Jazz and dance share an electric connection—improvisation meets expression, rhythm fuels movement. Whether you're choreographing a high-energy routine or just want to feel the music in your bones, these jazz tracks will make your body move instinctively.
1. "Salt Peanuts" – Dizzy Gillespie
This lightning-fast bebop classic is pure kinetic energy. The unpredictable phrasing challenges dancers to match its playful intensity—perfect for explosive, staccato movements.
2. "Moanin'" – Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers
That iconic bassline alone gets hips swinging. The call-and-response between instruments creates natural choreographic moments—build tension during the verses, release in the horn solos.
3. "Take Five" – Dave Brubeck Quartet
The unusual 5/4 time signature forces dancers out of comfortable patterns. Use this for contemporary routines where you want angular, unexpected transitions.
4. "Watermelon Man" – Herbie Hancock (1962 version)
The relentless groove makes this impossible to stand still to. The percussive piano hits are ideal for accents in tap or hip-hop fusion routines.
5. "A Night in Tunisia" – Ella Fitzgerald
Ella's scatting provides an extra rhythmic layer for dancers to play with. The exotic melody inspires fluid, undulating body movements contrasted with sharp footwork.
Choreographer's Toolkit
Syncopation is Your Friend
Jazz thrives on unexpected accents. Hit those off-beats with body isolations for maximum impact.
Listen Beyond the Melody
The real gold is often in the rhythm section—bass lines and drum patterns suggest natural movement phrases.
Leave Room for Improv
Design 8-counts where dancers can respond to live solos, just like jazz musicians do.
Contemporary Crossover Picks
For fusion routines blending jazz with other styles:
- "Jazz Crimes" – Joshua Redman (hip-hop/jazz)
- "Black Radio" – Robert Glasper (neo-soul/jazz)
- "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" – Gil Scott-Heron (spoken word/jazz)
What jazz tracks make you move? Share your go-to dance inspirations in the comments!
