Dance has always been super important in my family. My mom did ballet in high school, my little sister can slay at hip-hop and my dad likes to think he can break-dance. I often find myself dancing when I have a lot of homework and just need a moment for myself. Sometimes, I run into a problem of not knowing which song to dance to. Do I want a fast or slow beat? What style of dance am I in the mood for? Despite this, there are always a few staples that I can count on.
Here is my list of Top Five songs that always get me moving (in no particular order):
1. Danza Kuduro: Don Omar ft. Lucenzo
I know, this song is a little dated (warning: This is trend will come back later), but every time I go dancing, it seems to show up. This hit Latin dance track hit the charts in 2010 and features lyrics in both Spanish and Portuguese. The title translates roughly to “dance the kuduro,” a Portuguese style of dancing that features hip-hop isolations and quick footwork.
2.One More Time: Daft Punk
Listed at #307 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list, One More Time is a dance-pop masterpiece. With vocals by American DJ Romanthony and a bright synth sound, this song by the Grammy-winning French duo is all about celebration.
3. Shake, Shake, Shake: KC and the Sunshine Band
Okay, believe it or not, there was a time where disco was cool.Watch Saturday Night Fever and see John Travolta strutting down the street.You’ll thank me later. Anyway, this song was a major hit for KC and the band in 1976 and for some reason I always find myself grooving to it. Tell your parents-they'll know what I mean.
4.Kill the Lights: Alex Newall & DJ Cassidy (featuring Nile Rodgers)
As a person who loves dance, I’m always watching people grooving on YouTube and one of the greatest compilations I’ve found comes from the Urban Dance Camp. Every year, top dancers and choreographers from around the world gather together in the name of hip hop. I was scrolling through their videos when I happen upon this song. The performers were a popping and locking Japanese duo that went by the name of Hilty and Bosch.They looked like they were having so much fun dancing together that I had to give the song a listen!
5.Lone Digger- Caravan Palace
Ever since I’ve started college, I’ve noticed an interesting trend.Many students are taking an interest in the swing dance styles of the 1930’s and 40’s (including Lindy Hop, East Coast and West Coast swing). A lot of schools around the country even have swing dancing clubs. Enter Lone Digger, a smash-hit single by French electro-swing group Caravan Palace. With its crazy trumpets and exciting sound, it shows you how to have a good time.
Whatever music you're into- rock, pop, techno, even disco- it can make you feel like dancing.
