Let the music move you

Picture it. The lights are low. The dance floor is open. The music begins to waft through the dance hall air…someone says, “oh it’s a foxtrot!” And you’re left in bewilderment as dozens of people seamlessly float onto the dance floor because they all somehow magically know what dance it is…

You’re not alone. Many of my students have expressed confusion about choosing the dance that best fits a song, and they have a point. There are literally dozens of partner dances, all meant for specific tempos, genres, moods, and movements. The question is, why the variety? What is the big difference? What is it about music that makes us dance one way or the other. And how in the world can you tell the difference quickly enough to actually make it onto the dance floor before last call?

Never fear. Here are some fun nerd nuggets about music, frisson, musicality, and dopamine, as well as some practical tips for helping you select a dance with confidence.

Auditory Cheesecake

The brain is a funny thing, and without breaking yours or mine, let’s talk about it. The human brain has some really sensitive receptors that light up like Yankee Stadium when we hear music. Those receptors control things like emotions, movement, and dopamine release. Check it out!

It’s pretty cool that the brain registers so specifically with different musical sounds. Even cooler is the way our brains help decide what dance movements fit with the music, based on feel, tempo, and rhythm. Get ready for some more brain-splaining.

Feel

Soulful, jazzy, country, rock

classical, swing-time, latin, pop…

Cue the dopamine. This is the first receptor to light up. Music has a way of meeting us where we are emotionally, or taking us where we want to go. Either way, once we are connected, the magic happens! Music turns emotion into motion, and presto! You’re dancing! In whatever form, you’re moving. You’ve plugged in to the music’s soundwaves and it is speaking to you. What is it saying? How does it feel? Romantic? Peppy? Soulfilled? Playful? Morose? Pay attention to your emotions, and what movement feels right. They are clues to what dance you’re about to do.

Tempo and Rhythm

Same but not. We use them interchangeably in casual conversation, but when it comes to defining what music fits what dance, these two both play a hefty part. Tempo is the speed at which a song is played, based on beats per second. Rhythm is more reliant on the sounds and accents within the music itself, measuring time within the music. Both are wonderful guides to what dance fits best!

It’s time to bring out the power of elimination. The easiest way to limit your choices down to likely dance matches, is by tempo. Go ahead and tap your foot on the ground right now. I’ll even join you. First tap it slowly, then midrange, then quickly at the end. Good job! Now you have your first clue, speed. When a song plays, tap your foot to the beat, that steady tick that stays constant throughout the song. Found it? Awesome! Now, by deciding if it’s slow, fast, or in the middle, you can eliminate some of the unlikely dances. Below are some really overgeneralized examples:

Slow dances- Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Rumba, Nightclub Two-step, Bolero

Medium dances*- Argentine Tango, West coast Swing, Chacha, East Coast Swing, Samba

Fast dances- Salsa, Bachata, Jive, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep, Single Time Swing

Now, this needs to be said. There is a lot of wiggle room here, literally, with the dances you pick. Some of it relies on your ability. If you don’t know how to do a dance, or you’re just learning it, don’t push yourself to frustration. If the music seems too fast for the dance you’ve chosen, it might still be the right dance. It could just be you have to work up to that speed. In that case, just select a “sister” dance that is similar but easier to dance to for now. For example, if the chacha feels a little fast, maybe try a rumba instead. They have similar beat accents and the music is usually in the same genres.

As far as rhythm goes, once you’ve decided your tempo, both feel and rhythm factor in. And I know what you’re thinking. “Seriously, what if I dont choose the right tempo, then I’m all messed up from the start, and it’s taking all this time already.” Give yourself some grace. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel! And, remember, wiggle room. There is more than one right answer.

Rhythm

Ever drummed your hands on your steering wheel while blasting the radio? Or played air guitar? Bingo, you’ve found rhythm. Rhythm can be expressed in a variety of ways, from the low bass tones, to percussive “tickey-tackas”, to the swell and sway of the instruments.

Each dance has a recognizable rhythm, emotion, heartbeat, and flavor. The best way to grow your knowledge of each dance is to take lessons! Group classes are a great way to try out a wide range of partner dances, without committing too strongly to one or the other. Private lessons really allow you to dive into the heart of each dance, with one on one guidance from your private instructor.

Whatever path in dance you choose, the first step belongs to you. Music is within us all, so let your heart do the talking and dance from the inside out!