Holiday Music for Social Dancing
There may have been a time when a Holiday dance party had you feeling like your dance shoes were roasting on an open fire.
Whether it was not knowing how to dance at all, or knowing how to dance but not being able to recognize the music - consider this your holly-jolly study guide for holiday social dancing dancing fun.
Rocking Around the Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
Maybe this song reminds you of the holidays, Home Alone, or that Brenda Lee's got such a sultry voice - no matter what, it's a great Swing or Foxtrot for any Holiday dance party.
Dance: Swing/Foxtrot
Feliz Navidad - Jose Feliciano
This song may be closer to a traditional Christmas song than a traditional Salsa, nonetheless it's fun to dance to, and hard not to sing at the same time.
Dance: Salsa
Last Christmas - Wham
This song held the spot of Holiday "modern classic" for a while... like, two decades. Now, it's safe to drop the "modern" and just call it what it is.
Dance: Hustle
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Andy Williams
Sure, you sing this song to yourself when you're watching angry Christmas shoppers trying to find parking spots, but it's also a peppy Viennese Waltz.
Dance: Viennese Waltz
Baby It’s Cold Outside - Idina Menzel & Michael Buble
Not only does this modern take on a holiday classic work as a Foxtrot, but it also has that great storytelling component for a great holiday foxtrot routine.
Dance: Foxtrot
Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt
Is it a Foxtrot? Maybe. Is it a Swing? Could be. Is it the sexiest Holiday song and therefore turning the dance question into a non-issue? Yes.
Dance: ????
Silent Night - Temptations
You'd be hard pressed to find a more soulful rendition of this all-time holiday classic. Not to mention, it's a Waltz.
Dance: Waltz
Little Drummer Boy - Pentatonix
There may not be a more talented and popular singing group in the Holiday, or any, genre today. The Pentatonix rendition of Little Drummer Boy may not be as current as their Live Christmas Special, but that doesn't make it any less deserving of a spot on your dance party playlist.
Dance: Nightclub 2-Step
Christmastime is Here - Vince Guaraldi Trio
Without it, your Holiday celebration just might feel a little empty. What is it about the Peanuts Christmas special, and the incomparable Vince Guaraldi Trio's "Christmastime is Here" that sets such a perfect Christmas mood? Maybe it's the angelic voices of the kids, or the memories the cartoon conjures of your own childhood. For you, the ballroom dancer, it can also be your favorite holiday Waltz.
Dance: Waltz
Run Rudolph Run - Chuck Berry
Not only does this capture the essence of a classic American Christmas, it works as a perfect music montage of your holiday shopping experience. Oh, and it's a great swing too.
Dance: Swing
Hawaiian Christmas Song - Bing Crosby & the Andrew’s Sisters
Whether you're spending the Holidays in the Hawaiian islands, enjoy a Mai Tai with your mistletoe, or just love the eclectic sounds of Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters, the Hawaiian Christmas Song, known as "Mele Kalikimaka", is also how you say "Holiday Quickstep" in Ballroom.
Dance: Quickstep
Final Thought
The Holidays are such a great gathering time of year - whether it's with your family, or your end of the year office party, we hope that you make the most of your dance opportunities this season.
Hopefully, this list gives you a holiday nudge toward the dance floor, away from the spiked egg nog, and helps you spread some holiday cheer while you're rockin' the night away.
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