Swing music is the heartbeat of a vibrant dance culture that has captivated generations. From the energetic Lindy Hop to the playful Charleston, each dance style thrives on the rhythm and soul of swing music. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just starting out, finding the perfect swing tracks can elevate your experience. Here's a curated list of the best swing music for every style, guaranteed to get your feet moving.
Lindy Hop: The King of Swing
Lindy Hop, the iconic dance of the Swing Era, demands music with a strong, driving beat and a touch of improvisation. Look for tracks with a tempo between 120-180 BPM (beats per minute) to match the dance's fast-paced energy. Classics like "Sing, Sing, Sing" by Benny Goodman and "Jumpin' at the Woodside" by Count Basie are timeless favorites. For a modern twist, try "Cry Me a River" by Postmodern Jukebox or "Zoot Suit Riot" by Cherry Poppin' Daddies.
Charleston: The Roaring '20s Vibe
The Charleston is all about high energy and playful movements, so the music needs to match that spirit. Opt for upbeat, syncopated rhythms with a tempo of around 180-220 BPM. Classic tracks like "Charleston" by James P. Johnson and "Black Bottom" by Fletcher Henderson are perfect for capturing the 1920s vibe. For a contemporary feel, check out "Crazy Rhythm" by The Speakeasies' Swing Band or "Charleston Hop" by The Swing Ninjas.
Balboa: Smooth and Sophisticated
Balboa is a smoother, more intimate dance style that thrives on close connection and intricate footwork. The music should have a steady, medium tempo (around 130-160 BPM) with a clear rhythm. Favorites include "Shiny Stockings" by Ella Fitzgerald and "Tuxedo Junction" by Glenn Miller. Modern interpretations like "Sweet Georgia Brown" by The Boilermaker Jazz Band or "All of Me" by The Hot Sardines also work beautifully.
Shag: Fast and Furious
Shag dancers love fast tempos and lively rhythms, making it essential to choose music that keeps the energy high. Aim for tracks with a tempo of 180-220 BPM. Classic shag tunes include "Bei Mir Bist Du Schön" by The Andrews Sisters and "Stompin' at the Savoy" by Chick Webb. For a modern take, try "Jump Jive an' Wail" by The Brian Setzer Orchestra or "Shout, Sister, Shout!" by Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers.
Blues: Soulful and Slow
Blues dancing is all about connection and expression, so the music should be soulful and slow, with a tempo of around 60-100 BPM. Classic blues tracks like "Stormy Monday" by T-Bone Walker and "Sweet Little Angel" by B.B. King are perfect for setting the mood. Modern blues-inspired swing tracks like "Feeling Good" by Nina Simone or "I Put a Spell on You" by Screamin' Jay Hawkins also work wonderfully.
East Coast Swing: Fun and Accessible
East Coast Swing is a beginner-friendly dance style that works well with a variety of tempos, typically between 120-160 BPM. Classic tracks like "In the Mood" by Glenn Miller and "Chattanooga Choo Choo" by The Glenn Miller Orchestra are always crowd-pleasers. For a modern twist, try "Swing Set" by Jurassic 5 or "Swing Baby" by The Pimps of Joytime.
West Coast Swing: Versatile and Modern
West Coast Swing is known for its versatility, allowing dancers to interpret a wide range of music styles. Tempos can vary, but most tracks fall between 90-120 BPM. Classic swing tracks like "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra and "Ain't That a Kick in the Head" by Dean Martin are great choices. For a modern vibe, try "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars or "Can't Stop the Feeling!" by Justin Timberlake.
No matter your dance style, swing music offers endless possibilities for creativity and fun. So put on your dancing shoes, turn up the volume, and let the rhythm take control. Happy dancing!
