If you would like some advice on your choice of music then simply send the song title and artist to us through our enquiry form.
(no obligation)
Yes, it is possible to dance to any music (even no music at all), however... some will be easier and some trickier. Here's why.
Music has a beat (and sub-beats) which a dancer uses to check speed and rhythmn. Tempo is how fast overall you need to step. Rhythmn is what goes on within the beat and can be really simple or quite complicated. Musical timing is how many beats there are before it repeats - (often 1-2-3-4, or 1-2-3). Music also has mood or expression which affects how you dance.
This is a bit daunting for a beginner, especially if you are just focussing on your wedding dance. Happily, all you really need to understand is that for you some music will be easier than others. We look after everything else for you.
Of course you probably have a special song that you wish to dance to. Other things will also affect your dance, like your shoes and dress design, and the size of the floor space. Your teacher will advise and guide you on your music but will then respect your choice. They will work with you to make sure everything goes well.
For example if you happen to choose a song in Waltz timing (3 beats) but it is really fast, it might be better to use Rumba step patterns. In this case you would remove the latin expression (hip swing, cuban roll) usually in Rumba and put in the ballroom expression (upright, smooth) from Foxtrot.
It sounds a bit strange to mix up dance styles like this, but the most important thing is making it work, look good, and easy to learn. For a wedding dance it often works really well.
All this is discussed and sorted out in your initial interview and chat, from which your teacher will plan a program specially designed for you.
As a dancer becomes more experienced they develop a knack for hearing the beat, rhythmn and mood and adapting their dancing to suit. For a medium speed 4 beat tempo, they might choose Foxtrot - an easy beginner dance.
Pick up the speed and they could change to Quickstep - trickier for a beginner with less time to think and react. Slow the tempo right down and they could stretch out the steps for a more expressive smooth gliding feel - also trickier for a beginner to maintain balance and control.
If the music has a medium 3 beat tempo, a Modern Waltz would be best and quite easy for a beginner. Slow the speed down and a beginner might struggle but an advanced dancer would revel in the extra time of a Slow Waltz. Pick up the speed and you get the Viennese or circular Waltz - exhilarating but a bit dizzying for beginners.
Modern dance club music has an upbeat tempo with more complicated rhythmn - perfect for Cha Cha and Swing (Jive) patterns although purists would never mix these two.
Rock and Roll music (50's style) is great for lots of Swing variations from Lindy and Jive to Rock-a-billy depending on the speed and what club you belong to.
Latin music has wonderful expression and complexity - great for dances from the soft, sensuous Rumba to the outrageously sultry Salsa-Lambada.
And then there is Tango music - the ultimate for high drama and passion on the dance floor.
Some dancers get a bit purist (even elitist) about what dance can be done to what music. Yes, the Mambo dance was specifically designed for that unique musical style. Yes, Tango works best to the staccato rhythmn. Yes, you would look a bit odd swirling through the crowd in a Viennese Waltz at a rave party. But you can use your basic Foxtrot for anything from Jazz to Rock and Roll. Rumba is great for any crowded floor. Merengue grooves along to the latest latin beats and is also surprisingly good for Old Time and New Vogue music.
Really any 4 beat dance can be done to any 4 beat music. You can even do a 3 beat dance to 4 beat music, or a 4 beat dance to 3 beat music, or even a 4 beat dance to 5 beat music (rare). You might need to adapt a bit, but as long as the expression is made to fit the mood of the music then everything is generally OK.
Chosen by our clients (and in no particular order)
Sting & the Police - Fields of gold
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill - It's your love
Ronan Keating - I hope you dance
Pete Murray - Ten feet tall
Perry Como - Moonriver
Norah Jones - Come away with me
George Michael & Mary J Blige - As
Elvis - Fever
Cold Play - Fix you
Michael Buble - That's all
Bon Jovi - You had me from hello
Andy Williams - Can't take my eyes off of you
Aerosmith - I don't want to miss a thing
Elvis - A little less conversation
Harry Connick Jr - A wink and a smile
Nat King Cole - Fascination
Etta James - At last
Michael Buble - For once in my life
Michael Buble - The way you look tonight
Tim McGraw - My little girl (father-daughter dance)
Marcus Hummon Bobby Boyd Jeff Hanna - Bless the broken road
Ray Allaire - A song for my daughter (father-daughter dance)
Nat King Cole - Around the world
Wet wet wet - Love is all around
Michael Buble - Dream a little dream
Jessica Simpson - Take my breath away
Otis Redding - These arms of mine
Darren Hayes - So beautiful
Oliver James - The greatest story ever told
Darren Hayes- So beautiful
Disney - Pocahontas -If I never knew you
Eagles - Love will keep us alive
Madeline Peyroux - Dance me to the end of love
Rod Stewart - Rhythm of my heart
Marc Anthony & Tina Arena - I want to spend my lifetime loving you (Soundtrack - Mask of Zorro)
Frank Sinatra - Fly me to the moon
Escape Club - Wild wild west
Lauryn Hill - You're just too good to be true (10 things I hate about you soundtrack)
Metallica - Nothing else matters
Michael Buble - Moondance
Shania Twain - From this moment
Tango Project - Por Una Cabeza (True Lies and Scent of a Woman Soundtracks)
Ben E King - Stand By Me
Savage Garden - Truly Madly Deeply
