Class Schedule: September 11, 16, & 18, 2025 | 7:30 – 9:00 PM
Dance music had existed since at least the 1930s, but the beat took on a new meaning in the 1970s. The four-on-the-floor beat, wah-wah guitar, horns, funky bass, and soulful vocals invited people from various backgrounds onto the floor. The craze may have ended by 1980, but the music never died; instead, the genre transformed into other genres such as House and Electronic Dance Music (EDM). Disco Inferno, a two-part course, will explore the history of disco, from its origins through its heyday and beyond.
Part one looks at the roots of disco, from James Brown’s extended breaks to Philadelphia International’s groundbreaking, lush productions. New York and Africa played key roles in the development of disco, as did a perfect storm of social and political issues: women’s rights, gay rights, civil rights, the aftermath of Vietnam and Watergate, and much more. Students will learn about the rise of disco, its characteristics, and the key artists of its early years. No prior knowledge of the Hustle is required!
Zoom Link will be provided upon registration.
