Swing - Jimmy Mack

"Jimmy Mack" by Martha Reeves & the Vandellas (1967)
Swing or Foxtrot
Style: pop/soul

Bolero - She's Like the Wind

"She's Like the Wind" by Patrick Swayze & Wendy Fraser
Bolero
Style: 80s pop, ballad

Rumba - Fields of Gold

"Fields of Gold" by Sting
Rumba
Style: Ballad

Cha Cha - Evacuate the Dancefloor

"Evacuated the Dancefloor" by Cascada
Cha Cha
Style: Pop, Club, Techno

Jive - Little Bitty Pretty One

"Little Bitty Pretty One" by Huey Lewis & The News
Jive
Style: Rock

Viennese Waltz - Time In A Bottle

"Time In A Bottle" by Jim Croce (1973)
Viennese Waltz
Style: Classic Rock, Ballad, 1970s

Slow Waltz - Stille Nacht

"Stille Nacht" by Claudia Jung
Slow Waltz
Style: Christmas, German, Traditional, Hymn

Foxtrot - Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

"Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" by Michael Buble
Foxtrot
Style: Christmas, Seasonal, Big Band

Polka - Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah

"Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah" by The Barenaked Ladies
Polka
Style: Seasonal

Rumba - Do They Know It's Christmas

"Do They Know It's Christmas" by Little River Band
Rumba
Style: Seasonal, Christmas, Multi-artist

Viennese Waltz - Carol of the Bells

 "Christmas Eve in Sarajevo" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Viennese Waltz
Style: Hard Rock, Seasonal, Christmas, Traditional

There are many versions of Carol of the Bells, but I like this one by TSO.

Samba - Navidad

"Navidad" by Gipsy Kings
Samba /Salsa
Style: Latin, Christmas

Cha Cha - Santa Baby

"Santa Baby" by Sheila E.
Cha Cha
Style: Latin, Christmas, Seasonal

Lindy Hop - Winter Weather

"Winter Weather" by Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
Lindy Hop, Swing
Style: Jazz, Big Band, Holiday, Christmas

Tango - Wizards in Winter

"Wizards in Winter" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Tango
Style: Christmas, Rock, seasonal

Waltz - Silent Night

"Silent Night" by Hayley Westenra
Slow waltz
Style: Seasonal, traditional, Christmas

Swing - Smotherin' Me

"Smotherin' Me" by Imelda May
Swing (East Coast Swing or Lindy Hop)
Style: Retro, swing, big band

Jive - Mayhem

"Mayhem" by Imelda May
Jive
Style: Retro, Big Band

Tango - If I Had You

"If I Had You" by Adam Lambert
Tango
Style: Contemporary, Rock, Pop

Lindy Hop - Mack the Knife

"Mack the Knife" by Louis Armstrong
Swing, Lindy Hop
Style: Retro, Big Band

Foxtrot - A Foggy Day

"A Foggy Day (In London Town)" by Michael Buble
Foxtrot
Style: Crooner, Big Band

Quickstep - Johnny Got a Boom Boom

"Johnny Got a Boom Boom" by Imelda May
Quickstep
Style: Retro, Swing, Jazz, Big Band

Cha Cha - Never There

"Never There" by CAKE
Cha Cha
Style: Alternative rock, ska

Cha Cha - Sweet Child o' Mine

"Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses
Cha Cha
Style: Rock, Classic rock

Swing - Goodbye to You

"Goodbye to You" by Patti Smyth
Ballroom Swing (East Coast Swing)
Style: 80s Pop



----
Here's a cover of the same song at a slightly faster pace, appropriate for Jive.
"Goodbye to You" by The Veronicas

Blues - Why Can't I Be... (Free on iTunes)

Free on iTunes this week.

"Why Can't I Be Your Backdoor Man Instead" by Eddie Kirkland
Blues
Style: Blues (duh.)

You'll have to go into iTunes to preview and/or download the above song, but here's another song featuring Eddie Kirkland for your listening pleasure.

"In My Dreams (Feat. Eddie Kirkland)" by Foghat

Tango - Hernando's Hideaway

"Hernando's Hideaway" by The Johnson Brothers
Tango
Style: traditional tango, broadway

This song originally comes from 1950s Broadway musical "The Pajama Game" and many versions of it have been recorded in the years since.  This version comes from the movie "Snatch."

Viennese Waltz - She's Always A Woman to Me

"She's Always A Woman to Me" by Billy Joel
Viennese Waltz
Style: Ballad, Soft Rock

Foxtrot - Come Fly With Me

"Come Fly With Me" by Michael Buble
Foxtrot
Style: Crooner, Standard, Vocal, Big Band

Jive (Mambo) - Mambo Tequila

"Mambo Tequila" by Azucar Morena
Jive, Mambo
Style: Latin pop

Samba - Mil Velas

"Mil Velas" by Azucar Moreno
Samba
Style: latin

Salsa - Brighter Than the Sun

"Brighter Than the Sun" by Colbie Callait
Salsa (nontraditional)
Style: pop

Rumba - True

"True" by Ryan Cabrera
Rumba
Style: acoustic, ballad, soft rock

Hustle - Thriller

"Thriller" by Michael Jackson
Hustle
Style: Pop

Foxtrot - Jeepers Creepers

"Jeepers Creepers" by Tony Bennett
Foxtrot, Lindy Hop
Style: Big Band, standard, crooner

Jeepers creepers, where'd you get those peepers?

Tango - Lotus Flower

"Lotus Flower" by Radiohead
Tango
Style: Alternative rock

Hustle - Break Your Heart

"Break Your Heart" by Taio Cruz
Hustle
Style: Pop

Swing - 1000 Ships

"1000 Ships" by Rachel Platten
Ballroom Swing (East Coast)
Style: Pop, Soft Rock

Cha Cha - The Way

"The Way" by Fastball
Cha Cha
Style: Pop, Rock

Jive - La Grange

"La Grange" by ZZ Top
Jive
Style: Classic rock, Southern Rock

Viennese Waltz - Breakaway

"Breakaway" by Kelly Clarkson
Viennese Waltz
Style: Rock ballad

I know everyone has heard this song too many times, but it does have such a steady, relaxed Viennese waltz beat.

Slow Waltz - Bluebird

"Bluebird" by Sara Bareilles
Slow Waltz
Style: Ballad

Slow Waltz - Nocturne

"Nocturne" by Secret Garden
Slow Waltz
Style: New Age, Celtic

Tango - Tango Notturno

"Tango Notturno" by Stanley Black & His Orchestra
Tango
Style: traditional tango

This song has a special ballroom significance for me because the first tango steps I learned were practiced to a version of this song.

Cha Cha - Born This Way

"Born This Way" by Lady Gaga
Cha Cha
Style: Pop

Cha Cha - Moves Like Jagger

"Moves Like Jagger" by Maroon 5
Cha Cha
Style: Pop

Rumba - Gravity

"Gravity" by Sara Bareilles
Rumba
Style: Ballad

Slow Waltz - It Is You (I Have Loved)

"It is You (I Have Loved)" by Dana Glover (from Shrek)
Slow Waltz
Style: Movie soundtrack, ballad

Foxtrot - I Haven't Met You Yet

"I Haven't Met You Yet" - Michael Buble
Foxtrot
Style: Pop, Vocal

Rumba - Best Thing I Never Had

"Best Thing I Never Had" by Beyonce
Rumba
Style: R&B

Swing - The Boys are Back in Town

"The Boys are Back in Town" by Thin Lizzy (1976)
Swing (American Ballroom style)
Style: Classic Rock

Cha Cha - King of Anything

"King of Anything" by Sara Bareilles
Cha Cha
Style: Pop, Soft Rock

Slow Waltz - Open Arms

"Open Arms" by Journey
Slow Waltz
Style: Rock ballad

Tango - Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)

"Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" by Journey
Tango
Style: Rock

Viennese Waltz - Breakaway

"Breakaway" by Kelly Clarkson
Viennese Waltz
Style: Rock ballad

Cha Cha - Dance With Me

"Dance with Me" by Debelah Morgan
Cha Cha
Style: Pop

A lot of ballroomers know this song, so I feel it's a must to include it on my cha cha playlist.

Cha Cha - Just Dance

"Just Dance" by Lady Gaga
Cha Cha
Style: Pop

The song says it all... just dance!

Merengue - Danza Kuduro

"Danza Kuduro" by Don Omar
Merengue
Style: Latin, Euro pop

This is a fun up-beat song, as any Merengue should be.

Tango - Por Una Cabeza

"Por Una Cabeza" by The Tango Project
Tango
Style: traditional

This song is my favorite traditional tango.  It's been produced by a million different artists, but regardless, it's a classic.

Rumba - Blessed

"Blessed" by Elton John
Rumba
Style: Ballad

Tango - Santa Maria (Del Buen Ayre)

"Santa Maria (Del Buen Ayre)" by Gotan Project
Tango, Argentine Tango
Style: modern tango

This song was made famous by the movie Shall We Dance featuring Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere.  It was a "B" movie, but the song is pretty cool.

Polka - View From Heaven

"View From Heaven" by Yellowcard
Album: Ocean Avenue
Dance: Polka
Style: Rock, Punk

Salsa/Mambo - Salsa Pa'l Bailador

"Salsa Pa'l Bailador" by Spanish Harlem Orchestra
Album: United We Swing
Dance: Salsa or Mambo
Style: Latin, brass

Quickstep - It's All Right with Me

"It's All Right with Me" by Natalie Cole
Album: Still Unforgettable
Quickstep
Style: Jazz

Cha Cha - Short Skirt/Long Jacket

"Short Skirt/Long Jacket" by Cake
Cha Cha
Style: Alternative, Rock

East Coast Swing - Two Hearts

"Two Hearts" by Phil Collins
East Coast or Ballroom Swing
Style: 80s pop

Swing - Cherish

"Cherish" by Madonna
Ballroom Swing  (East Coast Swing)
Style: 80s Pop

Final song of Madonna Week, on the Parquet Playlist.

Cha Cha - Express Yourself

"Express Yourself" by Madonna. 1989
Cha Cha
Style: 80s Pop

Part of Madonna Week, here on the Parquet Playlist.

Samba - La Isla Bonita

"La Isla Bonita" by Madonna, 1986
Samba (slow)
Style: Pop, latin

Part of Madonna Week, here at the Parquet Playlist.

Foxtrot - Beautiful Stranger

"Beautiful Stranger" by Madonna
Foxtrot
Style: Pop

Part of Madonna Week, here at the Parquet Playlist.

Tango - Let It Will Be

"Let It Will Be" by Madonna
Tango
Style: Pop

Part of Madonna Week, here at the Parquet Playlist.

Hustle - Jump

"Jump" by Madonna
Hustle
Style: Pop, Techno

Part of "Madonna Week," here at the Parquet Playlist.

Rumba - Frozen

"Frozen" by Madonna, 1998
Rumba
Style: Pop, Ballad

Part of Madonna Week here at the Parquet Playlist.

Madonna Week

I've decided to do another themed week for the Parquet Playlist. This time, I'm including a variety of styles of dance, but only one artist: Madonna.

Enjoy Madonna Week!
I hope you find some new and unconventional selections for your personal ballroom playlist.

Swing - The Heart of Rock N' Roll

"The Heart of Rock N' Roll" by Huey Lewis & The News
Ballroom Swing (East Coast Swing)
Style: 80s Rock

Jive - Give a Little

"Give a Little" by Hanson
Jive (or slow salsa/mambo)
Style: Current pop

This song is just energetic fun. It makes me want to get up and dance, so I thought I'd throw it up here as a post.

Quickstep - American Patrol

"American Patrol" by Glenn Miller
Quickstep, Lindy Hop
Style: Swing, Big Band, 1940s

Happy Independence Day!


Slower versions of this song are foxtrot or a more leisurely pace of lindy.

Rumba - My December

"My December" by Linkin Park
Rumba
Style: Alternative Rock

Slow Waltz - Dark Waltz

"Dark Waltz" by Hayley Westenra
Slow Waltz
Style: Classical

Sadly I could not find a video of the original song that is "available in my country," but the song is beautiful so I decided to mention it anyway.

Part of Waltz Week.

Edit: 10 Aug 2011
Here's a link to listen to the song...

Viennese Waltz - Kiss from a Rose

"Kiss from a Rose" by Seal
Viennese Waltz
Style: Pop, Ballad

Part of Waltz Week.

Slow Waltz - Sleep Song

"Sleep Song" by Secret Garden
Slow Waltz
Style: Classical, Lyrical, Celtic

Part of Waltz Week.

Viennese Waltz - You and Me

"You and Me" by Lifehouse
Viennese Waltz
Style: Soft Rock

Part of Waltz Week.

Slow Waltz - Wild Child

"Wild Child" by Enya
Slow Waltz
Style: New Age

Part of Waltz Week.

Viennese Waltz - Bella Donna

"Bella Donna" by Bond
Viennese Waltz
Style: Classical

Viennese Waltz - Death Valley Queen

"Death Valley Queen" by Flogging Molly
Viennese Waltz
Style: Irish/Celtic Rock

Waltz Week!

I very distinctly remember the first time I watched advanced level dancers glide around the ballroom in a sparkling Viennese Waltz swirl. Floating skirts brushed the toes of the assembled spectators, and coattails trailed behind the soft steps of polished dance shoes.  At that point, I only knew the basic for a few American style dances personally and was in awe of the grace and elegance of the waltz. 

Look out for lots of waltzes, fast and slow this week. In my opinion, waltz is one of the easiest beats to identify because it's so distinctive.  I want to share some of my finds with you.  I apologize if I throw a predictable one or two in there for variety, but the unconventional ones tend to be my true favorites.

Cha Cha - Black or White

"Black or White" by Michael Jackson
Cha Cha
Style: Pop

Cha Cha - Supermassive Blackhole

"Supermassive Blackhole" by Muse
Cha Cha
Style: Rock, Alternative

Quickstep - Ballroom Blitz

"Ballroom Blitz" by Sweet
Quickstep
Style: Classic Rock

Salsa/Mambo - No Me Ames

"No Me Ames" by Marc Anthony & Jennifer Lopez
Slow Salsa or Mambo
Style: Latin, Spanish

Samba - Dum Diddly

"Dum Diddly" by the Black Eyed Peas
Samba
Style: Pop, Hip Hop

East Coast Swing /Ballroom Swing - Pack Up

"Pack Up" by Eliza Dolittle
East Coast Swing / Ballroom Swing
Style: Modern Swing, Pop

Foxtrot - This Will Be (an Everlasting Love)

"This Will Be (an Everlasting Love)" sung by Natalie Cole
Foxtrot
Style: Classic

Bolero - Satisfy My Soul

"Satisfy My Soul" by Paul Carrack
Bolero
Style: Ballad

Bolero & Blues - Warwick Avenue

"Warwick Avenue" by Duffy
Bolero or Blues (You could even do slow "Westie" to this one)
Style: Soul

Slow Waltz - You Light Up My Life

"You Light Up My Life" by Debbie Boone
Slow Waltz
Style: Classic Ballad

Foxtrot - Make It Mine

"Make It Mine" by Jason Mraz
Foxtrot
Style: Pop

Tango - Don't Stop Believin'

Think of an old song in a new way...

"Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey
Tango
Style: Rock

Rumba - Never Gonna Leave This Bed

"Never Gonna Leave This Bed" by Maroon 5
Rumba
Style: Pop, Rock

Rumba - Satisfy My Soul

"Satisfy My Soul" by Paul Carrack
Rumba
Style: Romantic

Samba - Mil Velas

"Mil Velas" - Azucar Moreno
Samba
Style: World, Latin

Swing - Forget You (F*** You)

"Forget You" by Cee Lo Green
Swing (East Coast Swing, Ballroom Swing)
Style: Pop

Swing - Already Gone

"Already Gone" by The Eagles
Swing / East Coast Swing
Style: Classic Rock

Jive - Candyman

"Candyman" by Christina Aguilera
Jive
Style: Swing, Pop

Polka - Hey Nah Neh Nah

"Hey Nah Neh Nah" by Milk & Sugar vs. Vaya Con Dios
Polka
Style: Euro Pop

Cha Cha - Hey Na Na

"Hey Na Na" by Katie Herzig
Cha Cha
Style: Pop

Argentine Tango - Libertango

I like that this song really sounds like a traditional tango, but has a contemporary and fresh feel to it.

"Libertango" by Bond
Argentine Tango
style: modern classical

Salsa - Cobrastyle

"Cobrastyle" Teddybears feat. Mad Cobra
Salsa
Style: Pop, Soundtrack

Viennese Waltz - The Sky is Fallin'

"The Sky is Fallin'" by Queens of the Stone Age
Viennese Waltz
Style: Hard Rock

West Coast Swing - Layla

"Layla" by Eric Clapton
West Coast Swing
Style: Classic Rock

Hustle - Stereo Love

"Stereo Love" by Edward Maya
Hustle
Style: Euro Pop

Tango - Eleanor Rigby [Strings Only]

"Eleanor Rigby" [Strings Only] by The Beatles
Tango
Style: Rock/Classical

Polka - Tomorrow Comes A Day Too Soon

"Tomorrow Comes a Day Too Soon" by Flogging Molly
Polka
Style: Irish/Celtic Rock

Samba - Soul Sister

"Soul Sister" by Train
Samba
Style: Pop

Foxtrot - Smells Like Teen Spirit

"Smells Like Teen Spirit" - Paul Anka
Foxtrot
Style: Big Band/Swing, Cover of Nirvana song

Paso Doble - Explosive

"Explosive" by Bond
Paso Doble
Classical/Rock

This is kind of a random video, but it features the right music. I can't view the offical music video because my IP address is outside the U.S.

Cha Cha - Dream a Night Like This

"Dream a Night Like This"
Caro Emerald

Viennese Waltz - Hijo de la Luna

"Hijo de la luna" by Mecano
Viennese Waltz

Parquet Playlist

Have you worn out the ballroom playlists on your ipod?
Are you tired of dancing to the same music over and over again?

Those of us who ballroom dance all have some favorite songs, but when you dance a lot, the old standby tunes can feel a little stale.  I know I've felt that way.  It's so hard to keep your playlists fresh.

I'm always making note of new songs that work for various partner dance styles and adding them to my arsenal of tunes.  I thought I'd share some of my finds with the world.  I hope you'll find some songs here that can freshen up your ballroom dancing experience.