Flashback 70s, 80s & 90s: Groovy Choreography Guide

by Jhon Lennon 52 views

Hey guys! Ready to get your groove on and take a trip down memory lane? We're diving headfirst into the vibrant world of flashback choreography, focusing on the iconic dance moves of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just looking to add some retro flair to your moves, this guide is your ultimate resource. So, lace up those dancing shoes, and let’s boogie!

Diving into the Disco Era: 70s Choreography

The 1970s – oh, what a time! This decade was all about freedom, expression, and, of course, disco. When we talk about 70s choreography, think funky steps, partner work, and lots of attitude. Key elements include the hustle, the bump, and moves inspired by Saturday Night Fever. These dances were all about feeling the music and letting loose on the dance floor.

Key Characteristics of 70s Dance

  • Partner Dancing: Many 70s dances involved partners, creating a social and interactive experience. The hustle, for instance, was a complex yet fun partner dance that required coordination and communication.
  • Funky Grooves: Think low to the ground, with bent knees and a lot of hip action. The funk influence brought a raw, uninhibited energy to the dance floor.
  • Individual Expression: While there were popular steps, the 70s also celebrated individuality. Dancers often added their personal flair to the moves, making each performance unique.

Iconic 70s Dance Moves

To truly capture the essence of 70s choreography, you need to master a few signature moves. Here are some must-know steps:

  • The Hustle: A fast-paced partner dance that involves intricate footwork and turns. It’s energetic and requires good coordination.
  • The Bump: A playful partner dance where you gently bump hips with your partner in time with the music. It’s all about having fun and being cheeky.
  • Pointing: Simply point in time with the music. It’s fun, easy and makes you look like you know what you're doing.
  • Disco Finger: A simple yet effective move where you point your finger in the air to the beat. Often done in groups, it adds a sense of unity and fun.
  • Travolta Point: Inspired by John Travolta's iconic pose in Saturday Night Fever, this move involves pointing one arm diagonally upward while striking a confident pose.

How to Incorporate 70s Moves into Your Choreography

Adding 70s choreography to your routines can bring a sense of nostalgia and fun. Start by selecting music that embodies the 70s disco sound – think Bee Gees, Donna Summer, and Chic. Then, incorporate the signature moves we discussed, focusing on keeping the energy high and the movements fluid. Don't be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touch!

Consider adding some 70s-inspired costumes to complete the look. Think bell-bottoms, platform shoes, and bright, shiny fabrics. The key is to capture the spirit of the decade and bring it to life on the dance floor.

Electric Energy: 80s Choreography

The 1980s – a decade of big hair, bold fashion, and even bolder dance moves. 80s choreography was heavily influenced by MTV and the rise of music videos. Think Michael Jackson's moonwalk, breakdancing, and the emergence of hip-hop dance styles. This era was all about high energy, sharp movements, and making a statement.

Key Characteristics of 80s Dance

  • Music Video Influence: MTV revolutionized dance by bringing it into the mainstream. Music videos showcased elaborate choreography and turned dancers into stars.
  • Hip-Hop and Breakdancing: The rise of hip-hop culture brought new styles of dance to the forefront, including breakdancing, popping, and locking.
  • Aerobic Influence: The fitness craze of the 80s also influenced dance, with aerobic-inspired moves finding their way into choreography.

Iconic 80s Dance Moves

To nail the 80s choreography, you need to familiarize yourself with some essential moves. Here are a few classics:

  • The Moonwalk: Perfected by Michael Jackson, the moonwalk involves gliding backward while appearing to walk forward. It’s an iconic move that requires practice and precision.
  • The Robot: Mimicking the movements of a robot, this style involves stiff, jerky motions and precise isolations.
  • Popping and Locking: These funk-style dances involve quick contractions and releases of muscles (popping) and freezing in specific poses (locking).
  • The Running Man: A simple yet effective move where you appear to run in place by sliding your feet back and forth.
  • Head Spin: Another popular breakdancing move is the head spin, which involves spinning on your head while maintaining balance.

How to Incorporate 80s Moves into Your Choreography

Bringing 80s choreography into your routines can add a dynamic and energetic flair. Choose music that defines the 80s sound – think Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince. Incorporate the signature moves we discussed, focusing on sharp, precise movements and high energy. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and blend them together.

Consider adding some 80s-inspired costumes to complete the look. Think neon colors, leg warmers, and oversized tops. The key is to capture the bold and vibrant spirit of the decade and bring it to life on the dance floor. Breakdancing is very visually creative, find a way to add your own personal touch.

Grunge and Groove: 90s Choreography

The 1990s – a decade of grunge, hip-hop, and the rise of boy bands and girl groups. 90s choreography was diverse, blending elements of hip-hop, R&B, and pop. Think synchronized dance moves, street-style influences, and the emergence of line dances like the Macarena. This era was all about versatility and embracing different styles.

Key Characteristics of 90s Dance

  • Hip-Hop and R&B Influence: Hip-hop and R&B continued to dominate the music scene, influencing dance styles with their smooth grooves and street-style moves.
  • Boy Bands and Girl Groups: Groups like the Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, and NSYNC brought synchronized dance moves to the forefront, creating iconic routines.
  • Line Dances: The 90s saw the rise of line dances like the Macarena and the Electric Slide, which were popular at parties and social gatherings.

Iconic 90s Dance Moves

To master 90s choreography, you need to know some of the decade's most popular moves. Here are a few essentials:

  • The Running Man: This move gained popularity in the 90s and is still widely recognized today.
  • The Roger Rabbit: Mimicking the hopping motion of Roger Rabbit, this move involves jumping and sliding your feet in a playful manner.
  • The Cabbage Patch: Named after the popular doll, this move involves twisting your hips and swinging your arms in a circular motion.
  • Vogueing: Inspired by the poses in Vogue magazine, this style involves striking sharp, angular poses with your arms and body.
  • The Macarena: A worldwide phenomenon, the Macarena is a line dance that involves a series of arm movements and hip sways.

How to Incorporate 90s Moves into Your Choreography

Adding 90s choreography to your routines can bring a sense of fun and nostalgia. Choose music that embodies the 90s sound – think Spice Girls, TLC, and NSYNC. Incorporate the signature moves we discussed, focusing on synchronized movements and street-style influences. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and blend them together.

Consider adding some 90s-inspired costumes to complete the look. Think baggy jeans, crop tops, and sneakers. The key is to capture the diverse and versatile spirit of the decade and bring it to life on the dance floor.

Tips for Mastering Flashback Choreography

  • Research: Watch music videos and dance performances from each decade to get a feel for the style and energy.
  • Practice: Repetition is key to mastering any dance move. Practice each step until it becomes second nature.
  • Experiment: Don't be afraid to add your own personal flair to the moves. Make them your own!
  • Have Fun: Dancing is all about expressing yourself and enjoying the music. Let loose and have a blast!

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to flashback choreography from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Whether you're looking to recreate iconic dance moves or add some retro flair to your routines, these tips and techniques will help you master the art of flashback dancing. Now go out there, hit the dance floor, and let the good times roll!