Any kind of dancing is better than no dancing at all.
Lynda Barr
Dance and music are two art forms, intimately intertwined. The choice of music is crucial to the approach to dance; the sounds that fill your dance class complement your moves in perfect harmony. There is a style for all, corresponding to anyone's taste! But, from Hip hop, Latin rhythms, pop dance hits, and electronic music, which type of music is good for dancing? Get started in dancing and discover your style of dance.
What Defines a Great Dance Song?
Without a doubt, a great dance song can basically be defined by its ability to connect rhythm with emotion, thus leading to spontaneous movements. The dance favorites usually combine a catchy beat, tempo, rhythm, melody, and unforgettable lyrics, regardless of whether you are a beginner or an expert. All these elements can transform a simple song into an experience that is passed down from generation to generation.
Key Elements of Dance Music
It is based on a series of elements that enable people of all ages and cultures to connect with the rhythm. Let's learn more about them below:
Rhythm 🪩
Repetitive rhythms allow the body to easily identify the beat, which is essential in any club or musical event.
Tempo 🕺
Measured in BPM (beats per minute) and indicates the dance's intensity. Mid-tempo are found in dance pop and house, while high BPMs predominate in techno.
Time signature 💃
The most common format is 4/4. The numbers tell you that each measure will contain four quarter note beats.
Melody 🎵
The melody is what gives the song its identity and makes it memorable. It is basically a succession of pitches in rhythm.
Lyrics 🙅
The lyrics usually convey messages of celebration, freedom, and social connection, and the easier they are to remember, the better.
Learn all about dance! Get to know the history of dance, famous dancers, and choreographers of the professional dancing world.
Evolution of Dance Music Over the Decades
It has evolved from the 1970s to the present day. Discover the evolution of dance from the 1970s to the present, as well as the most influential artists and movements of each period.
The 1970s: All about Disco Music 🪩
The disco genre laid the foundations for modern music. This music was played at “discotheques” and featured repetitive vocals and catchy beats, as well as drum sets, synthesizers, and bass guitars. Among the influential disco artists and groups of this era were undoubtedly Donna Summer, the Bee Gees, Chic, and Gloria Gaynor. 1
The 1980s: The rise of Electronic Music 🎶
Technological advancements in music production made electronic sounds more accessible. The rhythms produced by synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers shaped the electronic sound. Key artists who shaped electronic music included Depeche Mode, New Order, and the Pet Shop Boys, as well as pioneers such as Kraftwerk. 2
The 90s: From Eurodance to Hip hop 🙅
The 90s were a decade of great music. From Eurodance to hip hop, the 90s produced some of the most iconic favorites that have stood the test of time. Some icons of the era were Bizarre, SNAP!, Madonna, Daft Punk, Britney Spears, and The Backstreet Boys, among many others. 3
The 2000s: High-Energy Beats 🕺
The 2000s were a decade that saw the rise of electronic dance music (EDM), Eurodance, trance, house, and hip-hop-infused beats. The 2000s era featured high-energy anthems and icons such as David Guetta, Lady Gaga, Daft Punk, and The Black Eyed Peas. 4
The 2010s: Cross-Genre Blending 🎶
Pop music continued to dominate the charts in the 2010s, with artists such as Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Justin Bieber. The decade saw a musical shift toward a more electronic, dance-oriented sound that blended pop, EDM, and hip-hop. Genres such as K-pop and Latin music gained international popularity. Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music become massively popular. 5
Going back to the classics? Schubert, Mozart, and Beethoven were famous composers and aficionados of classical ballet. Discover the most celebrated ballets ever produced.
Top Dance Songs by Genre
Classic Dance Hits
Classic favourites bring together iconic tracks from the 1970s and 1980s that undoubtedly shaped modern music. With disco, funk, and pop rhythms, all of these tracks remain a must for everyone.
- Stayin’ Alive by Bee Gees
- I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
- Dancing Queen by ABBA
- Le Freak by Chic
- Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
- Funkytown by Lipps Inc.
- Super Freak by Rick James
- Let’s Dance by David Bowie
- You Should Be Dancing by Be
Modern Dance Anthems
Modern dance anthems include the greatest favourites from the 2000s. Driven by electronic, pop, and EDM, these good contemporary dance songs undoubtedly make up most of our digital playlists.
- Levels by Avicii
- Hung Up by Madonna
- Titanium by David Guetta ft. Sia
- Don’t You Worry Child by Swedish House Mafia
- We Found Love by Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris
- Clarity by Zedd ft. Foxes
- Animals by Martin Garrix
- Get Lucky by Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams
- Blinding Lights by The Weeknd
Genre-Specific Dance Songs
Pop Dance Hits
Tracks that combine catchy melodies and super danceable rhythms, becoming party anthems by default. Marking generations, undoubtedly they continue to dominate dance floors.
- Vogue by Madonna
- Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
- Bad Romance by Lady Gaga
- Toxic by Britney Spears
- We Found Love by Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris
- Can’t Get You Out of My Head by Kylie Minogue
- Crazy in Love by Beyoncé
- One More Time by Daft Punk
- Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! by ABBA
- Blinding Lights by The Weeknd
Michael Jackson’s performance of “Billie Jean” during the 1983 Motown 25 TV special introduced the moonwalk to the world. This became one of the most influential moments in dance history.
EDM
EDM is characterized by electronic sounds, beats, and rhythms for dancing. Discover the most popular tracks played over and over again in clubs, festivals, and massive events.
- Levels by Avicii
- Don’t You Worry Child by Swedish House Mafia
- I’m Not Alone by Calvin Harris
- Titanium by David Guetta ft. Sia
- Animals by Martin Garrix
- Ghosts n Stuff by Deadmau5
- Clarity by Zedd
- Years by Alesso
- Call On Me by Eric Prydz
- Spaceman by Hardwell
Hip-Hop Dance Tracks
Street Dance, freestyle, a new style or break dance: break out your groove with hip hop tracks to count yourself among the world's most popular dancers! Hip hop is a lifestyle that demands concentration, motivation, agility, and cardio.
Here is our list of essential tracks for the aspiring and professional hip hop dancer:
- Get Ur Freak On by Missy Elliott
- Yeah! by Usher feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris
- Yeah 3x by Chris Brown
- Still D.R.E. by Dr. Dre
- The Way I Are by Timbaland feat. Keri Hilson
- Hey Ya! by OutKast
- 1, 2 Step by Ciara
- Crazy in Love by Beyoncé
- U Can’t Touch This by MC Hammer
- Turn Down for What by DJ Snake & Lil Jon
Find great hip hop dance classes here on Superprof.
Latin Dance Songs
The Latin dances – merengue, salsa, bachata, reggaeton, cha-cha, rumba, and others- are a celebration of love! Thanks to its famous dancers and choreographers, the Latin dance style helps learners to discover their body's innate sensuality. With the rise of Latin pop music, Latin dance classes are increasingly popular.
Here are our Latin selections to move your body to:
- Vivir Mi Vida by Marc Anthony
- Suavemente by Elvis Crespo
- Obsession by Aventura
- La Gasolina by Daddy Yankee
- Bailando by Enrique Iglesias
- Despacito by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee
- The Lambada from Kaoma
- Livin’ la Vida Loca by Ricky Martin
- Danza Kuduro by Don Omar
- Macarena by Los del Rio
Living on the East Coast? Find dance classes in Toronto.
Dance Songs for Various Occasions
Wedding Dance Songs
These are designed to bring all generations together on the dance floor. With upbeat rhythms, positive lyrics, and catchy melodies, these have undoubtedly been the stars of many special moments.
- I Wanna Dance with Somebody by Whitney Houston
- Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
- Dancing Queen by ABBA
- Can’t Stop the Feeling! by Justin Timberlake
- September by Earth, Wind & Fire
- Shut Up and Dance by WALK THE MOON
- Marry You by Bruno Mars
- Crazy in Love by Beyoncé
- Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen
- We Found Love by Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris
Party Dance Songs
These are known for their explosive energy and infectious beats that transform a quiet gathering into a real party.
- Yeah! by Usher ft. Lil Jon & Ludacris
- Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO
- Titanium by David Guetta ft. Sia
- Turn Down for What by DJ Snake & Lil Jon
- I Gotta Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas
- Levels by Avicii
- Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
- Get Lucky by Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams
- Don’t Stop the Music by Rihanna
- Pump Up the Jam by Technotronic
Workout Dance Songs
You've figured it right: Your workouts will be much more effective with rhythm and beat! The tracks played during your spinning, Zumba, or step dance classes are generally the same as those played in nightclubs. Just turn up the volume and let loose. You'll get a good workout just by dancing these famous hits!
- Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
- Hung Up by Madonna
- Pump Up the Jam by Technotronic
- Rhythm Is a Dancer by Snap!
- Pump It by The Black Eyed Peas
- Don’t Stop the Music by Rihanna
- Sandstorm by Darude
- Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight) by ABBA
- Levels by Avicii
Now you can learn to move your body to the most famous tracks in the world! Discover dance classes in Vancouver.
How to Choose the Right Dance Song for You
Dancing is something everyone can do. You just need to be able to move your body and find a beat to match it. The act of dancing isn't hard; the mental aspects are the challenge. Most people who can't dance won't have the confidence to get up on the dance floor and move their bodies. We've all seen bad dancers, but if that person is having a great moment on the dance floor, you should be able to as well!
Dancing is all about confidence. If you're lacking it, your body will tense up, and you won't be able to move freely. Dancing is just about having a good time, regardless of what you look like on the dance floor. Once you're able to have confidence in yourself to hit the dance floor, you'll be ready to dance.
Name a type of music that is easy to dance to! If you have no idea, find dance classes in Montreal here on Superprof.
Considering Your Dance Style
If you’re a beginner, starting with simple ballroom dances such as the Foxtrot, swing dancing, Latin dances such as Rumba, or hip-hop and freestyle dancing makes it easy to find your rhythm. These styles are easy to adapt to different genres of music and help you feel comfortable dancing.
This dance consists of four steps that are easy to learn. Once you master it, you'll be able to flow across the dance floor.
The swing consists of quick basic steps. You just have to be able to shift your weight to swing dance. You can easily learn more dances after feeling confident with the swing dance.
If you have seen a Latin dance, it was most likely the rumba. Rumba is a quick two-step and a slow step forward dance. Rumba can cause a bit of a challenge because you have to be able to move your hips actively, but it's a fun dance to learn and watch.
These dance styles benefit from pretty strong beats that make it easy to find the rhythm and move instinctively, once you have mastered how to put embarrassment aside and let yourself go.
Tempo and Mood Matching
Did you know that the tempo and mood of a song will greatly impact how you move and your confidence when dancing? Let's see how it works:
- Slow tempo: Excellent for beginners, as you can think and move calmly.
- Medium tempo: Excellent for developing your rhythm and spontaneous fluidity.
- High-energy: These are perfect once you feel confident and free.
Relaxed or cheerful music helps reduce tension, while upbeat one encourage more creative movements.
To find more inspiration when it comes to dancing, take a look at the most popular quotes about dancing. And, if you're interested in reading everything about the most famous dance films.
References
- All About Disco: Inside the History and Influence of Disco Music. (2021, June 7). MasterClass. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/disco-history-and-influence
- Özer, B. S. (2024, August 24). The Development of Electronic Music in the 80s. Newretro.Net. https://newretro.net/blogs/main/the-development-of-electronic-music-in-the-80s
- Annika Hope. (2025, July 6). 90s Dance Songs. Music Gateway. https://www.musicgateway.com/blog/spotify/20-best-90s-dance-songs
- 00s Dance - HearMe.fm. (n.d.). HearMe.fm. https://hearme.fm/radio/00s-dance/
- Yellowbrick. (2023, August 24). 2010s Music Trends: Exploring the Evolution and Influences - Yellowbrick. Yellowbrick. https://www.yellowbrick.co/blog/music/top-2010s-music-trends-exploring-the-evolution-and-influences
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