The Ultimate Playlist for Lyrical Dance: Top Tracks to Elevate Your Choreography
Every lyrical dancer knows the feeling: that moment when the perfect song connects with a movement, and the choreography just flows. The music becomes more than a backdrop; it becomes a partner, guiding the narrative and giving weight to every extension, every fall, and every recovery. The right track can elevate a good piece into something unforgettable, something that truly connects with an audience on a visceral level.
But finding those gems—the songs with the right emotional cadence, dynamic build, and lyrical depth—can be a challenge. That's why we've curated the ultimate playlist. Whether you're crafting your next competition piece, teaching a class, or just exploring movement, these tracks are guaranteed to inspire.
The Classics: Timeless Emotional Journeys
These are the tried-and-true anthems of lyrical dance. They offer powerful, clear narratives and sweeping musicality that generations of dancers have connected with.
- Sia - "Breathe Me" A modern classic. Its fragile, building intensity is perfect for choreography that explores vulnerability, support, and finally, strength.
- Christina Perri - "Human" The driving piano and raw lyrics about fragility and resilience create a powerful platform for emotional, grounded movement.
- Max Richter - "On the Nature of Daylight" Pure, instrumental emotion. This string piece is a blank canvas for telling any story, from profound loss to quiet hope.
Modern Melancholy: Contemporary Favorites
These recent hits have quickly become staples in the dance studio for their haunting vocals and complex emotional layers.
- Lewis Capaldi - "Someone You Loved" Capaldi's raspy, heart-wrenching vocals and the song's powerful crescendo are ideal for portraying themes of love, loss, and longing.
- Billie Eilish - "when the party's over" The minimalist production and Eilish's whispered, ethereal vocals demand subtlety and control, perfect for intricate and intimate choreography.
- Labrinth - "Forever" A cinematic and gospel-infused track. Its raw, almost desperate energy is excellent for group pieces or a solo full of yearning and tension.
Uplifting & Hopeful: Finding the Light
Lyrical dance isn't always about sorrow. These tracks explore themes of hope, empowerment, and joy, allowing for expansive and light-filled movement.
- Birdy - "Wild Horses" A beautiful cover that builds from a gentle piano melody to a triumphant, soaring finale. Perfect for a journey from confinement to freedom.
- Sara Bareilles - "She Used to Be Mine" A story-song packed with self-reflection and a tinge of regret that grows into a powerful declaration of self. Fantastic for narrative choreography.
- James Arthur - "Say You Won't Let Go" The warm, acoustic guitar and heartfelt lyrics about enduring love inspire fluid, connected, and passionate partner work.
Unexpected Gems: Thinking Outside the Box
Sometimes the most memorable pieces use songs that surprise the audience. These unconventional choices can make your choreography stand out.
- Fleurie - "Love and War" A haunting and atmospheric track with a strong pulse. It’s less about a linear story and more about creating a powerful, almost primal mood.
- Tom Odell - "Another Love" (Zwette Edit) The driving, deep-house beat under Odell's pained piano and vocals adds a layer of urgency and modernity to a classic sad song.
- Seafret - "Oceans" With its pulsing rhythm and metaphor-rich lyrics, this track is excellent for choreography that plays with the idea of being pulled and pushed by an external force.
Remember: The best song for your piece is the one that speaks to you. Listen to music constantly. Let yourself feel the story it tells without movement first. Then, let your body translate that story. Don't be afraid to cut a song to highlight its most powerful section or to use a cover version that offers a new tempo or instrumental arrangement.
Now, go put on your headphones, press play, and see where the music takes you. Happy dancing!
Looking for this list on the go? Search for "Ultimate Lyrical Dance Playlist" on Spotify for a curated list featuring these tracks and more!
