Finding the Beat
The ultimate guide to selecting music that will make your competitive ballroom performance unforgettable
In competitive ballroom dancing, your choice of music can be the difference between a good performance and a championship-winning one. The right track doesn't just keep time—it tells a story, evokes emotion, and showcases your technical skill in the most flattering light.
Understanding Musicality in Ballroom
Before you can choose the right music, you need to understand what makes music work for competitive ballroom. It's not just about finding a song with the correct beats per minute. True musicality involves:
- Phrasing: Music is organized in phrases, typically 8 counts each. Your choreography should align with these phrases, creating moments of emphasis and release that match the music's natural structure.
- Character: A tango should sound like a tango—dramatic, sharp, and intense. A waltz should sweep and soar. The music must authentically represent the dance style's traditional character.
- Dynamic variation: The best competitive tracks have light and shade—moments of intensity followed by quieter passages that allow for contrast in your performance.
Pro Tip
Record yourself dancing to potential competition tracks. Watch it back with the sound off, then just listen to the music without watching. Does the music alone convey the emotion and story you're trying to tell?
Breaking Down the Five Dances
Waltz
The queen of smooth dances requires music that flows. Look for a clear 3/4 time signature with a strong downbeat followed by two lighter beats. The tempo should be steady—typically 28-30 bars per minute for competition.
What to listen for:
Orchestral pieces with strings and piano often work well. The music should have a romantic, soaring quality that allows for expansive movement across the floor.
Tango
This dance demands staccato, dramatic music with a clear 4/4 or 2/4 rhythm. The tempo is generally 31-33 bars per minute. Unlike other ballroom dances, tango music should have a sharp, cat-like quality with sudden changes in dynamics.
What to listen for:
Accented beats, dramatic pauses, and a sense of tension and release. Bandoneón (a type of concertina) is characteristic of traditional Argentine tango music.
Viennese Waltz
Faster than its standard counterpart, Viennese Waltz music should be in 3/4 time at about 54-60 bars per minute. The music should feel like it's spinning, with a driving rhythm that maintains energy throughout.
Foxtrot
Look for music in 4/4 time with a smooth, flowing quality at approximately 28-30 bars per minute. Foxtrot music should have a sophisticated, jazzy character that allows for both slow, smooth movements and quick, light steps.
Quickstep
This lively dance requires happy, upbeat music in 4/4 time at about 50-52 bars per minute. The music should feel light, bouncy, and energetic with a clear rhythm section that drives the movement forward.
"The music chooses the dancer as much as the dancer chooses the music. When you find the right piece, you'll feel it—your body will naturally want to move in ways that complement every nuance of the song."
Where to Find Competition-Quality Music
While popular music can be tempting, most competitions require officially licensed ballroom music. Specialized producers create tracks specifically for competitive dancing with consistent tempo, clear phrasing, and appropriate instrumentation.
- Professional ballroom music producers: Companies like Ballroom Music Productions, Dance Tunes, and Strictly Ballroom Music create tracks designed specifically for competition.
- Classical pieces rearranged: Many waltzes and tangos are adapted from classical compositions by composers like Chopin, Tchaikovsky, and Vivaldi.
- Custom arrangements: Top competitors often work with producers to create custom arrangements that highlight their unique strengths as performers.
Testing Your Music Choice
Before committing to a piece for competition, put it through these tests:
- Dance to it in practice repeatedly—does it continue to inspire you after the twentieth listen?
- Play it for your coach and fellow dancers—get feedback on whether it suits your style and strengths
- Ensure it meets competition regulations for length and content
- Verify that the tempo is competition-appropriate and consistent throughout
