**"Essential Swing Music Playlist for Dancers & Beginners"**

Swing dancers enjoying music

Whether you're stepping onto the dance floor for the first time or you're a seasoned Lindy Hopper, having the right music is everything. This curated playlist spans classic Swing Era bangers to modern neo-swing gems that'll make your feet move automatically.

Pro Tip:

Listen to these tracks actively - tap out the rhythm, notice where the accents fall, and feel how the phrasing guides your movement. Great dancers don't just hear the music, they converse with it.

The Foundation: 10 Must-Know Swing Classics

1
Sing Sing Sing
Benny Goodman Orchestra
2
Jumpin' at the Woodside
Count Basie
3
Shiny Stockings
Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie
4
T'ain't What You Do
Jimmie Lunceford
5
Flying Home
Lionel Hampton
6
C Jam Blues
Duke Ellington
7
Bei Mir Bist Du Schön
The Andrews Sisters
8
All of Me
Billie Holiday
9
It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)
Duke Ellington
10
Sweet Georgia Brown
Brother Bones & His Shadows

Modern Swing Gems for Contemporary Dancers

1
Zoot Suit Riot
Cherry Poppin' Daddies
2
Jump Through the Window
Royal Crown Revue
3
Minnie the Moocher
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
4
Hey Pachuco!
Royal Crown Revue
5
King of the Swingers
The Jive Aces

Beginner-Friendly Tempos

When you're just starting out, these slightly slower tracks (under 180 BPM) give you space to practice fundamentals without feeling rushed:

1
A Smooth One
Benny Goodman
2
Exactly Like You
Sidney Bechet
3
Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives to Me
Sidney Bechet
Practice Hack:

Use apps like The Amazing Slow Downer or YouTube's playback speed controls to practice challenging moves at reduced tempo before working up to full speed.

This playlist is just the beginning - as you dance more, you'll develop your own favorites and recognize the subtle differences between Kansas City Swing, Gypsy Jazz, and West Coast styles. The most important thing? Let the music move you!

Follow This Playlist on Spotify →
Guest

(0)person posted