Are you looking for the best contemporary dance songs? Whether you are looking to dance for fun, choreograph a recital dance, or choreograph a competition dance, this list has something for you!
Best Contemporary Dance Songs
It can be hard for contemporary dancers and dance schools to find a good contemporary song to dance to. Dance teachers and students alike can find some of their favorite songs on this list to use for this popular dance form.
But before we delve into this popular song list let’s discuss what contemporary dance is.
What Is Contemporary Dance?
Contemporary dance is a genre of dance that emerged in the mid-20th century and has since evolved into a highly diverse and expressive form of artistic movement. Unlike classical ballet, which adheres to specific techniques and traditions, contemporary dance is characterized by its freedom of expression, innovation, and the incorporation of a wide range of movement styles.
Some would argue that contemporary dance is quickly becoming the most popular style of dance.
Here are some key aspects of contemporary dance:
1. Freedom of Expression: Contemporary dance values individual expression and creativity. Dancers often have more freedom to explore their own movement vocabulary and personal emotions in their choreography and performances.
2. Versatility: Contemporary dance draws from various dance styles, including ballet, modern dance, jazz, and hip-hop, among others. Dancers may use a mix of techniques and styles to convey their artistic vision.
3. Emotional and Narrative Exploration: Many contemporary dance pieces aim to convey emotion and tell a story or explore a concept or theme. It can be abstract and non-narrative or tell a clear story, depending on the choreographer’s intent.
4. Innovative Choreography: Choreographers in contemporary dance often push the boundaries of movement and experiment with new forms, structures, and partnering techniques. Unconventional movement, partnering, and spatial arrangements are common.
5. Use of Music: Contemporary dance frequently incorporates a wide range of music genres, from classical and electronic to pop and world music, allowing for a broad spectrum of emotional and rhythmic possibilities.
6. Costumes and Set Design: Costumes and set design in contemporary dance are often minimalistic and may serve to enhance the overall concept or mood of the piece rather than being elaborate or traditional.
7. Focus on Technique and Body Awareness: While contemporary dance encourages freedom and expression, it still requires strong technical skills and a deep understanding of the body’s capabilities. Also contemporary dance can include very precise details.
8. Improvisation: Some contemporary dance pieces incorporate elements of improvisation, allowing dancers to respond to each other, the music, or the environment in real-time.
9. Individuality: Dancers in contemporary dance are encouraged to bring their unique personalities and experiences into their performances, adding authenticity and depth to their movement and setting the mood of the whole dance.
10. Social and Cultural Commentary: Contemporary dance can be used to comment on social, political, or cultural issues, providing a platform for artists to engage with relevant topics through movement.
Contemporary dance is a continually evolving art form, and its definition can vary widely depending on the choreographer, dancer, dance studio, or company. It encourages innovation, creativity, and exploration, making it a dynamic and exciting genre within the world of dance.
Best Contemporary Music For the Dance Floor
The best contemporary dance songs can vary depending on personal musical tastes and current trends, but here are some popular and widely recognized contemporary dance songs. Please keep in mind that the music landscape is constantly changing, so newer hits are always emerging.
1. “Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
2. “Shape of You” – Ed Sheeran
3. “Blinding Lights” – The Weeknd
4. “Don’t Start Now” – Dua Lipa
5. “Levitating” – Dua Lipa ft. DaBaby
6. “Dance Monkey” – Tones and I
7. “Stay” – The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber
8. “Good 4 U” – Olivia Rodrigo
9. “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” – Lil Nas X
10. “Peaches” – Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar & Giveon
These upbeat tunes were popular for their catchy beat, upbeat tempo, and danceable rhythm, making them suitable for contemporary dance routines. However, the best dance songs can be subjective, so you may want to explore more hits and discover tracks that resonate with your personal style and choreography. Additionally, the dance genre is diverse, and there are plenty of great songs in various sub-genres, from electronic and pop to hip-hop and R&B.
Contemporary Instrumental Music For Dance
Instrumental contemporary dance music can provide a versatile and expressive backdrop for dance routines. Here are some notable instrumental tracks and artists known for their contributions to contemporary dance music:
1. Ólafur Arnalds – Icelandic composer and musician known for his emotive and atmospheric instrumental compositions.
– Suggested Track: “Near Light”
2. Max Richter – A British-German composer known for his minimalist and cinematic compositions.
– Suggested Track: “On the Nature of Daylight”
3. Explosions in the Sky – An American post-rock band known for their sweeping and dynamic instrumental soundscapes.
– Suggested Track: “Your Hand in Mine”
4. Moby – The electronic music veteran has released several instrumental albums, offering a mix of ambient and dance-infused tracks.
– Suggested Track: “God Moving Over the Face of the Waters”
5. Tycho – An American ambient music producer known for his lush, melodic instrumental compositions.
– Suggested Track: “Awake”
6. Hans Zimmer – The legendary film composer has created instrumental pieces used in contemporary dance performances.
– Suggested Track: “Time” from the “Inception” soundtrack
7. Oliver Arnold – A German composer known for blending classical and electronic elements into his instrumental compositions.
– Suggested Track: “Aurelia”
8. Balmorhea – An American contemporary classical ensemble known for their evocative and emotive instrumental music.
– Suggested Track: “Remembrance”
9. Nils Frahm – A German musician and composer with a focus on piano-based instrumental compositions.
– Suggested Track: “Says”
10. Sufjan Stevens – Known for his eclectic musical style, Sufjan has composed instrumental pieces suitable for dance.
– Suggested Track: “Redford (For Yia-Yia & Pappou)”
These instrumental tracks span a range of moods and styles, from ambient and ethereal to more dynamic and upbeat tracks. When choosing music for contemporary dance, consider the emotional tone and rhythm that best complements your choreography and storyline. Also, be sure to explore more recent instrumental releases, as new artists and tracks continue to emerge in the contemporary dance music scene.
More Contemporary Instrumental Music For Dance
Here are some more instrumental tracks and artists that are well-suited for contemporary dance:
11. Ólafur Arnalds & Nils Frahm – Their collaborative album “Trance Frendz” is a treasure trove of intimate and experimental instrumental pieces.
12. Ludovico Einaudi – An Italian composer known for his elegant and emotive piano-based compositions.
13. Philip Glass – A minimalist composer known for his repetitive and mesmerizing compositions.
14. Yann Tiersen – His music, especially from the “Amélie” soundtrack, offers a playful and whimsical quality for dance.
15. Goldmund – Known for his delicate and contemplative piano-based instrumentals.
16. Mogwai – A Scottish post-rock band with a discography filled with powerful and cinematic instrumental tracks.
17. Aphex Twin – For a more electronic and experimental vibe, explore Aphex Twin’s instrumental works.
These artists and tracks offer a diverse range of instrumental music that can complement various contemporary dance styles and themes. Be sure to listen to their albums to discover additional pieces that suit your choreography needs.
Good Contemporary Dance Music By Nathan Lanier
Nathan Lanier is a composer and musician known for creating instrumental music that is often used in contemporary dance performances. His compositions are characterized by a blend of orchestral and electronic elements, making each of them the perfect track for modern and contemporary dance choreography.
Here are some instrumental tracks by Nathan Lanier that are popular choices for contemporary dance:
1. “Torn” – This dramatic and emotionally charged track combines orchestral strings with electronic elements, creating a dynamic and evocative piece.
2. “Sand” – “Sand” features a mix of percussion, strings, and electronic textures, making it a versatile choice for contemporary dance routines.
3. “Ra” – With its tribal rhythms and pulsating beats, “Ra” provides an energetic and rhythmic backdrop for choreography.
4. “Velocity” – As the title suggests, “Velocity” is a high-energy upbeat song composition with a fast-paced tempo and a blend of orchestral and electronic sounds.
5. “Human” – This track combines a haunting piano melody with electronic elements, creating a haunting and atmospheric mood.
6. “The Clearing” – “The Clearing” has a dreamy and ethereal quality, making it suitable for more abstract and introspective dance pieces.
Nathan Lanier’s music often bridges the gap between classical and electronic genres, offering a rich sonic palette for choreographers and dancers to work with. His compositions are known for their emotional depth and cinematic qualities, making them a popular choice in the contemporary dance world.
Be sure to listen to these tracks and explore more of Nathan Lanier’s catalog to find the perfect instrumental piece for your dance routine.
Contemporary Dance Music From Movie Soundtracks
Movie soundtracks often feature a wide range of contemporary and instrumental music that can be used effectively in contemporary dance performances. Here are some notable tracks from movie soundtracks that have been used in contemporary dance:
1. “Lux Aeterna” from the soundtrack of “Requiem for a Dream” (Composed by Clint Mansell) – This haunting and intense piece has been used in various contemporary dance performances due to its emotional depth.
2. “The Surface of the Sun” from the soundtrack of “Sunshine” (Composed by John Murphy) – Known for its dramatic and powerful orchestration, this track is suitable for intense and dynamic choreography.
3. “Clubbed to Death” from the soundtrack of “The Matrix” (Composed by Rob Dougan) – This iconic electronic track with orchestral elements has a strong rhythm, making it ideal for contemporary dance routines.
4. “The Fountain” from the soundtrack of “The Fountain” (Composed by Clint Mansell) – This soundtrack is filled with beautiful and emotive instrumental pieces that can inspire lyrical and expressive choreography.
5. “First Snow” from the soundtrack of “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” (Composed by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis) – This track has a melancholic and contemplative quality that can be used in introspective dance pieces.
6. “Breathe Me” by Sia from the soundtrack of “Six Feet Under” – This song’s emotional lyrics and dreamy melody have been used in contemporary dance routines to convey a sense of vulnerability and connection.
7. “Arrival of the Birds” from the soundtrack of “The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingos” (Composed by The Cinematic Orchestra) – This piece has a serene and cinematic quality that can be incorporated into more abstract and visually stunning dance performances.
8. “An Ending (Ascent)” from the soundtrack of “Traffic” (Composed by Brian Eno) – Brian Eno’s ambient music is known for its atmospheric and contemplative nature, making it suitable for contemporary dance.
9. “Run Boy Run” by Woodkid from the soundtrack of “Divergent” – With its driving rhythm and cinematic sound, this song can be used for energetic and dynamic choreography.
These tracks offer a mix of emotions and styles, making them versatile choices for contemporary dance routines. When using music from movie soundtracks, consider how the music’s mood and tempo align with your choreography and storytelling objectives.
More Music From Movie Soundtracks For Contemporary Routines
Here are more contemporary dance music selections from movie soundtracks that can be inspiring for choreographers and dancers:
1. “Café Del Mar” by Energy 52 from the soundtrack of “Human Traffic” – This iconic electronic track has a hypnotic beat that can work well for high-energy dance routines.
2. “No Time for Caution” from the soundtrack of “Interstellar” (Composed by Hans Zimmer) – This epic and intense piece is filled with rising tension and can be used for powerful and dramatic choreography.
3. “Rise” from the soundtrack of “The Dark Knight Rises” (Composed by Hans Zimmer) – Another powerful Hans Zimmer composition, “Rise” features a dynamic orchestration that can be used in emotionally charged dance performances.
4. “Escape” from the soundtrack of “Koyaanisqatsi” (Composed by Philip Glass) – Philip Glass’s minimalist music is known for its repetitive and mesmerizing quality, making it suitable for more avant-garde dance pieces.
5. “In the House – In a Heartbeat” from the soundtrack of “28 Days Later” (Composed by John Murphy) – This intense and suspenseful track can be used for choreography that evokes tension and urgency.
6. “Window” from the soundtrack of “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (Composed by Theodore Shapiro and José González) – This track combines gentle acoustic guitar with electronic elements, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere for dance.
7. “Together We Will Live Forever” from the soundtrack of “The Fountain” (Composed by Clint Mansell) – This emotional and orchestral piece is ideal for expressive and lyrical dance performances.
8. “Samskeyti” by Sigur Rós from the soundtrack of “Heima” – Sigur Rós’s ethereal and atmospheric music can be used for abstract and visually stunning dance routines.
9. “Your Hand in Mine” by Explosions in the Sky from the soundtrack of “Friday Night Lights” – This post-rock instrumental track can be used for emotionally charged and evocative dance routines.
These selections encompass a range of styles and emotions, providing a diverse array of music to choose from when creating contemporary dance performances. Remember to consider the mood and atmosphere you want to convey in your choreography when selecting music from movie soundtracks.
More Songs for Other Dance Styles
If you would like to find the perfect song to dance to other dance styles then check out the below links! You are sure to find a fun song in the many dance music options.
