The Ultimate Playlist for Contemporary Dance
Tracks That Move the Soul
Contemporary dance is an ever-evolving art form that thrives on emotional expression, fluidity, and connection to music. The right track can transform movement into a powerful narrative that speaks directly to the soul.
After countless hours in the studio and conversations with professional dancers and choreographers, I've curated this ultimate playlist of tracks that inspire, challenge, and elevate contemporary dance. These aren't just songs; they're movement partners that breathe life into choreography.
Breathe Me
Sia
A hauntingly vulnerable track that has become iconic in contemporary dance circles. Its building intensity and raw emotion make it perfect for pieces exploring fragility and connection.
Why It Works
The gradual crescendo allows dancers to build movement intensity, while the lyrical content provides rich emotional material for storytelling.
To Build A Home
The Cinematic Orchestra
With its melancholic piano and heartfelt vocals, this track evokes feelings of nostalgia, belonging, and the passage of time.
Why It Works
The song's narrative quality provides a clear emotional arc that dancers can physically interpret, while the musical phrasing offers natural moments for suspension and release.
Runaway
Kanye West ft. Pusha T
A surprising but powerful choice for contemporary dance, this track blends classical elements with hip-hop beats, creating a complex soundscape for movement.
Why It Works
The contrast between the soulful sample and modern beat creates tension that translates beautifully to movement, allowing dancers to play between fluid and sharp qualities.
Oceans
Jónsi & Alex Somers
An atmospheric, experimental track that feels like being submerged in water. Its ambient quality allows for exploration of texture and subtlety.
Why It Works
The lack of traditional structure challenges dancers to find their own phrasing, while the aquatic soundscape inspires organic, fluid movement.
Revelation
Troye Sivan ft. Jónsi
A track that builds from intimate vulnerability to an explosive climax, perfect for pieces exploring self-discovery and transformation.
Why It Works
The song's dynamic range allows dancers to explore subtle initiation of movement that grows into full-body expression, mirroring the emotional journey of the lyrics.
Motion
Ólafur Arnalds ft. Bonobo
A beautiful blend of classical instrumentation and electronic elements that creates a pulsing, evolving soundscape.
Why It Works
The interplay between acoustic and electronic elements provides rich material for dancers to play with contrasting qualities—organic versus mechanical, fluid versus sharp.
Music as a Choreographic Partner
The relationship between contemporary dance and music is symbiotic—each enhances and reveals new dimensions in the other. The tracks in this playlist represent diverse approaches to this relationship, from narrative storytelling to abstract exploration.
Remember that the best choreography often emerges when music and movement enter into dialogue, each influencing the other. Don't be afraid to experiment with unexpected musical choices—sometimes the most powerful dance pieces come from contrasting movement with music rather than mirroring it.
Whether you're choreographing for stage, class, or personal expression, let these tracks inspire you to move in ways that feel authentic and soulful. The ultimate goal isn't technical perfection, but honest expression.
