Ultimate Square Dance Playlist: Songs That Bring Everyone Together
From classic call-and-response to modern twists, these tunes create instant community on the dance floor.
Timeless Classics
These golden oldies have been bringing squares together for generations. Their familiar rhythms and traditional calls make them perfect for dancers of all experience levels.
- Alabama Jubilee Red Foley
- Orange Blossom Special Johnny Cash
- Turkey in the Straw Traditional
- Soldier's Joy Fiddlin' John Carson
- Cotton-Eyed Joe Rednex
Modern Crowd-Pleasers
Who says square dancing can't be contemporary? These songs blend traditional square dance rhythms with modern energy that gets everyone moving.
- Footloose Kenny Loggins
- Uptown Funk Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
- Shut Up and Dance Walk the Moon
- Old Town Road Lil Nas X
- Can't Stop the Feeling! Justin Timberlake
Why This Playlist Works
The magic of a great square dance playlist lies in its variety and energy progression. Start with familiar classics to build confidence, then mix in contemporary hits to keep the energy high. The best square dance calls adapt to different musical styles, proving this tradition is anything but stuck in the past.
Notice how these songs share a common thread: strong, clear beats that make it easy to follow calls, and upbeat tempos that naturally encourage movement and smiles.
Country Crossovers
These country hits have the perfect rhythm for do-si-do and promenade, with lyrics that tell stories everyone can enjoy.
- Boot Scootin' Boogie Brooks & Dunn
- Friends in Low Places Garth Brooks
- Man! I Feel Like a Woman! Shania Twain
- Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) Big & Rich
- Watermelon Crawl Tracy Byrd
Pro Tip: Reading the Room
The best square dance callers know how to match the music to the crowd. Watch for energy levels and age demographics, and don't be afraid to switch gears if a song isn't connecting. Sometimes the most unexpected song choices create the most memorable dance experiences.
Unexpected Gems
These might surprise you, but their rhythms work surprisingly well for square dancing and add an element of fun surprise to any event.
- Happy Pharrell Williams
- Dancing Queen ABBA
- I Gotta Feeling The Black Eyed Peas
- Shake It Off Taylor Swift
- Don't Stop Believin' Journey
