10 70s Dance Trends That Were Painfully Awkward

The 1970s were a decade of disco balls, funky beats, and wild dance crazes. While some moves are remembered fondly, others have become a little embarrassing to look back on. These 10 dance trends from the 70s may have been popular, but now they seem painfully awkward in hindsight.

1. The Hustle

The Hustle was one of the most iconic dance moves of the 70s, fueled by the rise of disco music. It involved a lot of stepping, spinning, and arm movements that looked fun at the time. People flocked to nightclubs to show off their Hustle skills.

However, the choreographed style of the dance feels overly stiff and forced by today’s standards. Watching videos of crowds doing the Hustle in unison can come across as robotic, making it one of the more awkward trends of the disco era.

2. The Funky Chicken

The Funky Chicken was meant to be fun and silly, and it definitely was. Dancers would imitate a chicken, flapping their arms and bending their knees in exaggerated motions. The more ridiculous you looked, the better. It was all about letting loose without caring how awkward you appeared.

But looking back, the dance is undeniably cringeworthy. While it may have been amusing in the 70s, today it seems like a joke gone too far. The Funky Chicken is a prime example of how some trends are better left in the past.

3. The Bump

The Bump involved two people bumping their hips together in time with the music. It was simple and required little coordination, which is probably why it became so popular. You didn’t have to be a great dancer to participate, making it accessible for almost anyone.

However, the Bump’s simplicity also made it incredibly repetitive. After a few minutes, it got old fast. While it was harmless fun, it’s hard not to feel secondhand embarrassment watching old videos of people enthusiastically bumping hips to disco beats.

4. The YMCA Dance

The YMCA dance was born from the Village People’s 1978 hit song “Y.M.C.A.” During the chorus, people would form the letters with their arms, spelling out Y, M, C, and A. The dance became a staple at parties, weddings, and school dances. It was practically unavoidable.

While the song remains a classic, the dance feels overly cheesy today. The coordinated arm movements and group participation can feel forced, especially when crowds do it in unison. What once was a fun, catchy dance now feels painfully awkward at large gatherings.

5. The Robot

The Robot was a mechanical, stop-motion style dance that became popular during the 70s. Dancers would move their arms and legs in stiff, jerky motions to mimic the movements of a robot. It required a lot of body control, and when done right, it could be impressive.

But when done wrong, the Robot looked clunky and awkward. Not everyone had the skill to pull it off, leading to some painfully stiff performances on the dance floor. While it’s still done today, it’s mostly seen as a novelty dance that’s more funny than cool.

6. The Disco Finger

The Disco Finger was a simple move where dancers would point one finger in the air and then bring it down across their body in time with the music. It was a signature move of the disco era and was often accompanied by exaggerated hip movements and flashy outfits.

Today, the Disco Finger feels incredibly dated and awkward. It’s the kind of move you might do jokingly at a retro-themed party, but it’s hard to imagine anyone seriously breaking it out on the dance floor today. It’s a reminder of how over-the-top the disco craze really was.

7. The Pogo

Punk rock fans in the 70s embraced the Pogo, a dance that involved simply jumping up and down in place. There were no fancy moves or steps to follow, just pure energy. The simplicity of the Pogo made it popular at punk shows, where the focus was more on the music than the dancing.

However, watching videos of people mindlessly jumping in crowds can look pretty ridiculous. The lack of coordination and the repetitive motion make the Pogo seem more like a workout than a dance. It’s a trend that’s definitely awkward to look back on.

8. The Bus Stop

The Bus Stop was a line dance that became popular during the disco era. Dancers would move in unison, stepping forward, back, and side to side in a set pattern. Like many 70s dances, it relied heavily on rhythm and coordination, and it was often done in large groups.

While it may have been a fun way to bond with others on the dance floor, the Bus Stop’s rigid structure can feel forced and overly formal by today’s standards. Watching groups of people doing the exact same moves in sync feels more awkward than exciting.

9. The Hully Gully

The Hully Gully was a group dance that involved simple steps repeated over and over. It was often done at parties or events where people would line up and follow the lead of one dancer. The repetitive nature of the Hully Gully made it easy for anyone to join in, regardless of skill.

However, the dance’s repetitive moves could get boring quickly. While it was a social dance that brought people together, its lack of variety makes it feel a bit dull and awkward to watch today. It’s one of those trends that probably worked best in its own time.

10. The Electric Slide

The Electric Slide was another line dance that gained popularity in the 70s, though it’s still seen at parties today. It involved a series of steps that were easy to learn and repeat, making it popular for group settings. People loved how accessible it was, and it became a party favorite.

However, the Electric Slide can feel overly choreographed, with little room for improvisation. Watching large groups of people doing the same steps in sync can feel awkward and stiff, especially at events where everyone is just trying to have fun. It’s one of those dances that feels more like a social obligation than a spontaneous expression of joy.