The Ultimate Jazz Dance Playlist
Modern Grooves & Timeless Classics to Move Your Soul
Jazz dance is a celebration of rhythm, expression, and freedom. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just finding your groove, the right music can transform your movement. We've curated the ultimate playlist that bridges generations of jazz, from the smoky clubs of the past to the vibrant studios of today.
Timeless Classics
Swing & Big Band Essentials
- Take The A Train - Duke Ellington
- Sing, Sing, Sing - Benny Goodman
- It Don't Mean a Thing - Duke Ellington
- Jumpin' at the Woodside - Count Basie
- Fly Me to the Moon - Frank Sinatra
Soulful Jazz & Blues
- Watermelon Man - Herbie Hancock
- Compared to What - Les McCann
- Mercy, Mercy, Mercy - Cannonball Adderley
- Moanin' - Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers
- All Blues - Miles Davis
Jazz Fusion Grooves
- Birdland - Weather Report
- Chameleon - Herbie Hancock
- Spain - Chick Corea
- Stratus - Billy Cobham
- Red Clay - Freddie Hubbard
Modern Grooves
Neo-Soul & Jazz Hip-Hop
- Vibrate - Robert Glasper
- Twice - Little Dragon
- Redbone - Childish Gambino
- The Light - Common
- Alright - Kendrick Lamar
Modern Jazz Instrumentals
- Lingus - Snarky Puppy
- Time Traveler - Kamasi Washington
- Black Focus - Yussef Kamaal
- The Message - Nubya Garcia
- Window Seat - Robert Glasper Experiment
Electro-Jazz & Future Beats
- Places + Spaces - Donald Byrd
- Sozinho - Caetano Veloso (Rework by Kassin)
- Nova - Kadhja Bonet
- Lesley - Dave ft. Jorja Smith
- Do It - Tuxedo
Dancing to Jazz: Tips & Inspiration
Feel the Rhythm, Not Just the Beat
Jazz is about syncopation and unexpected rhythms. Don't just dance on the beat—play with the spaces between beats. Listen for the hi-hat, the piano comping, the bass walk. Let different instruments guide different parts of your body.
Embrace Improvisation
Like jazz musicians, jazz dancers improvise. Learn the rules, then break them creatively. Try taking a classic step and adding your own flair. The best jazz dance often happens in those unplanned moments of inspiration.
Connect with the Music's History
Understanding the cultural context of the music can deepen your performance. The bluesy lament of a Mingus piece, the joyful release of a Basie swing number—each has its own story. Let that emotional depth inform your movement.
Mix Eras in Your Practice
Try dancing a contemporary routine to classic jazz, or vintage steps to modern jazz. This cross-pollination will expand your movement vocabulary and help you find your unique style that honors tradition while pushing boundaries.
