1. Introduction – What is ballroom dance?
1. Introduction – What is Ballroom Dance?
Ballroom dance is a traditional form of partner dancing that originated in Europe. It is a social dance style that is often performed in competitions, and it is characterized by its elegant and graceful movements. Ballroom dance is typically done in a closed position, meaning that the partners are in physical contact with each other. The most popular ballroom dances are the waltz, the foxtrot, the cha-cha, the rumba, the tango, and the Viennese waltz. Ballroom dance is a great way to get exercise, improve coordination, and have fun with a partner.
2. Overview of 20 classic ballroom dance songs
Overview of 20 Classic Ballroom Dance Songs
1. “Tango: Por Una Cabeza” by Carlos Gardel
This classic tango song was composed by Carlos Gardel in 1935 and has been featured in several films, including Scent of a Woman and True Lies. It is an instrumental piece with a driving rhythm and passionate melody that will make you want to dance.
2. “The Blue Danube” by Johann Strauss
This waltz was composed by Johann Strauss in 1867 and is one of the most famous pieces of classical music. It has been featured in several films, including 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Sound of Music. It has a beautiful, sweeping melody that will make you feel like you are gliding across the dance floor.
3. “La Vie en Rose” by Édith Piaf
This romantic French song was composed by Édith Piaf in 1945 and has been covered by many artists, including Louis Armstrong and Lady Gaga. It has a slow, dreamy melody that will make you feel like you are in a Parisian café.
4. “Fascination” by Nat King Cole
This classic swing song was composed by Nat King Cole in 1954 and has been covered by many artists, including Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé. It has a lively, upbeat rhythm and catchy melody that will make you want to dance.
5. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
This classic swing song was composed by Jerome Kern in 1936 and has been covered by many artists, including Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé. It has a romantic, slow melody that will make you feel like you are in a romantic movie.
6. “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Benny Goodman
This classic swing song was composed by Benny Goodman in 1936 and has been featured in several films, including The Blues Brothers and Swing Kids. It has a lively, upbeat rhythm and catchy melody that will make you want to dance.
7. “The Charleston” by James P. Johnson
This classic Charleston song was composed by James P. Johnson in 1923 and has been featured in several films, including The Great Gatsby and The Artist. It has a lively, upbeat rhythm and catchy melody that will make you want to dance.
8. “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller
This classic swing song was composed by Joe Garland in 1939 and has been covered by many artists, including Glenn Miller and Michael Bublé. It has a lively, upbeat rhythm and catchy melody that will make you want to dance.
9. “Puttin’ On the Ritz” by Irving Berlin
This classic swing song was composed by Irving Berlin in 1929 and has been covered by many artists, including Fred Astaire and Michael Bublé. It has a lively, upbeat rhythm and catchy melody that will make you want to dance.
10. “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra
This classic swing song was composed by Bart Howard in 1954 and has been covered by many artists, including Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé. It has a romantic, slow melody that will make you feel like you are in a romantic movie.
3. “I Won’t Dance” by Fred Astaire
3. “I Won’t Dance” by Fred Astaire
Fred Astaire’s classic track “I Won’t Dance” is a delightful, jazzy tune that’s perfect for any ballroom dance. This 1934 song was originally composed by Jerome Kern and Otto Harbach, and was featured in the musical film Roberta. The lyrics express a man’s reluctance to dance with his love interest, but the upbeat melody and Astaire’s signature style make it a great addition to any ballroom dance playlist.
Notable Versions
The most popular version of “I Won’t Dance” is Astaire’s 1934 rendition, but it has been covered by many other artists over the years. Notable versions include those by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and Michael Bublé.
4. “Cheek to Cheek” by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
4. “Cheek to Cheek” by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
This classic duet was released in 1935 and is a favorite among ballroom dancers. It was recorded by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, two of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. The song is a perfect example of the swing style of jazz, with a light, upbeat tempo and playful lyrics. The two singers’ voices blend together perfectly, creating a romantic atmosphere that is perfect for a slow dance. Whether you’re dancing the waltz or the foxtrot, “Cheek to Cheek” is sure to get you and your partner in the mood for a romantic night of dancing.
5. “Mack the Knife” by Bobby Darin
5. “Mack the Knife” by Bobby Darin
Originally written by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht for their 1928 musical “The Threepenny Opera,” Bobby Darin’s version of “Mack the Knife” became a hit in 1959. With its lively tempo and infectious melody, this classic tune is a great choice for ballroom dancers. It is often used for jive and swing dances. The song is about a murderous criminal known as Mack the Knife, and its lyrics are full of sly humor and irony.
6. “The Lady Is a Tramp” by Frank Sinatra
6. “The Lady Is a Tramp” by Frank Sinatra
This classic tune from the Great American Songbook is a great choice for ballroom dancing. It’s upbeat and fun, and the lyrics are sure to make you smile. Sinatra’s smooth voice and the swinging rhythm make this an ideal song for a foxtrot or swing dance. The song is also perfect for a romantic slow dance, as the lyrics tell the story of two people who don’t fit in with the rest of the world, but are content to be together.
7. “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller
7. “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller
This classic swing tune is one of the most well-known ballroom dance songs of all time. The song was first released in 1939 and became a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard charts in 1940. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including the Andrews Sisters and Ella Fitzgerald. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it perfect for dancing the Lindy Hop, a popular swing dance from the 1930s and 1940s. It’s also a great choice for any jiving or jitterbugging couples.
8. “Puttin’ on the Ritz” by Irving Berlin
8. “Puttin’ on the Ritz” by Irving Berlin
This classic song from the 1920s is a great one for a Foxtrot. Written by Irving Berlin and first performed by Harry Richman, “Puttin’ on the Ritz” is a song about the wealthy and fashionable people of the time. The song is upbeat and lively, making it perfect for a romantic Foxtrot.
Notable Lyric:
“If you’re blue and you don’t know where to go to
Why don’t you go where fashion sits
Puttin’ on the Ritz”
9. “I Got Rhythm” by George and Ira Gershwin
9. “I Got Rhythm” by George and Ira Gershwin
Originally written for the 1930 musical Girl Crazy, “I Got Rhythm” has become a classic jazz standard. This up-tempo song is a great choice for swing dancing. The Gershwin brothers’ catchy tune and clever lyrics make it an enjoyable and memorable song for both dancers and listeners alike. The song has been covered by a variety of artists over the years, including Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Michael Bublé.
Notable Versions
• Ella Fitzgerald – Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook (1959)
• Frank Sinatra – Sinatra Sings Gershwin (2003)
• Michael Bublé – Crazy Love (2009)
10. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Fred Astaire
10. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Fred Astaire
This classic from 1936 is a timeless romantic ballroom dance song. Fred Astaire’s smooth vocals and the song’s sweet lyrics make it a perfect choice for slow dances. It’s been covered by many artists, including Michael Bublé, Rod Stewart, and Maroon 5.
Notable Lyrics
“Oh, but you’re lovely, with your smile so warm and your cheeks so soft/ There is nothing for me but to love you, and the way you look tonight.”
11. “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” by Duke Ellington
11. “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” by Duke Ellington
This iconic song was written by Duke Ellington and Irving Mills in 1932, and has been covered by countless artists since. It is a classic swing tune that is perfect for Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, and East Coast Swing. The upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics make it a great choice for any ballroom dance playlist.
Notable Versions
The original version by Duke Ellington and his Orchestra is the most popular, but there are also some great covers, including those by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie.
12. “Sway” by Dean Martin
12. “Sway” by Dean Martin
Dean Martin’s classic “Sway” is a popular choice for ballroom dancers. The song has a romantic, Latin-inspired sound and its catchy melody is perfect for dancing the Rumba. The song was originally released in 1954 and has been covered by many other artists, including Michael Bublé and The Pussycat Dolls. The lyrics are all about being mesmerized by someone’s beauty and wanting to sway with them in your arms.
13. “Beyond the Sea” by Bobby Darin
13. “Beyond the Sea” by Bobby Darin
This classic ballroom dance song is a great choice for a slow dance. Written and first recorded by French singer Charles Trenet in 1946, “Beyond the Sea” is an English version of the French song “La Mer.” Bobby Darin popularized the song in 1959, and it has been covered by a variety of artists since then. The song is a romantic love story about a man dreaming of a woman he loves who is “beyond the sea.” Its gentle melody and romantic lyrics make it perfect for a slow dance.
14. “Tuxedo Junction” by Glenn Miller
14. “Tuxedo Junction” by Glenn Miller
This instrumental classic is a great choice for a ballroom dance. Written by Erskine Hawkins, William Johnson, Julian Dash, and Buddy Feyne, and recorded by Glenn Miller and his Orchestra in 1939, “Tuxedo Junction” is one of the most popular swing tunes of all time. Its catchy melody and upbeat tempo make it a great choice for a fun and lively ballroom dance.
15. “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra
15. “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra
This classic ballroom dance song needs no introduction. Written by Bart Howard in 1954, “Fly Me to the Moon” was popularized by Frank Sinatra and has been covered by countless artists since. Its swinging jazz melody and laid-back feel make it perfect for a slow dance. Whether you’re dancing the Foxtrot, Waltz, or Rumba, this song is sure to set the mood.
Notable Lyrics:
“Fill my heart with song and let me sing forevermore / You are all I long for, all I worship and adore.”
16. “Moon River” by Henry Mancini
16. “Moon River” by Henry Mancini
This classic ballad from the 1961 film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is a timeless slow waltz that has been covered by many artists, including Frank Sinatra and Andy Williams. The song’s composer, Henry Mancini, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for it in 1962. The song is a romantic and tender waltz that can be used for a variety of dances, including the American waltz, the Viennese waltz, and the slow waltz.
Tempo and Time Signature
The tempo of “Moon River” is a slow waltz at 72 beats per minute. It is in the time signature of 3/4, meaning there are three beats per measure.
17. “I’m in the Mood for Love” by Ella Fitzgerald
17. “I’m in the Mood for Love” by Ella Fitzgerald
This classic ballroom dance song from 1935 is a perfect choice for a romantic slow dance. Written by Jimmy McHugh and Dorothy Fields, “I’m in the Mood for Love” has been covered by many artists, but Ella Fitzgerald’s version is one of the most beloved. This timeless tune is sure to add a touch of nostalgia to any dance floor.
18. “String of Pearls” by Glenn Miller
“String of Pearls” by Glenn Miller
One of the most iconic big band songs of all time, “String of Pearls” by Glenn Miller is a classic ballroom dance song. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Benny Goodman and the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra. The song was composed by Jerry Gray and recorded by the Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1941. It has a bright, upbeat tempo and a catchy melody that make it a great song to dance to. The song has been featured in several movies, including The Glenn Miller Story and The Great Escape. It is a timeless classic that will be enjoyed by dancers for generations to come.
Listen to “String of Pearls” by Glenn Miller
Listen to “String of Pearls” by Glenn Miller on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/track/2Gz2Jke2BtTvf8FbTkKpV7
19. “Fascinating Rhythm” by George and Ira Gershwin
19. “Fascinating Rhythm” by George and Ira Gershwin
This classic song was written by the legendary Gershwin brothers in 1924. It has become a popular standard for ballroom dancers, thanks to its upbeat tempo and catchy melody. The song is often used for waltz and quickstep dances, as well as for line dances. The lyrics tell the story of a person who is determined to keep up with the “fascinating rhythm” of life.
Notable Versions
The Gershwin brothers’ original version is the most popular, but there have been many notable covers of the song, including versions by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Michael Bublé.
20. “Let’s Face the Music and Dance” by Irving Berlin
“Let’s Face the Music and Dance” by Irving Berlin
This 1936 classic was written by Irving Berlin for the film “Follow the Fleet” and was famously performed by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. It’s a lively and romantic song that encourages dancers to embrace life and enjoy the moment. The song has been covered by countless artists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and Michael Bublé. It’s the perfect song for a romantic waltz or even a sultry tango.
Notable Versions
Ella Fitzgerald – “Let’s Face the Music and Dance”
Nat King Cole – “Let’s Face the Music and Dance”
Michael Bublé – “Let’s Face the Music and Dance”
21. Conclusion – Tips for creating the perfect ballroom dance playlist
Conclusion – Tips for Creating the Perfect Ballroom Dance Playlist
Creating the perfect ballroom dance playlist doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right combination of classic songs and modern hits, you can create a playlist that will keep your guests dancing all night. Here are a few tips to help you create the perfect ballroom dance playlist:
1. Variety is Key
When creating your playlist, make sure to include a variety of different styles of music. This will ensure that everyone can find a song they like and that the music won’t get repetitive.
2. Consider the Tempo and Style of Dance
When selecting songs for your playlist, consider the tempo and style of the dance. Slower songs are best for waltzes and foxtrots, while faster songs are better for quicksteps and cha-chas.
3. Balance the Classics and the Modern Hits
When creating your playlist, make sure to include a mix of classic and modern songs. This will ensure that everyone can find something they like and that the music won’t get stale.
4. Have Fun!
Above all, have fun when creating your playlist! Don’t be afraid to experiment and add some of your own favorites. With the right combination of classic and modern songs, you can create the perfect ballroom dance playlist that will keep your guests dancing all night.
