Jazz Dance Music Ideas to Get You Moving

Here are some great jazz dance music ideas to get you moving. These tunes are perfect for any level of dancer, from beginner to advanced.

Introduction to Jazz Dance Music

Though it originated in the United States, jazz has influences from all over the world. You can hear these influences in the music that is used for jazz dancing. If you are looking for some ideas of songs to get you moving, here is a list of some popular tunes that are often used in jazz dance classes.

“Ain’t Misbehavin'” – This Fats Waller song from 1929 has a lively tempo that is perfect for jazzy movements.

“All That Music Must Fade” – This 2020 song by The Who has a slower tempo that is great for showing off your lyrical style.

“Basin Street Blues” – This classic 1925 tune by Spencer Williams is a fun one to move to with its New Orleans style.

“Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen” – This 1937 tune by The Andrews Sisters has a catchy beat that will make you want to get up and dance.

“Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” – Another classic from The Andrews Sisters, this 1941 song will get your feet moving.

“Crazy in Love” – This 2003 chart-topper by Beyonce features a fast-paced beat that is perfect for showing off your jazz moves.

“Fever” – This 1958 hit by Peggy Lee has a sultry feel that is perfect for slow and sensual movements.

“Hit the Road Jack” – This 1961 Ray Charles tune has a fast tempo that will make you want to get up and move.

“I Get a Kick Out of You” – This 1934 Cole Porter tune has a catchy melody that makes it perfect for jazz dancing. “Puttin’ on the Ritz”- This 1930 Fred Astaire tune has an upbeat tempo and energy that makes it perfect for Lindy Hop or Charleston moves.

The Different Styles of Jazz Dance Music

Jazz dance is a fun and energizing form of dance that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. While there are many different styles of jazz dance, they all share a few common elements, including improvisation, syncopation, and popular music.

One of the most popular styles of jazz dance is Lindy Hop. This style originated in the 1920s and 1930s in Harlem, and it is characterized by its fast pace and Lindy Charleston steps. Swing is another popular style of jazz dance, and it is often danced to jazz music from the 1940s and 1950s. This style emphasizes kicks, turns, and fast movements.

Other popular styles of jazz dance include West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, Charleston, Balboa, Shag,and Jive. Each of these styles has its own unique elements that make it distinct from other types of jazz dance.

The Origins of Jazz Dance Music

The origins of jazz dance can be traced back to African American vernacular dances which existed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These dances were a combination of both European and African influences and include movements such as the Cakewalk, Charleston, and Lindy Hop. Jazz dance grew out of these vernacular traditions and quickly became a popular form of entertainment in the early 20th century.

During the 1920s, jazz dance began to evolve into its own distinct style, influenced by both African and European movements. This new style of jazz dance was characterized by its use of improvization and individual expression. It also began to be performed in large Broadway revues and nightclubs.

By the 1930s, jazz dance had become an established art form, with dancers such as Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers popularizing the style through their film work. During this time, jazz dance also began to influence other genres, such as tap dancing and ballet.

Jazz dance has continued to evolve over the years, with new styles and movements continually being developed. Today, it remains a popular form of entertainment and expression, enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.

The Popularity of Jazz Dance Music

There are many reasons why jazz dance music is so popular. First, it is a very versatile genre that can be used for many different types of dances. Second, it has a wide range of tempos, making it perfect for both slow and fast-paced dances. Third, it is often very upbeat and positive, which makes it perfect for helping people to feel good while they are dancing. Finally, jazz dance music is often very easy to find, making it a great option for people who want to find new music to dance to without spending a lot of time searching for it.

How to Use Jazz Dance Music in Your Own Choreography

Jazz dance is a timeless and classic dance style that has influenced many other genres. If you’re looking for some jazz dance music to add to your own choreography, look no further! Here are 10 popular songs that are perfect for jazz dancing.

1. “Puttin’ on the Ritz” by Fred Astaire
2. “Steppin’ Out With My Baby” by Irving Berlin
3. “I Got Rhythm” by George Gershwin
4. “Shake, Rattle & Roll” by Bill Haley & His Comets
5. “The Way You Look Tonight” by Jerome Kern
6. “Mack the Knife” by Kurt Weill
7. “Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen” by Sammy Cahn
8. “Let’s Do It, Let’s Fall in Love” by Cole Porter
9. “Swinging on a Star” by Jimmy Van Heusen
10. “sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)” by Benny Goodman

Jazz Dance Music for Beginners

Finding the right music for your jazz dance class can be a challenge, especially if you’re just getting started. You want something that will get you moving and groove with the style, but also isn’t too complicated or fast-paced. Luckily, there are plenty of great options out there for beginners. Here are a few of our favorites:

-“Ain’t Misbehavin'” by Fats Waller
-“Begin the Beguine” by Cole Porter
-“Cheek to Cheek” by Irving Berlin
-“Flying Home” by Lionel Hampton
-“I’m Beginning to See the Light” by Duke Ellington
-“It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” by Duke Ellington
-“Jumpin’ at the Woodside” by Count Basie
-“Puttin’ on the Ritz” by Irving Berlin
-“Satin Doll” by Duke Ellington

Jazz Dance Music for Intermediates

Intermediate jazz dancers will be able to handle most patterns and steps, but may need a little more help with musicality and interpreting the feel of the music. If you’re looking for some tunes to help you get started, check out these five pieces of jazz dance music for intermediates.

1. “I Got Rhythm” by George Gershwin
This classic tune is perfect for exploring different rhythms and kicks off with a great solo that can inspire some fun footwork.

2. “Puttin’ on the Ritz” by Fred Astaire
A fast-paced number that will really get your heart racing, this song is perfect for showing off your energy and style.

3. “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Benny Goodman
An upbeat Swing tune that will have you dancing in no time, this one is perfect for working on your timing and footwork.

4. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli
A slower song that is perfect for exploring different emotions in your dancing, this track is perfect for showing off your interpretive skills.

5. “All of Me” by Billie Holiday
A beautiful ballad that is perfect for practicing smooth movements and transitions, this song is ideal for refining your technique.

Jazz Dance Music for Advanced Dancers

As an advanced jazz dancer, you likely have a repertoire of moves and a few signature steps that you love to perform. You’re also probably looking for new music to keep your routine fresh and interesting. Here are some ideas for great jazz dance music for advanced dancers.

If you’re looking for something classic, try “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Benny Goodman or “Puttin’ on the Ritz” by Fred Astaire. For something with a modern twist, try “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor or “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. If you want to really challenge yourself, try dancing to “I Got Rhythm” by George Gershwin or “Caravan” by Duke Ellington.

No matter what kind of jazz dance music you ultimately choose, be sure to have fun and enjoy yourself!

Tips for Dancing to Jazz Dance Music

Not sure what kind of jazz dance music to play for your next dance class or routine? These tips will help get you started!

First, consider the era that you want to focus on. Jazz dance has roots in both African and European cultural traditions, so there is a wide range of styles to choose from. If you’re not sure where to start, try something from the Swing Era of the 1920s and 1930s or the Big Band Era of the 1940s. These styles are still popular today and offer a great way to get started with jazz dancing.

Once you’ve chosen an era, take a look at some of the most popular jazz songs from that time period. See if you can find any that have a good beat for dancing. You might also want to look for songs with interesting rhythms or melodies that will be fun to move to.

Finally, don’t forget that jazz dance is all about expression and creativity! So once you’ve found some music you like, experiment with different ways of moving to it. Let yourself go and have fun!

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is a wide variety of music available to accompany your jazz dancing. By considering the feeling you want to create and the overall tone of your routine, you can narrow down your choices and select the perfect tracks to get your dancers moving. With so many great options out there, there’s no excuse not to get started on putting together an amazing jazz dance routine today!