1. 1

   Jumpin' at the Woodside

   Count Basie and His Orchestra

   This iconic big band number is pure energy in musical form. With its driving rhythm and explosive brass sections, it's impossible to stand still when this track comes on. The call-and-response patterns between sections of the orchestra make it a dynamic playground for dancers.

2. 2

   Sing, Sing, Sing

   Benny Goodman

   Perhaps the most recognizable swing song of all time, this epic track features legendary solos and a rhythm that builds to exhilarating heights. The extended drum solos by Gene Krupa are iconic, providing perfect moments for dancers to showcase their shim-shams and solo moves.

3. 3

   Shiny Stockings

   Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie

   A smoother, more sophisticated number perfect for practicing your musicality. Ella's velvet vocals float over Basie's impeccable arrangement, making this ideal for bluesy movements and close connection dancing. The laid-back tempo invites subtle weight changes and elegant styling.

4. 4

   T'aint What You Do

   Jimmie Lunceford

   A joyful, bouncy tune with clever lyrics and an irresistible energy. The playful call-and-response between the vocalists and brass section invites dancers to be equally playful in their partnership. The medium tempo makes it accessible for dancers of all levels.

5. 5

   Flying Home

   Lionel Hampton

   A driving, energetic number that practically forces you onto the dance floor. Hampton's virtuosic vibraphone work provides a unique texture that sets this track apart. The relentless energy builds throughout, pushing dancers to match its intensity with their movement.

6. 6

   Drop Me Off in Harlem

   Duke Ellington

   Ellington's sophisticated arrangement combines with a swinging rhythm section to create a rich musical landscape. The song's changing textures and moods allow dancers to play with dynamics and interpretation, making each dance to this classic a unique experience.

7. 7

   Bei Mir Bist Du Schön

   The Andrews Sisters

   This Yiddish-turned-swing hit brought Jewish music to the mainstream swing audience. The tight harmonies of the Andrews Sisters paired with a bouncing rhythm make this track endlessly danceable. It's a perfect example of how swing music embraced and transformed diverse musical traditions.

8. 8

   All of Me

   Billie Holiday

   Billie's emotive, nuanced delivery of this standard creates an intimate dancing experience. The slower tempo allows for deeper connection and more deliberate movement, while the familiar melody provides opportunities for playful musical interpretation.

9. 9

   C Jam Blues

   Duke Ellington

   Deceptively simple yet endlessly versatile, this blues progression is a canvas for musical creativity. Its minimalist structure allows dancers to focus on rhythm, connection, and improvisation. Perfect for working on your blues vocabulary and musical interpretation skills.

10. 10

    Chattanooga Choo Choo

    Glenn Miller

    This narrative-driven swing classic tells a story through music, giving dancers ample opportunity for characterization and play. The famous "Pardon me, boy" segment is particularly fun for hit-catching and playful interactions between partners.

Now that your collection is complete, all that's left to do is find a partner and hit the dance floor. Remember, the best song is the one that makes you want to move—so keep exploring beyond this list and discover your own swing favorites!