Contemporary dance thrives on emotion, fluidity, and raw expression. Whether you're choreographing a competition piece, a performance, or just exploring movement, the right music can elevate your routine from good to unforgettable. Here’s a curated list of must-have songs that capture the essence of contemporary dance—haunting melodies, powerful lyrics, and dynamic shifts that demand movement.
1. "Breathe Me" – Sia
A timeless choice for contemporary routines, Sia’s fragile yet soaring vocals paired with the swelling orchestration make this song perfect for emotional storytelling. Ideal for solos exploring vulnerability or rebirth.
2. "Runaway" – Aurora
Aurora’s ethereal voice and the song’s haunting minimalism create a dreamlike quality. The build-up is subtle but explosive—great for routines with slow, controlled movements that erupt into dynamic sequences.
3. "To Build a Home" – The Cinematic Orchestra (feat. Patrick Watson)
Piano-driven and achingly beautiful, this track is a go-to for routines about longing, connection, or loss. The crescendo offers a dramatic climax for lifts and expansive movements.
4. "Wicked Game" – Chris Isaak (or Halsey’s Cover)
Both versions ooze sensuality and melancholy. The original’s iconic guitar riffs or Halsey’s breathy rendition work for duets or solos with a dark, introspective edge.
5. "Unsteady" – X Ambassadors
Raw and emotional, this song’s lyrics about instability and fear pair perfectly with off-balance movements, falls, and recoveries. The chorus begs for explosive, full-body expression.
6. "The Night We Met" – Lord Huron
A nostalgic, heart-wrenching ballad that’s ideal for routines about lost love or regret. The steady rhythm allows for sustained, lyrical movements with moments of sharp contrast.
7. "Bones" – Imagine Dragons
For a more high-energy contemporary piece, "Bones" blends electronic beats with emotional depth. Use this for group routines with sharp, syncopated hits and fluid transitions.
8. "River" – Leon Bridges
Soulful and dripping with yearning, this track is perfect for grounded, weighted movement. The gospel undertones add a layer of spiritual intensity.
9. "Arcade" – Duncan Laurence (Stripped Version)
The stripped-down piano version amplifies the song’s melancholy. Use it for routines about heartbreak or resilience, with pauses that let the silence speak as loudly as the movement.
10. "Falling" – Harry Styles
A modern classic for contemporary dance, "Falling" builds from a simple piano melody to a sweeping, emotional climax. Ideal for floorwork and dramatic gestures.
Pro Tips for Choreography:
- Dynamic Contrast: Play with textures—pair fluid movements with sharp accents to mirror the music’s shifts.
- Silence Matters: Use pauses or breathy vocals to highlight stillness, making the next movement more impactful.
- Lyric Interpretation: Let the words guide your storytelling. Even abstract routines benefit from emotional alignment with the song.
Whether you’re drawn to sorrow, joy, or something in between, these tracks offer a rich palette for contemporary dance. Press play, feel the music, and let your body tell the story.
