Philadelphia. The early songs of this genre were released by artists like Donna Summer and Gloria Gaynor.
In the United States, disco music quickly became a phenomenon in the 1970s and 1980s, with strong dissemination from major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Many nightclubs in these cities became renowned venues to listen to disco music and showcase the distinctive and unique disco dance moves. With flexible footwork, swift twirls, and constant innovation, disco dancing became an emblem of joyful, liberated, and exuberant living.
During this period, disco dancing became popular not only in major cities but also spread worldwide. The dance moves and disco music became part of everyday life, fostering unity and connection among people. Disco dancing was not just an entertaining activity; it deeply influenced the culture and lifestyle of the 1980s. Glittering dance floor lights, energetic music, and unique costumes created a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. Disco dancing became an emblem of exuberant nightlife and entertainment.
However, after the 1980s, disco dancing gradually lost its popularity. Nevertheless, its legacy still lives on and continues to be explored and reimagined in modern music and culture. The dance moves and styles inspired by disco dancing persist and evolve within different music genres like pop, hip-hop, and EDM.
5 Popular Disco Dance Moves in the 1980s
During the 1980s, disco dancing continued to evolve and gave rise to several popular and distinctive dance moves. Here are some famous disco dance moves from this decade:
1. The Robot
This dance move imitates the movements of a robot, with basic gestures involving rigid and non-flexible motions of the arms, legs, and body.
The Robot dance is built upon the flexibility of body joints and basic movement steps. Typically, the dance starts with raising both hands high or crossing them in front of the chest, while the arms and legs perform simple and rigid movements at fixed angles.
During the dance, basic steps such as left foot step, right foot step, or step to the left and step to the right are often repeated. The body typically maintains an upright posture and only performs simple movements such as leaning the body to one side or raising the arms.
The Robot disco dance creates a sense of fun and humor, with a strong entertainment value. It is usually performed individually or in groups, creating a vibrant and unique dancing atmosphere on the dance floor.
2. The Moonwalk
This is one of the most famous and iconic dances of the 1980s, thanks to the skillful performance of the pop music legend, Michael Jackson.
The Moonwalk is a special dance that creates a unique backward sliding effect, as if walking on the moon. The technique of the Moonwalk starts by sliding one foot forward, then shifting the weight from the heel to the ball of the foot. During the weight transfer, the front foot is pushed forward while the back foot moves in the opposite direction, creating the sensation of sliding backward.
Although the Moonwalk existed before, Michael Jackson turned it into an icon and his signature style. He first performed the Moonwalk on stage during his performance of "Billie Jean" at the Motown 25 event in 1983. His impressive performance attracted global attention and made the Moonwalk a symbol of music and pop culture.
Michael Jackson's Moonwalk combines fluidity, precision, and grace, creating a smooth and mesmerizing sliding sensation. The meticulousness and attention to detail in executing the Moonwalk created a unique style and distinctive beauty.
The Moonwalk dance has become an icon of Michael Jackson and continued to exist long after. It has inspired many other artists and dance troupes and remains one of the widely performed and admired dances in modern music and entertainment.
3. The Running Man
The Running Man is initiated by bringing one foot forward while simultaneously lifting the body upwards. Then, the other foot is brought forward, and the body continues to move to the rhythm of the music. This dance focuses on diagonal movements, combined with artistic hand and body motions.
The running steps in The Running Man are often performed at a fast and flexible pace. Accompanying hand movements such as raising the arms or gesturing in sync with the music create a unique and dynamic image on the dance floor.
The Running Man dance is often performed at parties, dance competitions, and disco-related events. With its fun and easy-to-learn nature, The Running Man has also become a popular dance in music videos and on social media, as people express themselves through lively running steps.
4. The Electric Slide
The Electric Slide is a popular line dance that originated in the 1970s but gained widespread popularity in the 1990s. It is often associated with disco music and is commonly danced at social gatherings, parties, and weddings.
The Electric Slide disco version is danced to the song "Electric Boogie" by Marcia Griffiths, released in 1976 but regained popularity in the 1990s. This dance follows a specific sequence of steps and gestures synchronized with the lyrics and rhythm of the song.
Here is how to perform the basic steps for The Electric Slide disco:
- Grapevine Step: Start with your right foot, step it to the side and cross your left foot behind your right. Then, step your right foot to the side again and bring your left foot close to your right.
- Charleston Step: Kick your right foot forward, then bring your right foot back. Next, kick your left foot forward and bring your left foot back.
- Cha-Cha Step: Step to the right with your right foot, then bring your left foot close to your right. Next, step to the right again with your right foot and bring your left foot close to your right.
- Cha-Cha Step to the Left: Repeat the Cha-Cha step, but this time to the left, starting with your left foot.
- Repeat Grapevine Step: Repeat the Grapevine step described in step 1, but start with your left foot.
- Repeat Charleston Step: Repeat the Charleston step described in step 2.
- Repeat Cha-Cha Step: Repeat the Cha-Cha step described in step 3.
- Repeat Cha-Cha Step to the Right: Repeat the Cha-Cha step to the right, starting with your right foot.
In addition to the basic steps described, there may be variations and customization in The Electric Slide disco. Some dance groups may add hand movements, spins, or more complex dance steps to add creativity and excitement.
When you dance The Electric Slide disco, express your own comfort and joy. Feel the music, let the energy and rhythm of the song guide your dance steps. Most importantly, enjoy the process of dancing and participate in the lively and dynamic atmosphere of The Electric Slide.
5. The Cabbage Patch
The Cabbage Patch dance is a dance popular in the 1980s and 1990s, during the disco and hip hop era. It is named after a small dance move resembling the way farmers plant cabbage seeds. The Cabbage Patch has become one of the popular dances at parties, dance floors, and social events.
To dance The Cabbage Patch, you can follow the steps below:
- Step with your feet: Place your left foot forward and your right foot back, with a wider stance than your shoulders.
- Cross step: Start with your left foot, bring it forward and cross it over your right foot. Then, bring your left foot back to its original position and bring your right foot forward and cross it over your left foot. Repeat this process to the rhythm of the music.
- Sidestep: Take a step to the side with your left foot and place it next to your right foot. Then, take a step to the side with your right foot and place it next to your left foot. Continue repeating this movement to the rhythm of the music.
- Jump step: Jump up and push both feet upward and slightly off to the side. Then, land both feet back on the ground and continue repeating this process to the rhythm of the music.
These steps can be repeated and combined in your own way, depending on the creativity and personal style of each dancer. Express freedom and joy while dancing The Cabbage Patch, allowing the energy and rhythm of the music to guide you.
The influence of 1980s disco dancing
Disco dancing in the 1980s had a significant impact on music, culture, and fashion. It was a pivotal period in the history of music and culture, and disco dancing played a crucial role in creating a music and dance revolution.
Here are some important influences of disco dancing in the 1980s:
Disco music: Disco dancing brought about a powerful spread of disco music. The melodies, rhythms, and distinctive beats of disco became iconic and widely popular in this decade. Many famous singers and bands performed hit disco songs, such as Bee Gees, Donna Summer, and KC and the Sunshine Band.
Dance styles: Disco dancing created a distinctive dance style with standout moves and personalization. Dance steps like The Hustle, The Electric Slide, and The Cabbage Patch became iconic and widely danced at dance floors and social events.
Disco fashion: Disco dancing also influenced the fashion of the 1980s. Shiny clothes, fur coats, leggings, pleated skirts, sequin dresses, and sparkling accessories became fashion symbols of disco. Additionally, pairing blazer jackets with jeans and t-shirts also became a common fashion style at disco parties.
Culture and lifestyle: Disco dancing created a fun and vibrant spirit in the culture and lifestyle of the 1980s. Disco dancing became a popular form of entertainment, connecting people and helping them relax after a stressful workweek. Dance floors and disco clubs became exciting meeting points and social hubs.
Conclusion
Disco dancing in the 1980s had an impact beyond music and dance. It became an icon of an era and a carefree, joyful, and explosive lifestyle. Disco dancing created a community, a space for people to enjoy music, dance, and interact with each other. It generated a unique entertainment and socializing experience where people could let loose and express themselves. Disco dancing was not just a form of entertainment but also a symbol of freedom and creativity, with significant influence on many aspects of culture and fashion./.