Lyrical dance thrives on storytelling—where movement becomes poetry and music fuels the soul. The right song can elevate a routine from beautiful to breathtaking, blending technical precision with raw emotion. Whether you’re choreographing, performing, or just lost in the flow, these 10 tracks are modern classics for lyrical expression.
1. "Gravity" – Sara Bareilles
Why it works: Bareilles’ aching piano melody and vulnerable lyrics ("Something always brings me back to you") create a canvas for slow, weighted movements and dramatic falls. Perfect for exploring longing and surrender.
2. "Arcade" – Duncan Laurence (Stripped Version)
Why it works: The minimalist arrangement highlights Laurence’s fragile vocals, ideal for sharp contractions juxtaposed with fluid recovery. The lyric "loving you is a losing game" begs for push-pull dynamics.
3. "Unsteady" – X Ambassadors (Erich Lee Gravity Remix)
Why it works: The haunting strings and heartbeat-like rhythm amplify themes of instability. Use suspended turns and off-balance leans to mirror the song’s emotional turbulence.
4. "She Used to Be Mine" – Sara Bareilles
Why it works: A masterclass in building intensity. Start with small, introspective gestures during the verse, then explode into full-body extensions as Bareilles belts "It’s not what I asked for."
5. "Falling" – Harry Styles (Orchestral Cover by Brooklyn Duo)
Why it works: The cello-driven arrangement adds cinematic depth. The descending melodic line inspires cascading floorwork and spirals—ideal for portraying heartbreak with elegance.
6. "Turning Page" – Sleeping At Last
Why it works: Ethereal and hopeful, this Twilight soundtrack gem builds gradually, allowing dancers to layer complexity. The waltz-like 3/4 time signature invites sweeping turns and sustained développés.
7. "The Night We Met" – Lord Huron
Why it works: Nostalgia drips from every note. Use repetitive motifs (like tracing old memories) during the chorus, then break into reckless abandon when the harmony darkens.
8. "Breathe Me" – Sia
Why it works: A lyrical staple for a reason. The song’s desperate crescendo demands explosive jumps and sudden drops. Pro tip: Play with isolation vs. full-body movement in the staccato verses.
9. "Skinny Love" – Birdy
Why it works: Birdy’s whisper-to-scream vocal control pairs with delicate piano. Highlight contrasts—soft port de bras against sharp pivots during "Who will love you? Who will fight?"
10. "Runaway" – Aurora (Piano Version)
Why it works: Aurora’s otherworldly voice and spiraling melody inspire organic, almost improvisational movement. Think undulating spines and sudden bursts of energy mirroring her vocal runs.
Choreography Tip:
Lyrical dance lives in the space between beats. Let the lyrics guide your intention, but use the instrumentation (especially strings and piano swells) to dictate timing. The most powerful moments often happen in the silence right before the music surges back in.
Which song speaks to your movement style? Share your go-to lyrical tracks in the comments!
