1. “The Black Bottom” by George Gershwin
The Black Bottom by George Gershwin
The Black Bottom is a popular jazz dance from the 1920s, written by George Gershwin. The dance is a lively and energetic combination of steps performed to upbeat music. It has been danced in the UK since the 1920s, and is still popular today.
The Black Bottom is characterised by its fast-paced steps and frequent changes of direction. It is usually performed in a line or circle formation, with couples taking turns to lead the dance. The steps are simple and repetitive, and it is easy to learn.
The Music
The original music for the Black Bottom was composed by George Gershwin in 1924. It is an upbeat piece of music, with a strong swing rhythm and a catchy melody. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Nat King Cole.
The Legacy
The Black Bottom has been embraced by the British ballroom dancing community, and is a popular dance at social dances and competitions. It is a great way to show off your energy and enthusiasm, and is a great way to get people on the dancefloor.
2. “The White Lady” by Joseph Lamb
The White Lady by Joseph Lamb
Joseph Lamb’s ‘The White Lady’ is a classic ragtime piece that has been popular in Britain since its release in 1911. It is a light-hearted, jazzy piece that is perfect for ballroom dancing.
The piece was originally composed in the key of F major and follows a standard ragtime form. It is in two-four time, with a syncopated melody that is accompanied by a steady bass line. The piece is often performed in a moderately slow tempo.
The piece has been recorded by a number of notable musicians, including Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Waller, and Benny Goodman. It has been used as a showpiece for many ballroom dancers, and is a popular selection for competitions.
Notable Performances
The White Lady has been performed by a number of notable dancers, including Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The piece has also been performed by the Royal Ballet, and has been featured in a number of films, including The Band Wagon (1953) and Shall We Dance? (1937).
3. “The Charleston” by James P. Johnson
The Charleston by James P. Johnson
Background
The Charleston is a jazz-influenced, syncopated dance that became wildly popular in the 1920s. It was created by African American composer and pianist James P. Johnson, and quickly became a sensation in both the United States and Europe.
The Music
Johnson’s composition of The Charleston was first recorded in 1923 and released as a sheet music. It was an instant success, and soon became a staple of dance halls and ballrooms across the world. The classic syncopated rhythms and lively energy of the song made it an ideal accompaniment for the energetic Charleston dance.
Legacy
The Charleston remains a popular dance and music piece in Britain today, and is often played at weddings and other social events. It is also a regular feature in ballroom competitions and is a popular choice for dance performances. Johnson’s composition of The Charleston is considered one of the most iconic pieces of ballroom dance music in Britain, and its influence can still be felt today.
4. “The Lambeth Walk” by Noel Gay
The Lambeth Walk by Noel Gay
Noel Gay’s 1937 musical production Me and My Girl has been a mainstay of British theatre for decades. The show is best known for its iconic song “The Lambeth Walk”, which has become a classic of British ballroom dance music.
The song was written by Noel Gay and Douglas Furber, and was first performed by Lupino Lane in the original production of Me and My Girl. It was an instant hit, and soon became a popular dance tune in ballrooms across the country.
The song is based on the traditional Lambeth Walk dance, which was popular in the 1930s. The dance is a fast-paced jig, and the song follows the same rhythm, with a strong beat and lively melody.
The song is still popular today, with many dancers performing the Lambeth Walk at ballroom events. It is often used as a warm-up dance, as it is easy to learn and is a great way to get everyone on the dance floor.
Notable Performances
The song has been performed by a number of famous singers, including Ella Fitzgerald, Shirley Bassey, and Petula Clark. It was also featured in the film The Great Muppet Caper, and was performed by the Muppets.
The song has been covered by a number of artists, including Madness, who released a version in 1979. The song has also been sampled by a number of hip-hop and dance artists, including the Beastie Boys and Fatboy Slim.
Legacy
The Lambeth Walk is a beloved part of British culture, and has been a staple of ballroom dancing in the UK for decades. It is a great way to get people on the dance floor, and is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
5. “The Dashing White Sergeant” by Robert M. Campbell
The Dashing White Sergeant
Robert M. Campbell
The Dashing White Sergeant is a traditional Scottish country dance tune, composed by Robert M. Campbell in the early 19th century. It is one of the most popular and iconic pieces of ballroom dance music in Britain, and is often used to open or close a dance. The tune is often accompanied by a lively dance, where couples perform a series of linked figures.
The tune is also known as the ‘Caledonian Country Dance’ or the ‘Highland Fling’. It has been used in numerous popular recordings, including by The Chieftains and The Corries. It is also a popular choice for ceilidh bands and is regularly used in stage performances.
The Dashing White Sergeant is a great example of British ballroom dance music, and one that will be enjoyed by all for many years to come.
6. “The Veleta” by Émile Waldteufel
The Veleta
by Émile Waldteufel
The Veleta is a classic waltz composed by Émile Waldteufel in 1879 and is one of the most popular and recognizable ballroom dance pieces in the UK. It has been used in a number of films and TV shows, and was famously performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra in the 1960s.
The Veleta is a lively and joyful piece of music, with a cheerful and uplifting melody that is sure to get any ballroom dance floor moving. The tempo is quite fast, but it is still easy to follow and keep up with. The piece is usually performed in a traditional 3/4 time and is often accompanied by a flute and strings.
The Veleta is a great piece of music for any ballroom dancer, and its popularity has made it a staple in many British ballroom dance clubs. It is a great way to show off your skills and impress your partner, and it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
7. “The Waltz of the Flowers” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
7. “The Waltz of the Flowers” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “The Waltz of the Flowers” is a classic ballroom dance piece that has been popular in Britain for many years. Originally composed in 1892, it has been used in a variety of contexts, including for the ballet The Nutcracker.
The waltz is characterised by its graceful, flowing melody and its slow, steady tempo. It is often performed by a full orchestra, with strings and woodwinds providing a lush accompaniment. It is also popular in a solo piano version, which is often used in competitions.
The piece is a favourite of ballroom dancers in Britain, who often use it for their waltz routines. Its graceful, romantic feel makes it perfect for waltzing around the floor. It is also a favourite of couples who want to show off their skill and finesse.
Notable Performances
“The Waltz of the Flowers” has been performed by many notable British ballroom dancers, including Anton du Beke, Darcey Bussell and Len Goodman. It is also regularly performed in the Royal Albert Hall and other prestigious venues.
The piece has also been used in a variety of films and television shows, including The King’s Speech, Downton Abbey and Strictly Come Dancing. It is also a popular choice for wedding dances.
Conclusion
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “The Waltz of the Flowers” is a classic ballroom dance piece that is beloved by British dancers. Its graceful, romantic feel makes it perfect for waltzing around the floor, and it is a popular choice for wedding dances and other special occasions.
8. “The Blue Danube” by Johann Strauss II
The Blue Danube by Johann Strauss II
The Blue Danube is one of the most iconic pieces of ballroom dance music in Britain, and it is often used as a waltz in ballroom dancing competitions. Composed by the Austrian composer Johann Strauss II in 1867, the piece is one of the most recognizable waltzes in the world.
The Blue Danube is an incredibly popular piece of music for ballroom dancers in Britain, with many dancers choosing it as their first dance at weddings and other special occasions. It is often used as a show-stopper in ballroom competitions, and is a favorite of many dancers.
The Music
The Blue Danube is a slow waltz, with a tempo of around 60 beats per minute. It is written in the key of A-flat major and has a total of 64 bars. The piece is also known for its use of the oboe and the horns, which add to the romantic feel of the music.
The Lyrics
The Blue Danube does not have any lyrics, but it has been used in many popular songs, including “The Blue Danube Waltz” by The Beatles. The piece has also been used in a variety of films and television shows, including the James Bond films.
Conclusion
The Blue Danube is one of the most iconic pieces of ballroom dance music in Britain, and is often used as a waltz in competitions. With its romantic feel and its use in popular songs and films, it is no wonder why this piece is so popular with ballroom dancers in Britain.
9. “The Gay Gordons” by Robert M. Campbell
The Gay Gordons
Robert M. Campbell
The Gay Gordons is a traditional Scottish dance that has been popular in Britain since the late 19th century. The dance is named after the Gordon Highlanders, a regiment of the British Army. The Gay Gordons is a lively dance that is done in a square formation with four couples. The music is usually a lively march or jig.
The Gay Gordons is a very popular dance at ceilidhs and other social gatherings in Scotland, and is also popular in England and Wales. It is often used as an icebreaker at formal events.
The music for the Gay Gordons was composed by Robert M. Campbell, a Scottish fiddler, in the late 19th century. Campbell’s version of the Gay Gordons is the most widely known and is often used in competitions. It is a lively jig in 6/8 time, and the melody is often played on the fiddle or accordion.
The Gay Gordons is a great dance for beginners, as the steps are easy to learn and the music is very lively and enjoyable. It is a great way to get people up and dancing, and it is a fun activity for all ages.
10. “The Military Two-Step” by John Philip Sousa
The Military Two-Step by John Philip Sousa
John Philip Sousa, the American composer and conductor, wrote the Military Two-Step in 1891. The Military Two-Step was originally composed as a march for the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. However, it was soon adopted by dance halls across Britain, and it became a popular ballroom dance. The Military Two-Step is a lively, upbeat dance that is still popular today.
The Music
The Military Two-Step is written in the key of C major and is set in a moderate tempo. It is a two-beat dance, with a strong emphasis on the first beat. The music is characterized by its bright, cheerful melodies and military-style rhythms.
The Steps
The Military Two-Step is a dance for a couple, and it is usually performed in a counter-clockwise direction. The dance begins with the man leading his partner into the centre of the floor. The couple then steps forward with their right foot and then back with their left foot. This is repeated twice, and then the couple steps back with their right foot and then forward with their left foot. This is repeated twice, and then the couple steps to the side with their right foot and then back with their left foot. This is repeated twice, and then the couple steps to the side with their left foot and then back with their right foot. This is repeated twice. The couple then repeats the first four steps in the opposite direction. The dance ends with the couple stepping forward with their right foot and then back with their left foot.
Variations
The Military Two-Step can be varied in a number of ways. Some dancers add a dip at the end of the dance, where the man dips his partner back and then brings her back up. Other dancers add a spin at the end of the dance, where the man spins his partner around and then brings her back to him. There are also different versions of the Military Two-Step, such as the Quickstep version.
Conclusion
The Military Two-Step is a popular ballroom dance in Britain, and it is a great way to get people out on the dance floor. It is a lively, upbeat dance that is easy to learn and fun to perform. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer, the Military Two-Step is sure to be a hit at your next ballroom dance!
