The character of the music is another important factor that contributes to the dance. You may notice that different dance music can have the same number of beats per bar, and even the same tempo, but can still be clearly differentiated by character. Musical character refers to the mood and feeling of the music in general and is really inseparable from the dance itself, as the dance is an expression of the music. The descriptions below therefore, characterize both the music and the dance. Some things that influence musical and dance character are speed, instruments, style, loudness and flow.
Foxtrot
Foxtrot can be danced to a variety of music, but is most naturally danced to the smooth jazz sounds of the 1920's-1940's. The music can be romantic, mysterious, swingy or jazzy, but there is usually an underlying feeling of sophistication and ease about a good Foxtrot. Foxtrot music is particularly popular at weddings because of its timeless syrupy romance.
Descriptive words
smooth, jazzy, smoky, easy-going, without a care, 1920's, American, Sinatra
Popular Foxtrots
It Had to be You -- Harry Connick Jr.
The Way You Look Tonight -- Frank Sinatra
Sweet Caroline -- Neil Diamond
Waltz
Classic Slow Waltz music is highly romantic and sentimental music in ¾ time. It is usually kind of dreamy and seems to look back longingly to a time of innocence, when people wrote things like "Today while the blossoms still cling to the vine, I'll taste your strawberries, I'll drink your sweet wine." (Was this really a time of innocence?) Although waltz music is traditionally romantic, it can also be jazzy, playful or even mysterious.
Descriptive Words
elegant, classic, sentimental, classy, sweeping, high romance, 123, English
Popular Waltzes
Moon River
Could I Have This Dance -- Anne Murray
Open Arms -- Journey
Rumba
The best Rumba music is slow, heavy with rhythm and very sexy. Rumba is the Latin dance of love, (that can develop into a dance of lust quite quickly!) and the slow, heavy rhythm is perfect for a lady to seduce and tease her man, but deny him when he gets too close!
Descriptive words
sensual, catlike, slow, sexy, Cuba, beach, hot romance, steamy
Popular Rumbas
Follow Me -- Uncle Kracker
Kokomo -- Beach Boys
Girl from Ipanema -- Frank Sinatra
Cha Cha
Classic Cha Cha music evolved from a variety of Cuban rhythms and has a fun, infectious feel about it. Real Cuban Cha Cha's have a strong identity based on their instruments (Guiro, Piano, Timbale and Bongos) and rhythm. On the other hand Cha Cha can be danced to almost any music that has 'a good beat', including most club music. Basically if the music makes you want to move, you can probably dance a Cha Cha.
Descriptive words
flirtatious, cheeky, fun, saucy, Cuban
Popular Cha Chas
Sway
Oye Como Va
Billie Jean -- Michael Jackson
Swing
There is a very broad range of style and character in swing music and dancing, reflecting the many different places and time periods that Swing has been popular. The original swing music grew as part of Jazz, and was popularized in the 20's and 30's as 'big band' music. The wailing horns and swinging feel of songs like "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing" and "Swing Swing Swing" gave that music an exciting, energetic feel. As Jazz and Blues evolved into Rock n' roll, they brought swing dancing with it, and the early rock n' roll of the 1950's became the new swing music. Really you can think of almost all American music as Swing music - from Jazz, to Blues, to Rock and Roll, to Country. And although we usually think of Swing music as being fast, it can also be slow, bluesy and very laid back.
Descriptive words
fun, energetic, innocent, swingy, Harlem, rooted, American, 1950's, poodle skirts, rock n' roll
Popular Swings
Runaround Sue -- Dion & the Belmonts
Hey Ya -- Outkast
Mustang Sally
Salsa
Salsa and Mambo music are highly percussive, Cuban based rhythms that make you want to dance! The music is based on a 2 bar clave rhythm that repeats throughout the song. Bongos, Congos , Bells and Timbales are other featured percussive elements, with horns and vocals layered on top. To the average new listener the music usually sounds like a jungle of percussion overlaid with horns. Although Salsa and Mambo are usually thought of as fast exciting dances, they can have a slower more romantic feel as well.
Descriptive words
spicy, fun, exciting, clubby, sweaty, Cuban, sexy
Popular Salsas
La Bomba -- Ricky Martin
Mambo #5
Tango
Although there are many styles of Tango music, the Tango is usually one of the easiest dances to recognize because of its sharp, staccato, moody patterns of sound. The origins of the music and dance are Argentinian, and the music is alive with the passion and intensity of those people. The characteristic Tango sound also relies on its instruments. The bandoneon, (similar to an accordion) for example, is featured in a great deal of Tango music. Similarly the violin, bass and piano are all characteristic instruments of the Tango. When you hear them all together, flitting darting and passionate, you know it is time to get close.
Descriptive words
passionate, dramatic, intense, pathos, red, black, Argentina
Popular Tangos
La Cumparsita
Roxanne
Carmen
