At The Studio Director, we help thousands of studios run their day-to-day operations so they can keep their businesses going strong. Today, we’re sharing some great options when it comes to dance music for kids. Use them to guide your dance classes and performances, with classic and contemporary favorites. For parents who have found this post, these are fantastic dance songs for parties, family gatherings, or practicing at home as well!
What Should I Look For In Dance Music For Kids?
When you’re searching for music for kids to dance to, the sky’s the limit!
While there is always a time and place for traditional music, it can be fun to get creative with your selections. By incorporating both upbeat and classical music, your tiny dancer will experience a variety of genres and find what they like best.
Have younger kids or toddlers? Expose them to children’s dance songs with actions to encourage movement. This can help them refine their fine and gross motor skills, while also burning off more energy!
Ready to get started? These are some of the best dance songs for kids. All they have to do is get moving!
10 Examples Of Classical Dance Music For Kids
Playing classical dance music for kids is helpful when you’re trying to work on the basics. From plié to relevé, add these songs to your playlist to help your students master the major positions needed for ballet and other traditional styles of dance.
Want even more ballet music for kids? Check out our list here.
1. “Frere Jacques”
With a quick and upbeat pace, this old nursery rhyme makes for a perfect warm-up on the ballet barre.
2. “Maple Leaf Rag”
This early ragtime composition will be familiar for students of all ages. The repetitive and staccato-like beat lends itself to tap dancing or even upbeat jazz numbers.
3. Mozart’s “Turkish March”
Pair buoyant and upbeat choreography with this classical masterpiece to give your students a new appreciation for tradition.
4. “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” from The Nutcracker
Planning for your Christmas recital? Look no further than the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” This holiday favorite is sure to delight students and parents.
5. Beethoven’s “Für Elise”
“Fur Elise” may seem complex because of the varied moods and rhythms. However, it’s a great one for lyrical pieces or even choreography that uses dancers split up into different groups.
6. Brahms’s Lullaby
With 3/4 time and a slow tempo, this iconic lullaby is a recognizable tune. Dancers will feel confident performing to this song as it’s probably already a familiar one.
7. “Dance of the Little Swans”
Use colorful scarves to bring this beautiful piece to life and encourage the use of props. Tiny dancers will love prancing around the room to this energetic masterpiece.
8. “The Entertainer”
Another classic of the ragtime era, “The Entertainer” is a light-hearted pick that allows dancers to smile and have fun. After all, that’s what dancing is all about!
9. “Arabesque No. 1”
Encourage your students to explore the deep variation of tones in “Arabesque No. 1.” This is a classical masterpiece that promotes both slow and quick choreography.
10. “Waltz of the Flowers”
Your dancers will feel like they’re floating on air as they glide around the room to “Waltz of the Flowers.” This one is perfect for any spring-themed recital or competition.
10 Examples Of Contemporary Dance Music For Kids
Sometimes it’s best to let your dancers get loose and groove to contemporary hits. Inspire them to incorporate elements of freestyle choreography to boost creativity when they’re dancing to these songs.
1. “Can’t Stop The Feeling” by Justin Timberlake
It’s hard not to get moving when you hear this hit! Even the lyrics encourage everyone to get up and dance. Plus, your kids may recognize it from the popular family movie, Trolls.
2. “ABC” by The Jackson Five
Practice letters and numbers with this old favorite from The Jackson Five. This is a tune that parents and grandparents have been enjoying for decades.
3 “Under the Sea” from Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Disney soundtracks are always a big hit, especially The Little Mermaid. This song provides opportunities for diverse movement as it can also be acted out.
4. “Boomerang” by JoJo Siwa
With more than 11.5 million YouTube subscribers, it’s not secret that JoJo Siwa is a hit with elementary school kids. Even better? This catchy pop hit encourages confidence in the face of bullying.
5. “Dancing Queen” by Abba
Expose your students to the iconic days of disco with a “Dancing Queen” routine. They’ll love experiencing a new form of movement.
6. “Un Poco Loco” from Pixar’s Coco
This upbeat, guitar-forward song is a great dance option for your kids. A short fun melody will allow their creativity to flow, with both fast- and short-paced sections.
7. “Happy by Pharrell Williams
This upbeat tune will have your students tapping their toes and clapping along with big smiles. This is another hit they may recognize from the movies as it was featured in Despicable Me 2.
8. “A Whole New World” from Disney’s Aladdin
Incorporate both slow and quick choreography for this Disney favorite. It’s a popular one that also makes for a great musical theatre opportunity.
9. “Dynamite” by BTS
Do your older kids absolutely love K-pop? One of the catchiest K-pop songs you can find for their dance party is supergroup BTS’ “Dynamite.” Pick up some of the moves from their popular music video for choreography, too.
10. “How Far I’ll Go” from Disney’s Moana
This is one of Disney’s newer hits, so there’s a good chance your students already have it on repeat. This song is full of passion and allows for opportunities to explore varied rhythmic movement.
Learn More About Studio Director
There is so much to do when you start a dance studio. From setting up your sound system to selecting the right songs for each class, we help you focus on these important creative elements.
Studio Director can be your silent business partner, simplifying your administrative tasks behind the scenes. Our unique dance studio software helps you manage enrollment, keep track of payments, and effectively communicate with your students.
Schedule a product demo with one of our experts and get your questions answered today.
