Beyond the Classics: Modern Hits Perfect for Your Ballroom Routine
For decades, ballroom dance has been synonymous with the timeless classics: the soaring strings of a Viennese Waltz, the passionate rhythms of a Tango by Piazzolla, the smooth brass of a Big Band Foxtrot. These songs are the foundation of our art, and rightfully so. But what if we told you the vibrant world of modern pop, indie, and electronic music is hiding a treasure trove of perfect ballroom gems?
It’s time to look beyond the classics. Today’s chart-toppers and critically acclaimed albums are bursting with tracks that possess the essential structure, rhythm, and emotional depth needed for a stunning Waltz, Tango, or Cha-Cha. Updating your playlist isn’t just about being trendy; it’s about connecting with the music on a contemporary level, bringing a fresh, relatable energy to your dancing that both competitors and audiences will love.
Ready to refresh your routine? Let’s dive into the modern hits that are just waiting for you to take the floor.
1. The Modern Waltz: "Water Under the Bridge" by Adele
Artist: Adele
Perfect for: Waltz
Don't let the pop-soul production fool you. Strip back the layers, and you'll find a powerful, haunting ballad in a clear 3/4 time signature. Adele's soaring vocals about a love on the brink provide immense dramatic potential. The verses allow for soft, subtle movement, while the explosive chorus is begging for expansive, sweeping turns and dramatic dips. It’s a masterclass in building emotion, perfect for a Waltz that tells a story.
2. The Sensual Tango: "Tango" & "I Can't Feel My Face" by The Weeknd
Artist: The Weeknd
Perfect for: Tango
Yes, he has a song literally called "Tango," which is a great, moody starting point. But his mega-hit "I Can't Feel My My Face" is an even more unexpected and brilliant choice. That driving, relentless bassline is a classic Tango rhythm in disguise. The staccato beat is perfect for sharp head snaps, quick footwork, and the intense, passionate connection that defines the dance. It’s a cool, modern, and slightly dangerous take on the traditional Tango.
3. The Upbeat Cha-Cha: "Levitating" by Dua Lipa (feat. DaBaby)
Artist: Dua Lipa
Perfect for: Cha-Cha
This song is pure, concentrated fun with an undeniable disco-funk groove. The tempo is spot-on for a Cha-Cha, and the syncopated rhythm in the chorus makes the "cha-cha-cha" timing effortless and incredibly catchy. It’s bright, energetic, and impossible to listen to without moving. This track will inject a shot of pure joy and personality into your routine, making it perfect for lighting up the competition floor.
4. The Smooth Foxtrot: "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran
Artist: Ed Sheeran
Perfect for: Foxtrot
A modern-day standard. This song’s steady, walking bassline and melodic structure are a Foxtrot dancer’s dream. It’s smooth, romantic, and easy to follow rhythmically, allowing dancers to focus on the flowing, traveling movements and graceful expression that define the Foxtrot. It’s a familiar tune that audiences will immediately connect with, making your performance feel both classic and contemporary.
5. The Dramatic Rumba: "Stay" by Rihanna (feat. Mikky Ekko)
Artist: Rihanna
Perfect for: Rumba
The Rumba is the dance of love and heartbreak, and few modern songs capture that raw, pleading emotion quite like "Stay." The slow, deliberate tempo and sparse piano accompaniment create a vast space for powerful, controlled movement and intense connection. Every extension, every hip movement, every look can be filled with the song’s aching vulnerability, making for a truly captivating and emotional performance.
6. The Energetic Jive: "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson (feat. Bruno Mars)
Artist: Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars
Perfect for: Jive
This song is a direct homage to the funk and soul of the past, but with a modern production sheen that makes it irresistible. Its high energy, blistering tempo, and punchy brass hits are tailor-made for a high-speed Jive. It commands fast kicks, flicks, and rock steps performed with plenty of attitude and swagger. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that allows dancers to show off incredible stamina and personality.
Pro Tip: The key to using modern music is in the edit! Most pop songs have intros, outros, and bridges that may not fit the strict timing of a competition routine. Don’t be afraid to use audio editing software (or enlist a helpful friend) to cut, loop, and fade sections to create a perfect 1:30- or 2-minute track that highlights the best parts of the song for your dance.
So, next time you’re building a routine, take a scroll through your streaming service. Listen to the music you love with a dancer’s ear. Is that a Waltz hiding in that indie folk song? Is there a Tango beat underlying that synth-pop track? You might be surprised at what you discover. Stepping beyond the classics isn't about replacing them; it's about expanding your artistic palette and finding new ways to express the beautiful, timeless language of ballroom dance.
Now, go hit the floor and make some new classics of your own.
