Music

Selecting practice dance music can be a challenge for beginning dancers. Music companies often release products which claim to be one thing, but are actually something very different. Good dance music will indicate both the type of dance and the tempo at which it is danced.

Tempo is represented in bpm or musical "beats per minute". The best dance music conforms to these tempos and maintains a steady tempo throughout the tune. This type of music is called "Strict Tempo" dance music. Good dance DJs will have a selection of these types of dance music. Bands, unfortunately, will not always maintain steady tempos or play in the recommended tempo range, so they can be more challenging to dance to.

Name of Dance :: Tempo Range/Time Signature

SMOOTH OR BALLROOM/STANDARD

Foxtrot (American) :: 120-136 BPM @ 4/4

Foxtrot (International) :: 112-120 BPM @ 4/4

Quickstep (International) :: 192-208 BPM @ 4/4

Tango (American/International) :: 120-132 BPM @ 2/4

Tango (Argentine) :: no standard

Country Two Step :: 168-200 BPM @ 4/4

Viennese Waltz (American/International) :: 150-180 BPM @ 3/4

Waltz (American/International) :: 84-96 BPM @ 3/4

Waltz (Country) :: 76-98 BPM @ 3/4

Waltz (Cross-Step) :: 104-120 BPM @ 3/4

Waltz (Rotary) :: 140-160 BPM @ 3/4

RHYTHM OR LATIN

Bolero (American) :: 96-104 BPM @ 4/4

Cha Cha (American/International) :: 112-128 BPM @ 4/4 or 2/4

Cha Cha :: Country :: 96-118 BPM @ 4/4 or 2/4

East Coast Swing (Single-Time) :: 150-190 BPM @ 4/4

East Coast Swing (Triple-Time) :: 126-154 BPM @ 4/4

Jive (International) :: 152-176 BPM @ 4/4

Hustle :: 104-121 BPM @ 4/4

Mambo (American) :: 188-204 BPM @ 4/4

Merengue :: 58-64 BPM @ 4/4

Nightclub Two Step:: 54-64 BPM @ 4/4

Paso Doble (International) :: 112-124 BPM @ 6/8 or 2/4

Polka :: 104-124 BPM @ 4/4

Rumba (American) :: 120-144 BPM @ 4/4 or 2/4

Rumba (International) :: 96-112 BPM @ 4/4 or 2/4

Salsa :: 150-250 BPM @ 4/4

Samba (American/ International) :: 104 BPM @ 4/4 or 2/4