Standard songs for ballroom dancing. Popular and well-known tracks.

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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!

Standard songs for ballroom dancing. Popular and well-known tracks (61–70)

The Path of Suzukake (Tree)Suzuki Shōji to Rizumu Ēsu

Suzukake no Michi (Platanus Road) – Shoji Suzuki, 1980

The Path of Suzukake (Tree)Suzuki Shōji to Rizumu Ēsu

[Jive] The jazz clarinetist Shoji Suzuki and the Rhythm Aces perform “Suzukake no Michi.” The song, with lyrics by Takao Saeki and music by Yukihiko Haida, was originally in 3/4 time, but Shoji Suzuki added a 4/4 jazz arrangement, and it became a recorded hit performed with the Rhythm Aces.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

LibertangoYo-Yo Ma

Libertango

LibertangoYo-Yo Ma

[Tango] Libertango, composed by Astor Piazzolla and performed by the world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

It’s a very popular piece, having been used in commercials as well.

The video alternates between his performance and scenes of tango dancing, making it especially captivating.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Danny BoyMatsumoto Hidehiko

Nobuo Hara and #&♭ DANNY BOY

Danny BoyMatsumoto Hidehiko

[Blues] “Danny Boy” performed by Japan’s world-renowned tenor saxophonist Hidehiko Matsumoto.

It is said that English lawyer Frederic Weatherly wrote the lyrics to fit the melody of the Irish folk tune “Londonderry Air.”

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

MalaguenaBenise

Benise – Malaguena (HD)

MalaguenaBenise

Paso Doble is one of the Latin American ballroom dance styles, where the man portrays a brave and noble matador, and the woman performs various roles inspired by a red cape, a flamenco dancer, or a bull.

The piece “Malagueña” is one of the famous songs used for Paso Doble.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

In conclusion

Even though dance has become more familiar in recent years, you might not often find yourself in situations where social dance is performed. Precisely because of that, if you can smoothly show off a dance on such rare occasions, you’ll almost certainly become the star of the moment. If you’re planning to perform as part of entertainment, consider secretly practicing with the songs featured in this article!