Latin Hustle

The History of Latin Hustle Dance

The Latin Hustle, a vibrant and energetic partner dance, has a rich history that spans several decades. Born in the early 1970s in New York City, particularly in the South Bronx, this dance style emerged as a creative expression of Puerto Rican teenagers. What began as a simple 6-step count in late 1972, initially known as the "Spanish Hustle" or "Latin Hustle," would evolve into a complex and dynamic dance form that continues to captivate dancers worldwide.

The dance's evolution was rapid and organic, driven by the creativity of its practitioners and the influence of other Latin dance styles. As it spread from house parties and basement clubs to popular Latin discotheques, the Latin Hustle began to incorporate elements from other dances. The addition of the "ball change" action from Mambo changed the basic count to 1-2-3 & 4-5-6, adding a new dimension to the rhythm. Multiple turns and intricate hand changes were introduced, leading to the name "Rope Hustle" and further distinguishing it from other dance styles.

By 1975, the competitive dance scene had a significant impact on the Latin Hustle. Dancers began incorporating acrobatic and adagio movements, pushing the boundaries of what was possible within the dance form. The count changed again to &1-2-3 to accommodate these faster movements and tricks. This period of evolution saw the Latin Hustle borrowing elements from a wide range of dance styles, including Smooth Ballroom, Swing, and various Latin rhythm dances, creating a truly unique and dynamic style.

One cannot discuss the history and development of the Latin Hustle without mentioning Billy Fajardo, often referred to as "The Godfather of Hustle." Fajardo's influence on the dance has been profound and long-lasting. Starting his dance career at the young age of 14, Fajardo immersed himself in various dance styles, laying the foundation for his future innovations in the Latin Hustle.

Fajardo's contributions to the dance world are numerous and significant. He formed the Dance Dimensions, a group that performed at major venues like Madison Square Garden, bringing the Latin Hustle to wider audiences. His competitive career was equally impressive, winning numerous championships with his dance partner Katie Marlow, including world titles in Cabaret Exhibition and Latin Hustle.

Beyond his performances and competitive achievements, Fajardo has played a crucial role in shaping the infrastructure of Latin Hustle competitions. Serving as the head judge for The World Salsa Dance Championships since 2005, he developed judging systems that have been widely adopted in both the Hustle and Salsa competitive circuits. These systems have helped standardize judging criteria and elevate the overall quality of competitions.

Perhaps most importantly, Fajardo has dedicated himself to nurturing upcoming talent from various dance communities. His efforts have not only helped preserve the legacy of the Latin Hustle but have also promoted its growth and evolution. By mentoring dancers from diverse backgrounds, including Salsa, Theatrical, Ballroom, and West Coast Swing, Fajardo has ensured that the Latin Hustle continues to thrive and adapt in the modern dance landscape.

The history of the Latin Hustle is a testament to the power of cultural fusion and creative expression. From its humble beginnings in the South Bronx to its current status as a globally recognized dance form, the Latin Hustle has continually evolved while maintaining its core essence. Through the contributions of pioneers like Billy Fajardo and countless other dancers and choreographers, the Latin Hustle remains a vibrant and exciting dance style, bridging generations and cultures through the universal language of movement.