20 Vintage Photos of the 1970s Disco Era

History Nostalgia May 8, 2025

Last Updated on May 8, 2025 by Matt Staff

The 1970s disco era was one that truly dazzled with an explosion of music, dance, and iconic styles. It provided a special time where people were able to come together under many mirrored lights and immersive booming beats. These 21 vintage ’70s disco photos capture the electric spirit of those unforgettable disco nights.

1. The disco era of the ’70s (NYC)

Two women in platform boots and short outfits walk along a city sidewalk, passing a storefront window; two other women, seen from behind, talk in front of the shop. The scene appears to be from the 1970s.
animerafilm

Daytime disco can be a whole mood.

2. Ecstatic Disco Dancer, 12 West Nightclub, NYC, 1976

A woman in a low-cut dress laughs joyfully with her arms raised above her head in a crowded, dimly lit dance floor surrounded by people dancing and socializing.
electronicstimes

She’s feeling the disco vibes.

3. Marcia Brady (Maureen McCormick) hanging out with Patrick Swayze in a 1970s Disco

Four women and one man pose together in colorful, retro dance or skating outfits, smiling with arms around each other against a dark, indoor background with sparkly lights.
5frogmargin

Patrick Swayze is just looking too cool here.

4. John Travolta Disco Fever: The 1970s Dance Floor King

A man in a suit with an open shirt and scarf dances with a smiling woman in a low-cut dress at a crowded nightclub, with people socializing and dancing in the background. The photo is in black and white.
officialtimesoftimes

John Travolta certainly loved his disco outings.

5. The disco DJs during the ’70s couldn’t afford to not be tapped in

A young DJ wearing headphones and a t-shirt sits at a vintage audio control booth with turntables, microphones, and records. People are dancing and socializing in the background. The scene appears to be from the 1970s.
subzerooo

The disco DJs of the seventies were pretty much always locked in.

6. Disco lessons, Beaverton, Oregon, 1970s

A group of people, including adults and children, practice dance steps together on a checkered floor. The instructor leads in front, and everyone appears focused, following his movements closely. The scene is lively and energetic.
thesanityinspector

It’s all about a solid foundation for successful disco outings.

7. People dancing at the Blue Frog disco in Ann Arbor. Michigan, 1970s

A lively group of men and women dance and socialize on a disco floor in a nightclub, dressed in 1970s fashion, with a DJ visible in the background behind a glass booth.
deleted

And oh boy did they dance the night away.

8. British disco queen, Tina Charles, in the 1970s

A woman with long, dark hair sits casually, wearing a patterned top and jeans. The black-and-white photo has a vintage feel, and she gazes slightly to the side with a subtle, relaxed expression.
dhorlin

Those eyes have a love for disco in them. So seventies.

9. Dancing in a disco, Mecklenburg, East Germany, 1974

People in colorful 1970s outfits dance together in a room with yellow curtains. Long skirts, bell-bottom pants, and bright tops are visible. The wooden floor and casual atmosphere suggest a lively social event.
susoutthemoon

Everyone is tuned in for the seventies disco vibes.

10. Giovanni Giorgio Moroder, the father of disco and electronic dance music, looking very fly (circa 1975)

A man with curly hair, a mustache, and sunglasses sits at a synthesizer surrounded by modular equipment in a studio. He wears a striped shirt and points dramatically to his left.
abbacoverband

Yeah, “fly” doesn’t even begin to cover it.

11. Everyone looking focused in on the disco at hand back in the ’70s.

A group of people dance energetically indoors, dressed in mid-20th-century attire. Three women in front move with enthusiasm, while others stand and interact in the lively, crowded background.
anonymous

This looks like plain old good times.

12. Dancing at the Disko Club in East Germany, 1975

A group of young people in casual 1970s clothing stand and mingle in a small room decorated with a "DISKO CLUB" sign, some appearing to dance while others sit or talk against the wall.
5frogmargin

You can already tell that these people didn’t mess around with their disco.

13. The Disco Scene in the 1970s

Two men face each other in a fighting stance, one shirtless and one in a white robe, surrounded by a crowd of people watching. A burst of fire appears in the background above the spectators’ heads.
deleyed

It looks pretty fiery if you ask me.

14. Disco Dancing in Oklahoma (April 17, 1978)

A man in a light-colored vintage suit dances enthusiastically with a smiling woman in a white top, shorts, and flower in her hair on a wooden floor.
axlcobainvedder

Oklahoma knew a thing or two about the disco.

15. Empire Roller Disco, Brooklyn, NY (1970s)

Black and white photo of a crowded roller skating rink with people dancing, skating, and socializing under bright lights. The scene is lively, energetic, and filled with a diverse group of men and women.
axlcobainvedder

Brooklyn was its own hot spot for disco scenes.

16. He’s got the attention of the room. That much is undeniable

A man in shiny pants dances on the floor while a large, stylishly dressed crowd watches, smiling and clapping at a party or club in a black-and-white photo from the 1970s.
Screenshot

Yeah, and he seems entirely unfazed.

17. Dance floor at Paradise Garage, New York, 1978

A crowded dance floor filled with people dancing and socializing at a lively nightclub, likely from the 1970s or 1980s, with a mix of men and women in casual summer clothing and festive lighting in the background.
Screenshot

Yeah, I’m all for getting the disco going in the garage. Why not?

18. Disco fever, midtown Manhattan, circa 1975

Black-and-white photo of a lively dance floor, showing people in vintage clothing enthusiastically dancing and making expressive poses, with a disco ball overhead and others watching in the background.
axlcobainvedder

Oh yes, the fever for disco was sure to be found there.

19. Warren Beatty and Iman leaving a disco in 1977

A man in sunglasses and a trench coat stands beside a woman wearing a luxurious fur coat and holding a clutch bag. The image is in black and white and appears to be taken at night or indoors.
anonymous

The fur coat speaks to that seventies disco vibe, for sure.

20. You know it means business when it’s the biggest disco in New York City

Black and white photo of a city street scene. A theater marquee reads "NEW YORK’S LARGEST DISCO." People gather below with balloons, signs, and tables. Old buildings and a high-rise are visible in the background.
deleted

Just imagine how long the wait was to get through the door at this disco spot though.

Explore more nostalgic content:

Roll right into 20 Vintage Photos That Capture the Seventies Roller Skating Craze to see how disco fever spilled onto four wheels. For a wider snapshot of feathered hair, lava lamps, and polyester everything, flip through 70+ Photos That Totally Sum Up the 1970s.

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