Dance is an art that comes from within any specific music. You would probably dance to hip-hop or ballroom, but have you ever wondered how did people dance for decades? There is an iconic dance specifically attained to each decade. The past ten decades have given us splendid dance types to adopt. So, today I will take a few steps through the styles dancing has evolved over decades.
The 1920s – SWING DANCING
Swing dancing is the most fun, lively and energetic dance form. It involves flips, lifts, and spins. This generation had it easy to hop on to the beats. There are different Swing types, such as West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, and many others. Swing dance started from jazz music when people used to dance to it. They used to swing around the dance floor like a dream. Partners stand opposite each other and hop and swing around with lots of energy and fun. It was indeed a fun decade to dance in!
The 1930s – THE MOONWALK
Didn’t your mind lit the image of Michael Jackson right now? If you think that he created the moonwalk, then you’re wrong! Jazz icon Cab Calloway first stepped into it in early 1932. This dance was called the “Buzz” then, later renamed the Moonwalk when Michael Jackson reintroduced it in the 1980s. The moonwalk became a fan favorite at the cotton club in Harlem, where Cab Calloway regularly used to practice.
1940s – MAMBO
Mambo is the most popular dancing style in the 40s. People used to dance on it to Cuban music. The first Mambo performer was Perez Prado. Mambo is a dance that relieves stress and is quirky and fun at social events. In addition to the Mambo, East Coast Swing became popular with dance forms like Boogie Woogie, Rock and Roll, and Modern Jive.
1950s – HAND JIVE AND CHA CHA
Hand Jive is dancing with their hands. People began to move their hands fast and creatively to the music. Hand Jive was the beginning of the non-swing dance style. The 50s also introduced Cuban Cha Cha, which involves Chasse and rock steps.
The 1960s – LOCKING, POPPING, AND ROBOT
With decades, dancing also evolved with much fun and styles. Popping came into existence in the 60s, one of the earliest forms of funk. Locking is similar but different if you are familiar with hip-hop moves. And the most rigid Robot Dance also became commonplace.
1970s – DISCO
Disco is known for its hustle-style dance, where people dance to upbeat music with free will. It is the dance style that still exists in dance clubs. Most of the electronic music today is created in the beast of disco tunes.
The 1980s – ROCK AND ROLL
In the era of rock and roll music, the dance style with the same name got introduced. Many styles from this dance got changed to fit into the current music style, like for EDM concerts. Voguing and Jacking also are dance styles that were adopted in this decade.
1990s – ZUMBA
Through the decades, we have seen how dance styles have evolved. The creativity did not stop with just dancing for fun. But, people started to take it to the next level. Yes, Zumba is the dance style that helps in keeping your body fit. It is an exercise dance that combines aerobic movements and salsa dance.
The 2000s – ELECTRO DANCE
By the 2000s, people started to adapt energetic dance moves like grooving to electronic music. They blended hip-hop, disco, vogue, and krumping which got us all moving.
2010s – INFLUENCE
And here we are in the current decade! Today’s dance styles are mostly influenced by the dance forms from all the above decades with an added twist. Dance seen on TikTok or YouTube is becoming popular, like Gangnam style, Flash Mobs, and Single Ladies!
No matter how many dance styles change through the decades, it is a purely creative art forms, and you can always create your own style. Brace yourself to get dancing with your friends this weekend!
