Lyrical dance is a beautiful fusion of ballet, jazz, and contemporary styles, where movement is used to express the emotions and story behind the music. The right song can elevate a lyrical dance performance, creating a powerful connection between the dancer and the audience. Here are some of the best songs for lyrical dance that tell a story through movement:
1. "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen
This timeless classic is a favorite among lyrical dancers for its haunting melody and poetic lyrics. The song's emotional depth allows dancers to explore themes of love, loss, and redemption, making it a perfect choice for a heartfelt performance.
2. "Gravity" by Sara Bareilles
With its soulful piano accompaniment and raw, emotional lyrics, "Gravity" is a powerful song for lyrical dance. The song's themes of vulnerability and longing provide a rich canvas for dancers to express complex emotions through movement.
3. "Skinny Love" by Birdy
Birdy's haunting rendition of Bon Iver's "Skinny Love" is a popular choice for lyrical dance. The song's delicate melody and poignant lyrics allow dancers to convey a sense of fragility and heartbreak, making it a moving piece for any performance.
4. "Say Something" by A Great Big World ft. Christina Aguilera
This emotional ballad is a powerful choice for lyrical dance, with its themes of love, regret, and letting go. The song's slow tempo and heartfelt lyrics provide ample opportunity for dancers to express deep emotion through their movements.
5. "Turning Tables" by Adele
Adele's powerful voice and emotional delivery make "Turning Tables" a standout choice for lyrical dance. The song's themes of heartbreak and resilience allow dancers to tell a compelling story through their performance.
6. "Fix You" by Coldplay
Coldplay's "Fix You" is a song that builds in intensity, making it a great choice for a lyrical dance routine that starts softly and grows in power. The song's message of hope and healing provides a beautiful backdrop for a moving performance.
7. "All of Me" by John Legend
John Legend's heartfelt ballad is a popular choice for lyrical dance, with its themes of unconditional love and vulnerability. The song's smooth melody and emotional lyrics allow dancers to create a deeply personal and touching performance.
8. "Stay" by Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko
Rihanna's "Stay" is a powerful song for lyrical dance, with its raw emotion and haunting melody. The song's themes of love and longing provide a rich emotional landscape for dancers to explore through their movements.
9. "Let It Go" by James Bay
James Bay's soulful ballad is a great choice for lyrical dance, with its themes of letting go and moving on. The song's emotional depth and gentle melody allow dancers to create a poignant and heartfelt performance.
10. "Breathe Me" by Sia
Sia's "Breathe Me" is a deeply emotional song that has become a staple in lyrical dance routines. The song's themes of vulnerability and self-discovery provide a powerful narrative for dancers to express through their movements.
When choosing a song for lyrical dance, it's important to select music that resonates with you emotionally and allows you to tell a story through your movements. Whether you're performing on stage or dancing for yourself, these songs are sure to inspire and move both you and your audience.