Lyrical dance thrives on raw emotion—where movement becomes poetry and music fuels the soul. Whether you're choreographing, performing, or simply feeling the art, the right track can elevate every step. Here’s a curated list of soul-stirring songs that embody the heart of lyrical dance.
1. "Gravity" by Sara Bareilles
A haunting piano ballad about love’s inescapable pull, perfect for slow, weighted movements and emotional crescendos. The rawness in Bareilles’ voice pairs with lyrical dance’s fluidity like a whispered confession.
2. "Breathe Me" by Sia
An iconic vulnerability anthem. The swelling strings and fragile vocals create a canvas for dances about isolation, healing, or reaching out—ideal for storytelling through movement.
3. "Turning Page" by Sleeping at Last
Delicate and cinematic, this track builds like a love letter in motion. Its orchestral layers inspire sweeping turns and tender gestures, making it a favorite for romantic or introspective pieces.
4. "Runaway" by Aurora
Ethereal and otherworldly, Aurora’s vocals float over minimalist production. Choreograph to this for themes of freedom, self-discovery, or the ache of growing up.
5. "The Night We Met" by Lord Huron
Nostalgia distilled into melody. The wistful lyrics and dreamy guitar work lend themselves to dances about memory, loss, or bittersweet closure.
6. "Unsteady" by X Ambassadors
A visceral plea for connection. The song’s push-and-pull rhythm mirrors lyrical dance’s tension-and-release technique—ideal for partner work or solos about struggle.
7. "To Build a Home" by The Cinematic Orchestra
Six minutes of aching beauty. Build your choreography alongside its gradual instrumentation, perfect for themes of belonging, change, or the passage of time.
Pro Tip for Choreographers
Let the lyrics guide your movement vocabulary but don’t be literal—interpret the emotion behind the words. A single lyric like "I’m holding on to who I used to be" could inspire a slow collapse into a fetal position or a defiant reach toward the sky.
Want more? Dig into indie artists like SYML, Novo Amor, or Birdy for fresh, underrated gems that’ll make your piece stand out.
