A rhythmic journey through jazz history designed to move your body and soul
Jazz and dance share a symbiotic relationship that dates back to the birth of the genre. From the smoky blues clubs of New Orleans to the energetic bebop clubs of New York, jazz has always been music that demands physical expression.
This curated playlist takes you on a journey through jazz history, specifically selected for dancers. Each track has been chosen not just for its musical brilliance, but for its rhythmic integrity, danceability, and historical significance to dance communities.
Blues Roots & Early Jazz
The foundation of all jazz dance begins here. These tracks feature the steady, soulful rhythms that gave birth to vernacular jazz dances like the Charleston, Black Bottom, and Slow Drag.
Black Bottom Stomp
Jelly Roll Morton's Red Hot Peppers
A classic New Orleans jazz stomp with clear sections perfect for improvisation and traditional jazz steps.
Dance Tip
Listen for the breaks where the band pauses—these are perfect moments for a quick improvisation or signature move.
West End Blues
Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five
A slower blues that showcases Armstrong's revolutionary phrasing. Perfect for expressive, grounded movement.
Dance Tip
Let the trumpet lines guide your upper body movement while maintaining a steady pulse in your lower body.
The Mooche
Duke Ellington
A moody, blues-drenched piece with a hypnotic rhythm that invites slow, sensual movement.
Dance Tip
Embrace the call-and-response between instruments—answer each musical phrase with corresponding movement.
Swing Era
The big band era produced an explosion of danceable jazz. These tracks will make it impossible to stay still, with their driving 4/4 rhythms and infectious energy.
Jumpin' at the Woodside
Count Basie
A quintessential swing number with a relentless rhythm section that pushes dancers to their limits.
Dance Tip
This tempo is perfect for Lindy Hop—focus on the pulse of the bass and drums to find your rhythm.
Sing, Sing, Sing
Benny Goodman
The iconic drum intro signals one of the most famous swing pieces ever recorded.
Dance Tip
During Gene Krupa's legendary drum solos, let your movement become more percussive and rhythmic.
Take the 'A' Train
Duke Ellington
Billy Strayhorn's composition became Ellington's theme song with its sophisticated yet danceable arrangement.
Dance Tip
Play with the contrast between the smooth verses and the more rhythmic chorus sections.
Bebop Revolution
With its complex harmonies and blistering tempos, bebop challenged dancers in new ways. These tracks require attentive listening and sophisticated movement.
Salt Peanuts
Dizzy Gillespie
A classic bebop tune with a rhythmic motif that dancers can play with throughout.
Dance Tip
Use the repetitive "salt peanuts" motif as an anchor point for your movement amidst the complex solos.
Ko-Ko
Charlie Parker
A groundbreaking bebop recording based on chord changes of "Cherokee."
Dance Tip
Don't try to match every note—instead, dance to the underlying rhythm and respond to the overall energy.
Night in Tunisia
Dizzy Gillespie
A bebop standard with an exotic Latin inflection and legendary trumpet work.
Dance Tip
The broken bass line creates tension—use this to play with suspension in your movement before releasing.
Keep the Conversation Going
Jazz is a living, evolving art form, and so is jazz dance. This playlist is just a starting point for your exploration of movement through jazz history.
We'd love to hear how you interpret these classics—share your dance videos with #JazzHistoryInMotion
Stream the Playlist on Spotify
