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

Love Theme from Romeo and JulietNino Rota

Nino Rota – Romeo And Juliet (1968) Theme

Nino Rota, a master of film music born in Italy.

While he worked with another Italian master, film director Federico Fellini, and created many wonderful scores such as those for Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather, Rota himself regarded composition in the classical field as his main profession and left behind many classical works as well.

Among his representative achievements is the 1968 film Romeo and Juliet, for which he composed the music.

Its especially famous main theme continues to be loved as a masterpiece of film music.

Elegant and refined, yet carrying a melody that foreshadows the tragedy to come, the piece is written in the waltz rhythm—often called the foundation of ballroom dance—and thus also enjoys great popularity as background music for social dancing.

It’s highly recommended not only for recitals but also as a practice piece!

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Take It To The LimitThe Eagles

Dave Myers & Karen Waltz to ‘Take It To The Limit’ – Strictly Come Dancing: 2013 – BBC

Even if you can’t quite connect social dance BGM with the Eagles—the world-famous rock band America prides itself on—you might be convinced if you recall their classic ballad “Take It to the Limit.” Rather than the band’s main songwriters Don Henley or Glenn Frey, it was bassist Randy Meisner who took the lead vocals on this single released in 1975, and it became a major hit as a beautiful ballad that fully showcased Meisner’s wide vocal range and stunning high notes.

The song has the waltz rhythm known as 3/4 time, and many social dance CDs include rearranged versions of it.

At a party where ’70s rock fans gather, why not show off a dance set to this song?

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Historia de un AmorLuz Casal

Luz Casal – Historia de un Amor

Also known in Japan by the title “Aru Koi no Monogatari,” “Historia de un Amor” is one of the standard numbers in Latin music.

Composed in 1955 by Carlos Eleta Almarán, the lyrics were also written by the composer himself.

It is said that the first introduction of the song in Japan was an arrangement by the Pérez Prado Orchestra, led by Pérez Prado, the so-called King of Mambo, and the rendition by the Latin group Trio Los Panchos is also famous.

This masterpiece has been covered by countless singers and groups around the world; in Japan, artists such as The Peanuts, Chiemi Eri, and more recently Erick Fukusaki have recorded their own versions.

Truly a classic beloved across generations, it continues to be sung today—and it’s of course a recommended staple for ballroom dance BGM as well!

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The Phantom of the OperaAndrew Lloyd Webber

The Phantom of the Opera ballroom dance showcase

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!

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Cerezo RosaPerez Prado Orch

Peres Prade Orchestra 1/12 — Cerezo Rosa (Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White)

There are various styles of ballroom dance.

For beginners, slower tempos like standard and jazz are easier to dance to.

However, once you reach an intermediate level, you might feel like showing off dances that incorporate more dynamic movements.

For those people, I recommend the piece Cerezo Rosa.

It’s a relaxed, mambo-style tune, but because the performance is so dynamic, it pairs exceptionally well with high-energy ballroom dancing.

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Fly Me To The MoonFrank Sinatra

Fly Me To The Moon – Frank Sinatra – Wedding Dance – Pierwszy Taniec//Dance Zone

A timeless classic covered by many famous artists, “Fly Me To The Moon.” Among them, I think Frank Sinatra’s cover is the most famous.

Sinatra’s version has a relatively brisk tempo and pairs excellently with ballroom dancing.

That said, compared to other ballroom standards, it’s on the slower side, making it easy for beginners to dance to.

Once you’re comfortable with this song, why not try dancing to other artists’ covers as well?

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Jailhouse RockElvis Presley

Elvis Presley – Jailhouse Rock (COLOR and ORIGINAL TRUE STEREO) – Jailhouse Rock Movie

A classic, all-time great with an irresistible, party-packed rock ’n’ roll vibe that still thrills in the 2020s! It’s one of the signature songs by the God of Rock ’n’ Roll, the King himself, Elvis Presley—a smash hit sharing the title of the film he starred in, Jailhouse Rock.

Just hearing the brisk rhythm and catchy melody makes you want to jump up and start dancing.

For ballroom dance music, it’s perfect for jive, a style known for its bouncy moves.

Let the rhythm take over your whole body and dance like you’re ready to steal the show!

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