From Ballads to Cinematic Scores: The Essential Music Guide for Lyrical Dancers
How to choose music that turns movement into storytelling.
Lyrical dance lives in the space between breath and beat, where emotion dictates momentum. It’s a form that demands music with a soul—a narrative, a swell, a whisper. But in a world of infinite streaming playlists, how do you find the perfect track that doesn’t just accompany your movement, but becomes it?
This guide walks you through the essential genres, hidden gems, and practical tips for scoring your lyrical journey, from classic ballads to sweeping cinematic soundscapes.
The Foundation: Ballads & Contemporary Pop
Start here. The modern ballad—with its clear vocal line and emotional arc—is the classic canvas for lyrical dance. It’s about connection: the singer’s story becoming the dancer’s body.
Curated Cuts: The Ballad Playlist
- "Gravity" by Sara Bareilles – A masterclass in sustained, yearning emotion and dynamic build.
- "Turning Page" by Sleeping At Last – Delicate, intimate, and perfect for nuanced, detailed movement.
- "All I Ask" by Adele – Raw, powerful vocals that demand bold, committed expression.
- "ceilings" by Lizzy McAlpine – A modern take with subtle folk textures and a bittersweet narrative.
Why it works: The structure (verse, chorus, bridge) provides a natural roadmap for your choreography’s emotional peaks and valleys.
Beyond the Voice: Instrumentals & Cinematic Scores
When lyrics feel too literal, instrumental music opens a world of abstract interpretation. Cinematic scores, in particular, are engineered to evoke imagery—letting you paint your own story with movement.
Soundtrack Selections: The Instrumental Playlist
- "Cornfield Chase" by Hans Zimmer (Interstellar) – Expansive, timeless, and pulses with a profound sense of wonder and urgency.
- "The Heart Asks Pleasure First" by Michael Nyman (The Piano) – A repetitive, haunting piano motif that builds with devastating emotional intensity.
- "Experience" by Ludovico Einaudi – A contemporary classical journey that builds from a simple piano melody to a triumphant, full-orchestra climax.
- "Agape" by Nicholas Britell – Ethereal, atmospheric, and spiritually resonant, perfect for fluid, weightless movement.
Pro Tip: Listen to film scores from genres outside your norm. A tense thriller score or a joyful animation suite can inspire unexpected movement qualities.
The Modern Pulse: Indie, Folk & Atmospheric Electronics
Today’s lyrical dance is embracing textures beyond the piano-and-strings standard. Look for artists who blend organic and electronic elements, creating unique sonic landscapes.
Artists like SYML, London Grammar, Ólafur Arnalds, and Bon Iver create music that feels both ancient and futuristic—ripe for innovative choreography.
The Dancer's Hack: How to "Audition" a Song
Don't just listen—move to it. Close your eyes for the first 30 seconds. Does an impulse for a specific gesture or quality arise immediately? That’s your body telling you there’s a connection. Then, map the song: note the key changes, instrumental layers, and dynamic shifts. These are your choreographic landmarks.
Avoiding the Cliche: Finding Your Unique Sound
It’s easy to fall back on the well-trodden path of overused competition tracks. To find a hidden gem:
- Dig into covers. A stripped-down or reimagined cover of a popular song can offer a fresh emotional angle.
- Explore global sounds. Instrumentation from different cultures (like the Japanese koto, Celtic harp, or Indian bansuri) can inspire uniquely beautiful movement.
- Play with tempo. A slightly slower or faster version of a song can completely change its feel. Don't be afraid to use editing software to create your perfect cut.
Remember, the goal isn’t to find the "most emotional" song, but the song whose emotion you can channel most authentically.
The relationship between a lyrical dancer and their music is a sacred dialogue. It begins with listening—not just with your ears, but with your bones, your breath, and your imagination.
So, venture beyond the algorithm. Let a ballad break your heart, let a film score sweep you into a new world, and let an indie folk whisper spark an original story in your muscles. Your perfect music is out there, waiting to be danced into existence.
