Music and dance have an inseparable bond. Throughout history, Songs About Dancing have captured the joy, freedom, and emotional release that movement provides. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just love tapping your feet, there’s a song out there that speaks to your rhythm. This curated list dives into the best songs about dancing, perfect for your next dance party or simply to fuel your love for the art of motion.
songs about dancing
From pop anthems to country classics and disco grooves, the theme of dance resonates across genres. It’s fascinating to see how many artists have been inspired to write songs explicitly about dancing. Let’s explore a comprehensive collection of songs that put dance in the spotlight, categorized for easy browsing and discovery.
Dance Anthems: Songs with “Dance” in the Title
This section is dedicated to songs that proudly declare their dance theme right in the title. We’ve organized them alphabetically for easy navigation.
A – C: Starting the Dance Party
- “All Night Dancin’” – Lipps Inc. A pure disco classic, perfect for keeping the energy high all night long.
- “All She Wants to Do is Dance” – Don Henley. A rock-infused track about someone whose passion is simply to dance and escape.
- “And We Danced” – Macklemore x Ryan Lewis. An upbeat and catchy tune that celebrates the carefree feeling of dancing.
- “Bailamos (Let’s Dance)” – Enrique Iglesias. A Latin-pop hit urging everyone to join in the dance.
- “Blood on the Dance Floor” – Michael Jackson. A darker, edgier take on dance, showcasing Jackson’s signature style and storytelling.
- “Boogie Wonderland” – Earth, Wind & Fire. An iconic disco track that transports you straight to a vibrant dance floor.
- “Can’t Stop Dancin’” – Becky G. A modern pop song about the irresistible urge to dance.
- “Can I Have This Dance” – High School Musical 3: Senior Year. A sweet and romantic ballad about a special dance, perfect for slow moments.
- “Come Dance with Me” – Diana Krall. A sophisticated jazz piece inviting you to a graceful dance.
- “Could I Have This Dance” – Anne Murray. A classic country ballad with a gentle invitation to share a dance.
D: Diving Deeper into Dance
- “Daddy Dance with Me” – Krystal Keith. A heartwarming country song about a father-daughter dance.
- “Dance” – NAS. A hip-hop track using dance as a metaphor and a call to action.
- “Dance & Shout” – Shaggy. A reggae-infused party starter that will get everyone moving.
- “Dance Again” – Jennifer Lopez feat. Pitbull. An energetic pop anthem about rediscovering the joy of dance.
- “Dance Apocalyptic” – Janelle Monáe. A futuristic and funky track with a unique take on dance and societal themes.
- “Dance All Night” – Jessica Wright. An upbeat pop song about dancing the night away.
- “Dance All Over Me” – George Ezra. An infectious indie-pop tune with a feel-good vibe and danceable rhythm.
- “Dance, Dance” – Fall Out Boy. An emo-pop punk anthem with a high-energy call to dance.
- “Dance Dance Dance” – Chic / Steve Miller Band. A funk classic from Chic and a rock and roll version from Steve Miller Band, both irresistible.
- “Dance for You” – Beyoncé. A sensual R&B ballad where dance becomes an expression of love and desire.
- “Dance Hall Days” – Wang Chung. A new wave classic with a catchy synth-pop melody and lyrics about dance.
- “Dance the Night” – Dua Lipa. A modern disco-pop hit from the Barbie movie soundtrack, full of energy and fun.
- “Dance the Night Away” – Van Halen / The Mavericks / Twice / Cream. Diverse versions of songs with this title, from hard rock to country and K-pop, showcasing the universal appeal of dancing the night away.
- “Dance in the Dark” – Lady Gaga. A powerful pop song about finding release and freedom on the dance floor, even in dark times.
- “Dance into the Fire” – Duran Duran. A new wave track that uses dance as a metaphor for taking risks and embracing passion.
- “Dance into the Light” – Phil Collins. An uplifting pop-rock song about moving forward and finding hope, symbolized by dancing towards the light.
- “Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow” – Paula Abdul. A pop anthem encouraging living in the moment and dancing without inhibition.
- “Dance Like We’re Making Love” – Ciara. A sultry R&B track where dance is equated with intimate connection and passion.
- “Dance Little Sister” – The Rolling Stones. A classic rock and roll song with a raw and energetic feel.
- “Dance Macabre” – Ghost. A theatrical rock song with a dramatic and slightly dark take on dance.
- “Dance Me to the End of Love” – Leonard Cohen / Madeleine Peyroux. A beautiful and melancholic ballad about a lasting and eternal dance of love.
- “Dance Monkey” – Tones And I. A global pop sensation with a quirky and infectious beat, though perhaps overplayed for some.
- “Dance Now” – JID & Kenny Mason. A contemporary hip-hop track with intricate rhythms and lyrical flow.
- “Dance to the Music” – Sly and the Family Stone. A funk and soul classic that’s an irresistible invitation to get up and dance.
- “Dance to This” – Troye Sivan ft. Ariana Grande. A synth-pop track about finding connection and escape through dance.
- “Dance Tonight” – Paul McCartney. An upbeat and joyful song from a music legend celebrating the simple pleasure of dancing.
- “Dance (while the music still goes on)” – ABBA. A poignant and reflective ABBA track about cherishing moments and dancing while you can.
- “Dance with Me” – Niko Moon / Debulah Morgan / Orleans / Alphaville. Multiple songs with this title across genres like country, R&B, soft rock, and synth-pop, highlighting the universal desire for connection through dance.
- “Dance With Me Slow” – Beth Nielsen Chapman. A tender country ballad perfect for a slow, romantic dance.
- “Dance with me tonight” – Olly Murs. A catchy pop song about wanting to dance with someone special.
- “Dance With My Daughter” – Jason Blaine. A touching country song about the precious bond between a father and daughter during a dance.
- “Dance with my Father” – Luther Vandross. A deeply emotional R&B ballad reflecting on cherished memories of dancing with a father figure.
- “Dance with the One That Brought You” – Shania Twain. A country-pop anthem about loyalty and appreciating those who have been there for you, using dance as a metaphor.
- “Dance Yourself Dizzy” – Liquid Gold. A disco-funk track encouraging letting loose and dancing to exhaustion.
- “Dancin’ Away with my Heart” – Lady A. A country-pop song about the bittersweet feeling of dancing away heartache.
- “Dancin’ Cowboys” – Bellamy Brothers. A classic country song evoking images of cowboys dancing.
- “Dancin’ In The Ruins” – Blue Öyster Cult. A rock song using dance in a post-apocalyptic or metaphorical setting.
- “Dancin’ Round And Round” – Olivia Newton-John. A pop song with a playful and repetitive theme of dancing in circles.
- “Dancing in Circles” – Love and Theft. A country-pop song about being stuck in a cycle, using “dancing in circles” as a metaphor.
- “Dancing in the Dark” – Bruce Springsteen. A rock anthem about longing for more and finding release in dancing in the darkness.
- “Dancing in the Moonlight” – Toploader / Jubel feat. NEIMY. Popular songs with this title, one a feel-good Britpop track and the other a more recent dance-pop version, both capturing a magical and romantic atmosphere.
- “Dancing in the Starlight” – Mick Jagger. A rock song with a romantic and celestial theme, connecting dance with the magic of starlight.
- “Dancing in the Street” – Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. A Motown classic and an iconic anthem of celebration and unity through dance.
- “Dancing on My Own” – Robyn / Callum Scott. A poignant and emotional song about watching someone you love dance with someone else, with powerful versions from both Robyn and Callum Scott.
- “Dancing on the Ceiling” – Lionel Richie. An upbeat and joyful pop song about the exhilarating feeling of dance and happiness.
- “Dancing On The Edge” – Lita Ford. A hard rock track using dance in a metaphor for living life on the edge.
- “Dancing Queen” – ABBA. An ultimate disco anthem and a timeless classic celebrating youth, freedom, and the joy of dancing.
- “Dancing Shoes” – DEV. An electro-pop song focused on the excitement and preparation for a night of dancing.
- “Dancing Tonight” – Kat DeLuna. A high-energy dance-pop track perfect for clubbing.
- “Dancing With my Mirror” – Corey Hart. A synth-pop song exploring self-reflection and perhaps practicing dance moves in front of a mirror.
- “Dancing Your Memory Away” – Charly McClain. A country song about using dance to try and forget painful memories.
- “Do You Wanna Dance” – Ramones / The Beach Boys / Bette Midler. Multiple versions of this classic song across punk, surf rock, and pop, all simple and direct invitations to dance.
- “Don’t it Make You Wanna Dance?” – Bonnie Raitt. A blues-rock song with an irresistible groove that makes you want to move.
- “Don’t Stop Dancin’” – Becky G. Another energetic pop track from Becky G encouraging continuous dancing.
- “Don’t Stop Dancing” – Creed. A rock song using dance in a metaphorical sense, perhaps about perseverance.
- “Don’t Stop the Dance” – Bryan Ferry. A sophisticated and smooth pop song with a plea to keep the dance and the moment going.
- “Don’t Wanna Dance” – M.O. A contemporary R&B track expressing reluctance to dance, perhaps due to heartbreak or shyness.
E – I: Energy and Invitation
- “Evacuate the Dancefloor” – Cascada. A high-energy euro-dance track designed to fill the dance floor.
- “Everybody Dance” – Chic / Deborah Cox / Evolution / Sister Sledge. Multiple versions of songs with this title, all emphasizing the inclusive and universal call to dance.
- “Everybody dance now” – Red Hot Chili Peppers. A funk-rock track with a playful and energetic vibe, featuring an unexpected bagpipe and Scottish dancing reference.
- “Flamenco Dancer” – Jimmie Vaughan. A bluesy instrumental piece evoking the passionate movements of flamenco dance.
- “Flashdance…What a Feeling” – Irene Cara. An iconic 80s anthem from the movie Flashdance, celebrating ambition and the feeling of dance.
- “Freakshow on the Dance Floor” – The Bar-Kays. A funk and soul track with a lively and slightly wild energy, suggesting a chaotic but fun dance floor.
- “Gonna Make you Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” – C&C Music Factory. A defining house music anthem of the 90s with an unforgettable vocal hook.
- “Happy Dance” – MercyMe. A contemporary Christian song expressing joy and happiness through dance.
- “Heartache on the Dance Floor” – Jon Pardi. A country song about trying to dance away the pain of heartbreak on the dance floor.
- “How 2 Dance” – Kaiser Chiefs. An indie rock song with a playful and instructional title, perhaps tongue-in-cheek about dance moves.
- “I Can’t Dance” – Genesis. A satirical rock song with a self-deprecating title, commenting on masculinity and performance.
- “I Don’t Dance” – Lee Brice / Corbin Bleu and Lucas Grabeel (from High School Musical 2). Country and pop versions of songs with this title, exploring characters who claim they don’t dance but might be persuaded.
- “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’” – Scissor Sisters. A glam-rock inspired pop song about resisting the urge to dance, perhaps due to mood.
- “I Hope You Dance” – Lee Ann Womack. A deeply inspirational country song wishing someone a life full of joy and taking chances, symbolized by dancing.
- “I just want to dance with you” – George Strait. A classic country song expressing a simple desire for connection through dance.
- “I love to boogie” – T. Rex. A glam rock classic celebrating the love of boogie music and dancing.
- “I wanna dance” – Jonas Blue. A modern tropical house track with a strong desire to dance.
- “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” – Whitney Houston. An iconic 80s pop anthem about longing for love and connection on the dance floor.
- “I’m happy just to dance with you” – The Beatles. A charming and innocent early Beatles song about finding joy in simply dancing with someone.
- “I’m Still Dancin’ With You” – Wade Hayes. A country song about the enduring power of dance and memory.
- “In Between Dances” – Pam Tillis. A country song about finding love and connection in the moments between dances.
- “It Only Happens When I Dance With You” – Frank Sinatra. A classic and romantic song emphasizing the magic that occurs specifically when dancing with a loved one.
J – P: Jumping, Jiving, and Partying
- “Jump Jive and Wail” – Louis Prima / Brian Setzer Orchestra. Swing and jump blues classics encouraging energetic and lively dancing.
- “Just Dance” – Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga’s debut hit and a defining electro-pop anthem about letting loose and just dancing.
- “Land of a 1000 dances” – Wilson Pickett. A soul classic listing various dance moves and inviting everyone to join in.
- “Last Dance” – Dua Lipa / Donna Summer. Modern pop and disco classics both titled “Last Dance,” often associated with the final dance of the night and emotional farewells.
- “Let’s Dance” – Chris Montez. A feel-good rock and roll song with a simple and direct invitation to dance.
- “Let’s Go Dancing (Ooh, La, La, La)” – Kool & The Gang. A funk and disco classic urging everyone to get on the dance floor.
- “Life’s A Dance” – John Michael Montgomery. A country song using “life’s a dance” as a metaphor for navigating life’s ups and downs.
- “Lose yourself to Dance” – Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams. A nu-disco and funk-infused track encouraging complete immersion in the music and dance.
- “One Dance” – Drake feat. WizKid & Kyla. A global phenomenon blending dancehall, pop, and R&B, although the “dance” reference is more thematic than literal.
- “Neutron Dance” – The Pointer Sisters. An 80s pop hit from the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack with a catchy and energetic feel.
- “Now I can dance” – Tina Arena. A powerful ballad about overcoming obstacles and gaining confidence, symbolized by being able to dance.
- “Permission to Dance” – BTS. A feel-good pop song from the K-pop supergroup BTS, spreading positivity and the joy of dance.
- “Private Dancer” – Tina Turner. A sultry and iconic song about a dancer performing for money, exploring themes of vulnerability and strength.
S – Z: Saving the Last Dance and Beyond
- “Safety Dance” – Men Without Hats. A new wave classic with a quirky and memorable video, often misinterpreted but actually about rejecting aggressive dancing in clubs.
- “Save the Last Dance for Me” – Michael Bublé / The Drifters / Emmylou Harris. Multiple versions of this classic song across pop, R&B, and country, all about reserving the last dance for a special someone.
- “Shadow Dancing” – Andy Gibb. A disco hit with a smooth and romantic vibe, using “shadow dancing” as a metaphor for a close and intimate dance.
- “Shall We Dance” – The King and I. A classic song from the musical The King and I, a polite and traditional invitation to dance.
- “She wants to dance with me” – Rick Astley. A pop hit from Rick Astley about someone expressing their desire to dance with him.
- “She’s Always Dancing” – Neil Young with Crazy Horse. A rock song about someone who finds constant expression and freedom through dance.
- “Shut Up and Dance” – Walk the Moon. An indie-pop anthem encouraging letting go of inhibitions and just dancing.
- “Slow dance in a parking lot” – Jordan Davis. A country song about finding romance and intimacy in unexpected places, like a slow dance in a parking lot.
- “Solo Dance” – Martin Jensen. An electronic dance track perfect for solo dancing or getting lost in the music.
- “Somebody Dance with Me” – DJ Bobo. A eurodance hit with a catchy hook and an irresistible call to dance.
- “Square Dance” – Eminem. A hip-hop track using “square dance” in a metaphorical and perhaps ironic way, given Eminem’s style.
- “Stars Dance” – Selena Gomez. A pop song with a celestial theme, connecting dance with the magic of stars.
- “Stolen Dance” – Milky Chance. An indie-folk track with a unique and catchy rhythm, using “stolen dance” in a somewhat mysterious way.
- “Taxi Dancer” – John Mellencamp. A roots-rock song telling the story of a taxi dancer, a woman paid to dance with patrons in dance halls.
- “The Dance” – Garth Brooks. A classic country ballad using “the dance” as a metaphor for life’s journey, including both joy and sorrow.
- “They Dance Alone” – Sting. A poignant song about the mothers of the disappeared in Chile, who danced alone as a form of protest.
- “They Don’t Dance Like Carmen No More” – Jimmy Buffett. A trop-rock song lamenting the changing times and a lost style of dancing.
- “Tiny Dancer” – Elton John. A classic ballad, though “dancer” refers to a person, the song evokes a sense of grace and movement.
- “We Danced Anyway” – Deana Carter. A country song about finding joy and resilience in dancing despite difficult circumstances.
- “When We Dance” – Sting. A romantic ballad about the connection and intimacy found in dance.
- “When We’re Dancing” – Twin Shadow. An indie-pop song about the transformative experience of dancing together.
- “Why don’t we just dance” – Josh Turner. A country song suggesting dance as a way to connect and simplify things.
- “Won’t Somebody Dance with Me” – Lynsey de Paul. A pop song about feeling lonely at a dance and wanting someone to dance with.
- “You! Me! Dancing!” – Los Campesinos! An indie-pop song with an energetic and exclamatory title about the excitement of dancing together.
- “You Should Be Dancing” – Bee Gees. A disco classic urging everyone to get on the dance floor and enjoy themselves.
- “Your Mama Don’t Dance” – Poison / Loggins and Messina. Rock versions of a song about someone who loves rock and roll but whose mother doesn’t dance.
4 people dancing in a bar
Genre Spotlight: Songs Featuring Dance Styles
Beyond songs simply about “dancing,” many tracks specifically name-drop dance styles and genres, showcasing the rich diversity of dance forms within music.
- “1, 2 Step” – Ciara. R&B/Hip-hop referencing dance steps.
- “2step” – Ed Sheeran. Pop song referencing the 2-step dance style.
- “Blame It On The Bossa Nova” – Eydie Gorme. Classic pop song highlighting the Bossa Nova dance.
- “Boogie Chillen” – John Lee Hooker. Blues classic referencing “boogie” style dance.
- “Boogie Oogie Oogie” – A Taste of Honey. Disco era hit emphasizing “boogie” dancing.
- “Boogie With Stu” – Led Zeppelin. Rock and roll with “boogie” rhythm.
- “Boogie Wonderland” – Earth, Wind & Fire. Disco anthem celebrating “boogie wonderland.”
- “Bossa Nova Baby” – Elvis Presley. Rock and roll featuring the Bossa Nova.
- “Bring Me The Disco King” – David Bowie. Art rock/experimental track with “disco” in the title, though not a typical disco song.
- “Casino Boogie” – The Rolling Stones. Rock and roll with “boogie” influence.
- “Dark Ballet” – Madonna. Pop song juxtaposing “ballet” with darker themes.
- “Disco Duck” – Rick Dees & His Cast of Idiots. Novelty disco song.
- “Disco Friends” – Just Jack. Pop/funk song referencing “disco friends.”
- “Disco Inferno” – The Trammps. Ultimate disco inferno anthem.
- “Disco Lady” – Johnnie Taylor. Soul/disco hit about a “disco lady.”
- “Dont Stop Twist” – Frankie Vaughan. Rock and roll encouraging “twist” dancing.
- “Habanera” – Georges Bizet. Opera piece featuring the Habanera dance rhythm.
- “Harlem Shake” – Baauer. Trap song associated with the “Harlem Shake” internet dance craze.
- “Harlem Shuffle” – Bob and Earl. Soul song referencing the “Harlem Shuffle” dance.
- “Hoedown Throwdown” – Miley Cyrus. Country-pop song with “Hoedown” style dance instructions.
- “I am a Disco Dancer” – Vijay Benedict. Bollywood disco classic.
- “Jack” – Breach. House music track, referencing “jacking” dance style.
- “Jack Your Body” – Steve “Silk” Hurley. House music anthem about “jacking” your body.
- “Jig a Jig” – East of Eden. Folk-rock instrumental with “jig” rhythm.
- “Jive Talkin’” – Bee Gees. Disco hit referencing “jive talking.”
- “Kentish Town Waltz” – Imelda May. Modern swing/jazz with a “waltz” feel.
- “Lambada” – Kaoma. Latin pop hit popularizing the “Lambada” dance.
- “Mambo Italiano” – Rosemary Clooney. Classic pop song about the “Mambo Italiano.”
- “Mambo No 5 (A Little Bit Of)” – Lou Bega. Mambo craze revival hit.
- “Mambo!” – Helena Paparizou. Eurovision pop song with “Mambo” theme.
- “Minion Mambo” – The Minions. Novelty song with “Mambo” theme for children.
- “Shuck And Jive” – Superdrag. Alternative rock using “Shuck and Jive” idiom.
- “Sultans Of Swing” – Dire Straits. Rock song referencing “swing” music and implicitly swing dancing.
- “Tap Dancing” – Nelly Furtado. Pop song with “tap dancing” imagery.
- “Tennessee Waltz” – Patti Page. Classic country “waltz.”
- “Tesco Disco” – The Kooks. Indie rock song with “disco” in title, likely ironic.
- “The Hustle” – Lambchop. Indie/alternative song titled after “The Hustle” dance.
- “The Last Waltz” – Engelbert Humperdinck. Classic waltz ballad.
- “The Loco-Motion” – Little Eva. Pop song and dance craze “Loco-Motion.”
- “The Madison Time” – Ray Bryant Combo. Jazz track referencing the “Madison” dance.
- “The Twist” – Chubby Checker. Iconic song and dance craze “The Twist.”
- “Twerk” – Lil’ Twist / City Girls. Hip-hop songs referencing “twerking.”
- “Two Step” – Laura Bell Bundy. Country song about “two-step” dancing.
- “Vogue” – Madonna. Pop hit popularizing “Vogue” dance style.
- “Waltz Me to the Grave” – Kimbra. Alternative pop with a dark “waltz” theme.
- “Waltz Moore” – From First to Last. Post-hardcore song with “waltz” in the title, likely metaphorical.
- “Waltz No. 2 (XO)” – Elliott Smith. Indie folk “waltz.”
- “Welfare Boogie” – Fraternity. Australian rock with “boogie” in title.
- “Yes Sir, I Can Boogie” – Baccara. Disco classic “boogie” anthem.
- “Your Sister Can’t Twist (But She Can Rock ‘n Roll)” – Elton John. Rock and roll song referencing “twist” and “rock and roll” dance styles.
This list is just the beginning! The world of music is filled with countless songs about dancing and dance styles. What songs would you add to this playlist? Share your favorites in the comments below!