10 Unique Jazz Dance Songs

One of my most popular posts has been my post on Sassy Jazz Dance Songs. Recently, I was asked, "Do you have anymore jazz songs that you could recommend?" Well, the answer is yes! Oh yes. I have many and I'd love to recommend them. So, today I'm featuring 10 unique jazz dance songs.

Also, a little clarification because it seems that some people were confused. These are not all jazz songs as in the kind of songs a jazz band plays or a song by Miles Davis. Though, jazz music is great! In fact, historically jazz dance was very influenced by jazz music, thus the name. BUT these are songs that lend themselves well to the type of jazz choreography that is popular today. It looks very different than jazz dances in the early to mid 1900s because dance, like music, is always evolving. I could get all into the history and evolution of jazz...but that would be a whole post in itself and that's not really what you're reading this for, is it? Didn't think so! So let's hear some music!

Photo by Nathan Sweet

1. In Ruins by Fol Chen

Okay, first let me address the creepy voice at the beginning... I have no idea what he is saying. If you figure it out and it is disturbing or something, please let me know. But, regardless, I like the dynamics and fun accents in this song. The layers of instruments and vocals give a choreographer a lot to work with. 

2. Jazz Baby by Carol Channing from Thoroughly Modern Millie

If you're looking for a sassy, musical theater style jazz song, this might be the one for you. It's not very fast (until the energetic instrumental break about 2 minutes in), but it's full of attitude and character.

3. Birds Fly Away by Theresa Andersson

I don't know about you, but these drums make me want to dance! This is a happy and upbeat song that would be a lot of fun to dance to.

​4. Shot at the Night by the Killers

Because it's on Vevo, I can't post the official music video on my blog, but if you haven't seen it you should watch it here because it's pretty cute. :) This would be a slower jazz dance, but I think it has a lot of potential. It has a cool 1980's feel to it.

5. Moneygrabber by Fitz and the Tantrums

I like that Fitz and the Tantrums' music has an old school Motown feel, especially this song. You may have heard some of their more recent songs on the radio like The Walker and Out of My League.

6. I'm Shakin cover by Jack White (Originally by Little Willie John)

Once again, Jack White has taken a great song and boosted it to the next level. This song is super groovy and will definitely make you want to move. One challenge this song poses, however -  it may be hard for beginning dancers to count. This is not like your average pop song. You can't just count it in sets of 8 over and over. When I count this song, I switch from sets of 8 counts to sets of 10 and sets of 6 throughout. Listen to it and count it, you'll see what I mean. You'll have to have dancers that can remember the different lengths of each musical phrase. It could be challenging, but awesome!

7. Ballroom Blitz by Sweet

As you can probably tell, I like old music and I don't hesitate in using it my choreography. This 70's song is fast and a lot of fun.  I've used this song for a competition jazz piece and it did very well. I would use it again!

​8. The Fox by Niki and the Dove

Unlike most of the other songs on this post, this not exactly a happy or perky song, but it's electronic, indie, and cool. If you're wanting to do more of an intense jazz dance, this may be your choice. 

​9. How You Like Me Now by the Heavy

Go ahead, try to listen to this song without dancing. If you like this, also check out their songs What Makes a Good Man and  Same Ol'. You've got lots of good options with these guys.

10. Just My Type by Saint Motel

From the very beginning, this song is just plain catchy. You'll be singing it all day and you won't even be mad about it. I used this song for an audition dance last year for my dance company. Later in the year, my dancers still remembered the song and wanted to use it again. We didn't, but it's so good that we could have!


Well, there you go. 10 jazz dance songs! Hopefully this helps in your search. Keep dancing!
​-Haley