Contemporary dance is a beautiful blend of fluidity, emotion, and storytelling. It’s a genre that thrives on the connection between movement and music, making the choice of songs for choreography absolutely crucial. Whether you’re a dancer, choreographer, or simply a lover of contemporary dance, creating the perfect playlist can elevate your performance to new heights. Here’s a curated list of songs that are perfect for contemporary dance choreography, each offering its own unique mood and energy.
1. "Breathe Me" by Sia
This hauntingly beautiful track by Sia is a staple in contemporary dance. Its emotional depth and vulnerability make it ideal for choreography that tells a story of longing, loss, or self-discovery. The gradual build-up of the song allows dancers to explore a range of movements, from soft and delicate to powerful and expressive.
2. "Skinny Love" by Birdy
Birdy’s rendition of Bon Iver’s "Skinny Love" is a minimalist masterpiece. The piano-driven melody and heartfelt lyrics create an intimate atmosphere, perfect for choreography that focuses on connection and raw emotion. It’s a great choice for duets or solos that require a deep emotional connection.
3. "Runaway" by Aurora
Aurora’s ethereal voice and the dreamy production of "Runaway" make it a favorite for contemporary dance. The song’s themes of freedom and self-expression resonate deeply with the genre, allowing dancers to explore fluid, expansive movements that feel almost otherworldly.
4. "To Build a Home" by The Cinematic Orchestra
This cinematic piece is a journey in itself. With its sweeping orchestration and poignant lyrics, "To Build a Home" is perfect for choreography that tells a story of love, loss, or the passage of time. The song’s slow tempo and emotional crescendos provide ample space for dancers to express complex emotions through their movements.
5. "River" by Leon Bridges
Leon Bridges’ soulful voice and the gospel-inspired melody of "River" create a powerful backdrop for contemporary dance. The song’s themes of redemption and hope make it ideal for choreography that explores themes of struggle and triumph. Its steady rhythm and emotional peaks allow for dynamic and impactful movements.
6. "Youth" by Daughter
"Youth" by Daughter is a melancholic yet empowering track that’s perfect for contemporary dance. The song’s introspective lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes create a mood that’s both reflective and intense. It’s a great choice for choreography that explores themes of growth, resilience, and self-discovery.
7. "Say Something" by A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera
This emotional ballad is a powerful choice for contemporary dance. The duet between A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera creates a sense of dialogue, making it ideal for choreography that involves two dancers. The song’s themes of love and heartbreak allow for deeply expressive and poignant movements.
8. "Waves" by Mr. Probz
With its laid-back vibe and introspective lyrics, "Waves" by Mr. Probz is a great choice for contemporary dance that explores themes of introspection and self-reflection. The song’s smooth rhythm and emotional undertones provide a perfect backdrop for fluid, flowing movements.
9. "Fix You" by Coldplay
Coldplay’s "Fix You" is a timeless track that’s perfect for contemporary dance. The song’s uplifting message and gradual build-up make it ideal for choreography that tells a story of healing and hope. Its emotional crescendos allow for powerful, sweeping movements that can leave a lasting impact.
10. "Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley
Jeff Buckley’s rendition of "Hallelujah" is a masterpiece of emotion and vulnerability. The song’s haunting melody and poignant lyrics make it a perfect choice for contemporary dance that explores themes of love, loss, and spirituality. Its slow tempo and emotional depth allow for deeply expressive and introspective movements.
Creating the perfect playlist for contemporary dance choreography is all about finding songs that resonate with the emotions and themes you want to convey. Whether you’re looking for something hauntingly beautiful, emotionally charged, or uplifting, these tracks offer a wide range of possibilities to inspire your next dance piece. So, put on your dancing shoes, press play, and let the music guide your movements.
