Standard songs for ballroom dancing. Popular and well-known tracks.
When people hear “ballroom dance,” many tend to imagine something formal and a bit intimidating.
In reality, there aren’t many occasions in everyday life where you’d encounter a chance to show off ballroom dancing.
That said, there are surely people who enjoy it as a hobby, as well as those planning to take on ballroom dance for events or as entertainment.
So this time, we’ve put together a wide-ranging selection of popular songs frequently used for ballroom dance, spanning genres and eras.
For some tracks, we’ve also included videos showing them actually used for dancing.
Please enjoy a repertoire that adds popular music like pop to the classic standards—waltz, tango, and Latin!
Staple songs for ballroom dance. Popular and well-known tracks (1–10)
Tango of the Pearl DiversArufureddo Hauze Ōkesutora
This piece, The Pearl Fishers Tango, is an arrangement and performance by the Alfred Hause Orchestra, a leading figure in Continental Tango, of the particularly famous aria The Flower Song (Je crois entendre encore) from the opera The Pearl Fishers by French composer Georges Bizet.
Some listeners may even be more familiar with this Continental Tango version than with the original aria.
Centered around an elegant string-based ensemble, the melody carries a touch of melancholy and is truly beautiful.
It’s frequently selected for social dance omnibus CDs, so I’d definitely like to recommend it as a fundamental classic.
La Copa de la VidaRicky Martin
Ricky Martin, a global singer from Puerto Rico and one of the most well-known figures in Latin music in Japan, made a huge splash here as well.
His 1999 worldwide hit “Livin’ la Vida Loca” garnered significant attention in Japan, partly because Hiromi Go covered it the same year as “GOLDFINGER ’99.” Ricky’s 1998 release “La Copa de la Vida,” also known in its English version as “The Cup of Life,” is another hit.
Chosen as the official song of the 1998 FIFA World Cup, it became a massive success, especially across Europe.
Its catchy Latin pop sound and irresistible groove capture the quintessential spirit of Latin music.
Don’t be shy—show off a passionate dance to this song!
FootlooseKenny Loggins
Not just in ballroom dancing—whenever this song starts playing, you can’t help but want to dance! It’s “Footloose,” the theme song from the film that epitomizes ’80s culture, sung by American artist Kenny Loggins, which hit No.
1 in the U.S.
Dancing to this as the BGM at a graduation party seems timeless, doesn’t it? In fact, a remake titled “Footloose” was released in 2011, and the heroine, Julianne Hough, has appeared on the international dance reality show “Dancing with the Stars” and is also a professional ballroom dancer.
If you’re interested, be sure to check out the remake as well—it might be great inspiration for your dancing.
КукушкаPolina Gagarina
The title “Kukushka” of this song is a Russian word meaning “cuckoo,” but it also carries the separate meaning of “sniper.” The song was originally performed by Kino, a rock band led by Viktor Tsoi—a Soviet rock singer who tragically died in a traffic accident at the age of 28.
In 2015, Moscow-born actress and singer Polina Gagarina covered it and turned it into a hit.
Since it was released as part of the soundtrack for the film Battle for Sevastopol (often known in English as “Russian Sniper”), those who have seen the movie will surely recognize it.
Moreover, many may remember it as the piece used by Evgenia Medvedeva for her exhibition program at the 2018 European Figure Skating Championships.
As a straightforward rock ballad, it’s perfect for social dance settings—I’d love to see an emotional and dynamic performance to this track!
NocturneSECRET GARDEN
If you’re a figure skating fan, you’ll probably recognize the piece Akiko Suzuki used for her exhibition at the 2007 All Japan Medalist on Ice.
This “Nocturne” is a celebrated work by the distinctive duo Secret Garden—a violinist and a pianist—who represented Norway at the annually held Eurovision Song Contest and won in 1995 with this very piece.
Its mysterious melody, led by an elegant waltz rhythm and violin lines, along with a modest yet memorable vocal part, makes you feel as though you’re being transported to another world just by listening.
In 2011, the popular Irish female group Celtic Woman covered the song, so some of you may know it from there.
It’s a track you’ll want to try dancing to at least once, whether at demonstrations, competitions, or social parties!
Bésame MuchoConsuelo Velázquez
Even among people who know this song, there may not be that many who know the composer.
The classic “Bésame Mucho,” which has been featured on various movie soundtracks and covered by many artists, was actually composed in the mid-teens of Mexican composer and pianist Consuelo Velázquez.
The lyrics Velázquez herself wrote are about pleading for a kiss from a lover who seems to be on the verge of leaving, but the young Velázquez had no such experience—and in fact thought kissing was a sinful act.
This intriguing backstory adds to the allure of the song’s sensual theme.
It has also been arranged in rhythmic tango styles and more, making it a favorite at social dance events!
The Phantom of the OperaAndrew Lloyd Webber
Even if you’ve never seen the original musical, chances are you’ve heard this piece at least once.
The 1986 musical The Phantom of the Opera, with music by British composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, is one of the most famous musical productions to achieve historic success.
The moment the iconic pipe organ intro of the title and theme song, “The Phantom of the Opera,” resounds, you’re instantly drawn into the world of the show.
In Japan, the Shiki Theatre Company was the first to stage a non-English production, and many people have seen their performances multiple times.
There are numerous arrangements for piano, wind ensemble, and more, and perhaps because the grandiose atmosphere fits so well, metal bands have also covered it.
If you’re going to dance to such a historic masterpiece, then naturally the man ought to become the Phantom himself—and don that white mask!