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

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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Bésame MuchoConsuelo Velázquez

Rhumba – Besame Mucho

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!

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If You Don’t Know Me By NowSimply Red

Michael Vaughan & Natalie Waltz to ‘If You Don’t Know Me By Now’- Strictly Come Dancing 2012 – BBC

Even in the realm of popular music like rock and pop, there are many famous ballads that use a waltz rhythm.

Since the basis of ballroom dancing is the waltz, not only tango and classical pieces but also iconic rock and pop band ballads are often used as background music for ballroom dance.

One such example is Simply Red’s classic “If You Don’t Know Me by Now,” led by Mick Hucknall from Manchester, who famously started a band after being blown away by a Sex Pistols live show.

Also known in Japan by the title “Futari no Kizuna,” this renowned ballad was originally a hit in 1972 for the American soul vocal group Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes.

Simply Red included their version on the 1989 album “A New Flame,” released as the band steered toward a blue-eyed soul direction, and it’s a gem that showcases Hucknall’s soulful vocals.

Brimming with a grown-up atmosphere, it’s guaranteed to set a romantic mood on the dance floor!

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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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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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SerenadeFranz Schubert

Shubert Serenade (arr. Liszt) – Beka Lagadze

This celebrated piece known as “Serenade” is a famous work by the Austrian-born genius composer Franz Schubert.

It is the fourth song in Schubert’s posthumous collection Schwanengesang, which comprises 14 lieder set to poems by three poets, and it is among his most renowned works.

The lyrics, expressing a heartfelt longing for a lover, are intensely passionate and romantic, and the beautiful melody that matches them is likely one you’ve heard at least once.

There is also a solo piano arrangement by the prominent Hungarian composer Franz Liszt, and this version, too, has remained popular to the present day.

The piece is often chosen for omnibus CDs for ballroom dancing, so if you’re drawn to dancing to the graceful melodies characteristic of classical music, why not give it a try?

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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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