The Ultimate Folk Dance Playlist: Timeless Tunes to Get You Moving
From village squares to global stages, these rhythms have moved generations. Press play on the heartbeat of cultures around the world.
European Energy
The old continent offers a dizzying array of rhythms, from the fierce footwork of the Balkans to the graceful elegance of Celtic circles.
Çifteli - Fanfara Tirana
A powerful Albanian number that builds with explosive energy. Perfect for those line dances where the tempo just keeps accelerating.
Kalinka - Red Army Choir
The quintessential Russian folk song. Its accelerating pace will test the stamina of any dancer performing the squat-and-kick moves of the prisyadka.
Drowsy Maggie - The Chieftains
Listen to European Energy Playlist
A classic Irish reel that is a staple at ceilidhs worldwide. Its driving fiddle melody is impossible to resist.
Latin & Caribbean Heat
Where African rhythms met indigenous and European influences to create some of the world's most infectious dance forms.
El Jarabe Tapatío - Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán
The famous "Mexican Hat Dance." This is the sound of celebration, complete with swirling skirts and charismatic zapateado footwork.
Ochoa - Totó La Momposina
A masterclass in Colombian cumbia. The hypnotic drumbeat and gaita flutes evoke a timeless, communal dance under the stars.
Samba de Janeiro - Bellini
Listen to Latin Heat Playlist
While modernized, this track is pure Carnaval. Its samba beat is the pulsating heart of Rio's massive street parties.
North American Traditions
A melting pot of influences that created unique community dances, from Appalachian hoedowns to the smooth glide of the Cajun waltz.
Orange Blossom Special - Johnny Cash
The "fiddle player's national anthem." This breakneck-speed bluegrass tune is a square dance caller's dream (or nightmare!).
Jolie Blonde - The Balfa Brothers
The anthem of Cajun music. Its wistful accordion and fiddle melody is perfect for a two-step around the kitchen.
Shady Grove - Doc Watson
Listen to North American Playlist
A classic Appalachian folk song, ideal for a relaxed circle dance or a clogging routine.
African & Middle Eastern Rhythms
Explore the complex polyrhythms and mesmerizing melodies that are the root of so many other global dance forms.
Yègellé Tezeta - Mulatu Astatke
The king of Ethio-jazz. This track has a hypnotic, swaying rhythm that is both cool and deeply moving.
Mawwal - Sabah Fakhri
A legendary Syrian vocal piece that builds into a thrilling dabke rhythm, inspiring synchronized group line dancing.
Jingo - Babatunde Olatunji
Listen to Rhythms Playlist
A Nigerian percussion masterpiece by the legendary drummer. This is a call to move your entire body to the beat.
Asian Melodies
From the intricate storytelling of South Asian dances to the graceful, flowing movements of East Asia.
Rang - A.R. Rahman
A modern Bollywood track built on traditional bhangra rhythms from Punjab. Energetic, joyful, and impossible to sit still to.
Spring Festival Overture - China National Traditional Orchestra
A majestic and celebratory Chinese orchestral piece often accompanied by lion and dragon dances.
Tsunami of Dreams - Yoshida Brothers
Listen to Asian Melodies Playlist
A thrilling blend of the ancient shamisen with modern rock energy, creating a powerful and driving sound for a new era of Japanese dance.
