What dancer isn’t looking for new music to dance to, right? Even if you prefer the same classics over and over, the reality is the musical landscape is always evolving, both socially and competitively. The dancer who doesn’t adapt to different music is a dancer quickly left behind.
This time, I’ve included TWELVE of my favourite dance songs, each focusing on a different style of ballroom. Give them a listen, and enjoy!
Song: As We Do Our Thing - The Allergies
Dance Type: East Coast Swing
Combining modern and classic instruments, this band could fit in with the 50’s swing era, or a classy lounge today. If you aren’t dancing to it, you’ll at least be snapping your fingers!
Song: After Dark - Tito & Tarantula
Dance Type: Rumba
This classic from Quentin Tarantino’s Dusk ’Til Dawn is both raw and seductive. Enjoy it at a social, or maybe during a romantic evening with your beau.
Song: Dance of the Dream Man - Angelo Badalamenti
Dance Type: Foxtrot
A good jazzy number for beginners, with a clear beat, accompanied only by a lonely saxophone. Perfect for a last number at the dance hall, or the corner pub.
Song: Lil Darlin (feat. The O'Mys) - ZZ Ward
Dance Type: Viennese Waltz
Definitely not your traditional waltz, ZZ Ward injects love and soul into this bittersweet melody. A bit advanced if you dance American style, but international waltzers won’t even blink.
Song: CAN'T STOP THE FEELING! - Justin Timberlake
Dance Type: Hustle, West Coast Swing
WARNING: This song will get stuck in your head, and stay there. Try not to dance to it, I dare you. Just don’t be surprised if Justin’s falsetto chorus cracks a few windows…
Song: Ballroom Blitz - The Sweet
Dance Type: Quickstep
Yes, it’s a 4-minute quickstep, but you won’t even notice as you gallop around the floor to this high-energy masterpiece. Possibly the best thing about the Wayne’s World movie, and that’s saying something.
Song: Peter Gunn - Max Sedgley & Sarah Vaughan
Dance Type: Cha Cha
You don’t have to watch the classic TV series to appreciate this prowling remix. Lends itself well to a showcase, especially if it’s Bond night.
Song: Minuet - Boccerini
Dance Type: Waltz
For those who prefer dancing to true classics, Minuet is one of the few slow waltzes that fits the bill. A great way to break up the energy of a social, or to introduce first-timers to your Victorian-era home.
Song: Enjoy the Silence - Tanghetto
Dance Type: Tango
Do you like Tango Nuevo? How about Depeche Mode? Perfect. This one takes a bit of time to warm-up, but it’s got get-up-and-go once the beat kicks in.
Song: Joutsenlaulu - Canto Finlandia
Dance Type: Bolero, Rumba (International)
And now for something completely different… Finnish choir singing? It’s better than it sounds, creating an almost meditative experience - perfect if a challenging dance leaves you wanting to punch things.
Song: Conmigo - Eddie Palmieri
Dance Type: Salsa
The piano riff alone makes this a memorable Latin tune, and the singing style will make you feel like you’re back in the time of Tito Puente.
Song: E-O-Zumba-E - King Africa
Dance Type: Samba
What can I say? If you don’t want to samba to it, you can at least enjoy it at a techno club. Dramatic and full of power - if you’re going to perform this one, you had better mean it.
About the Author
Ian Crewe has been dancing ballroom for over 18 years, and has a Licentiate in American smooth and rhythm. His passion for dance eventually led him to blogging and the World Wide Web. Ian currently teaches at the Joy of Dance Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada. Click here to see when he's teaching.