Come on in and pull up a chair near the DJ, because this is the ‘music remixed’ edition! After all, who doesn’t wish they could dance the moves they know best to the music they love most? Thanks to the increasing number of ballroom disk jockeys out there, there’s a ballroom version of almost anything.
I’ve scoured the web and my library for some of the best ballroom remixes out there, so click that play button and start rocking to these modern tunes!
Song: Stand by Me - Prince Royce
Dance Type: Bachata
The romantic original by Ben E King practically screams for a bachata remix, and Prince Royce gladly obliges. Probably best for social dancing, as it’s not really dynamic enough for a performance.
Song: Summertime Sadness - DJ Rico Latino
Dance Type: Rumba, Bolero
The bittersweet tones of Lana Del Rey fill this lazy track, giving you plenty of room to stretch those extensions. Try practicing to this one, or maybe an ambitious performance.
Song: Green Onions - Jack Costanzo And Gerry Woo
Dance Type: Cha Cha
Jack and Gerry jazzed this up so much you can barely hear the original tune underneath the sax and drums, creating an energetic but classy alternative. Could make a great performance piece.
Song: All About That Base - PMJ ft. Kate Davis
Dance Type: Foxtrot/Quickstep fusion
Kate Davis' lovely voice does great justice to this downtempo lounge version of the Megan Trainor hit. One warning: you’ll want to either edit out the quickstep portion at 2:23, or keep it in and make the song into an advanced fusion piece instead.
Song: Cyclone - Ernie Halter
Dance Type: West Coast Swing
Ernie’s acoustic remix might be too cheeky for everyone, but it definitely works as a sexy performance, or just to get your groove on as a pre-practice warm-up.
Song: Hot N’ Cold - The Baseballs
Dance Type: East Coast Swing
I wonder what Katy Perry thinks of this one. The Baseballs make it sound like it could have been song by Buddy Holly - even their video looks like it’s from the 50s. Play it for a social, a performance, or your next vintage party.
Song: Mambozart - Klazz Brothers & Cuba Percussion
Dance Type: Salsa
Classical music purists, cover your ears! I’ve always loved piano-style salsas, so why not remix a Mozart classic? A strong beat, combined with plenty of variety, makes this gem great for anything you want it for.
Song: Without You - Mister Gaya and Usher
Dance Type: Tango
I’ve heard a lot of poorly done tango remixes in my searches, but this powerfully romantic exception makes it worth the effort. Great performance material.
Song: Chanson Pour Elle - Ballroom Dance Collection
Dance Type: Waltz
Take your time and stretch your steps with this lazy but beautiful remake of Beethoven's Fur Elise. Best for slow practice, but it can easily be sped up to a social tempo.
Song: Secrets - The Piano Guys & DJ Ice
Dance Type: Viennese Waltz
Dramatic and gorgeous, this powerful rendition will have you smiling for sure. Perfect for a performance, but who wants to wait that long to hear it again?
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.