I have a confession to make. I love music.
I mean, I really, REALLY love it. My taste for music includes everything from Enya to Eminem. My total iTunes song count numbers in the tens of thousands. I could play music non-stop for a month and never play the same song twice.
This unfortunately causes me to overlook some of the dustier gems in my collection, until I rediscover them years later. This then is my (mostly) forgotten tracks edition - the ones I don’t play nearly enough. Give them some love for me!
Song: Spanish Fly (feat. Ludacris, Wyclef Jean)
Dance Type: Bachata
It sounds like just one more bittersweet melody - until about 45 seconds, when the beat kicks in and suddenly it’s dead sexy. Performance-worthy for sure, maybe with a ‘lil hip hop mixed in.
Song: Like Lovers Do - Heather Nova
Dance Type: Rumba, Bolero
If there’s a type of music I tend to avoid, it’s probably country. But Heather’s sweet voice wins me over. Great for a wedding or other performance, though it might be a little too uppity for general dancing.
Song: Mueve El Cuerpo - Rodolfo Guerra
Dance Type: Cha Cha
It’s party time! This oldie-but-a-goodie sticks in your head, with it’s catchy trumpet riff and high-energy beats. Good for a social or whatever you want.
Song: Bill Bailey Won't You Please Come Home - Ella Fitzgerald
Dance Type: Foxtrot
Scat-haters can calm down -Ella delivers good simple music in this one. She does get a bit cheeky when describing how various figures of the time might have sung the chorus - bonus points if you can imitate them while dancing *smile*.
Song: Crazy - Gnarls Barkley
Dance Type: Hustle, West Coast Swing
A great one for beginners, with a strong beat and easy tempo. Plenty of groove for the seasoned dancers too.
Song: Tainted Love - Soft Cell
Dance Type: East Coast Swing, Slow Jive
I owned this song for ages before it occurred to me what a great ballroom song it made. Plenty of accents, to make your performances more interesting
Song: Hit the Road Jack - Ray Charles
Dance Type: Quickstep
If you aren’t dancing, you’ll probably be singing along to Ray Charles and his ‘unsympathetic’ female backup. This song practically begs for a performance - the story is built right in *smile*
Song: Stairway to Heaven (Remix) - Manuel Gonzales
Dance Type: Salsa
If you can survive the first 25 seconds (or just edit them out), this quickly shapes up to be one of the best salsa remixes I’ve ever heard. Perfect if you like softer lounge-y strings over blaring trumpets.
Song: Sombra - Percy Faith
Dance Type: Tango
Percy and his orchestra hits like a pair of heels on sprung hardwood, bringing a dramatic piece, even by tango standards. Classic performance material.
Song: The Long Day Is Over - Norah Jones
Dance Type: Waltz
Last waltz, anyone? You can almost feel your body relaxing as the piano and Norah’s sweet voice spirits it away.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oow_ZVCAWxo
Song: Time - Chantal Kreviazuk
Dance Type: Viennese Waltz
The opening piano riff alone makes this a beautiful modern waltz. I dare you to finish this song without a smile on your face!
Looking for previous favourites? Click here.
About the Author
Ian Crewe has been dancing ballroom for over 16 years, and has a Licentiate in American smooth and rhythm. He currently teaches at the Joy of Dance Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada. Click here to see when he's teaching.