1. ‘The Blue Danube’ by Johann Strauss II
The Blue Danube by Johann Strauss II
The Blue Danube is one of the most iconic waltzes of all time, and it was composed by Johann Strauss II in 1867. This piece is often used in ballroom dancing competitions as a showpiece, and it has been featured in numerous films throughout the years. The Blue Danube is considered to be one of the most beautiful and romantic pieces of music ever written and is a staple of ballroom dance competitions.
The music of The Blue Danube is characterized by its sweeping melodies and gentle rhythms. The piece begins with a slow introduction, followed by a more upbeat section that builds to a dramatic climax. The piece then returns to the slower introduction before ending with a powerful crescendo.
The Blue Danube has been performed by many orchestras and is widely recognized as a classic piece of music. It is often used in ballroom dance competitions to demonstrate the beauty and grace of the waltz. It is also a popular choice for wedding and other special occasions.
2. ‘The Waltz of the Flowers’ by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
The Waltz of the Flowers by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is one of the most beloved composers of all time, and his waltz of the flowers is one of his most recognizable pieces of music. Originally composed for the ballet ‘The Nutcracker’, this piece of music has been used in countless ballroom dances since the late 19th century.
The Music
The Waltz of the Flowers is a lively and romantic piece of music that captures the spirit of the ballet. It is characterised by its bright, sweeping melodies and its dynamic rhythms. The piece is often performed as a Viennese Waltz, as its lilting tempo and sweeping melodies lend themselves perfectly to the style of dance.
The Choreography
The choreography for the Waltz of the Flowers is often based on the traditional Viennese Waltz, with its graceful turns and sweeping movements. It is a popular choice for competitive ballroom dancing, as it provides a great opportunity for the dancers to show off their skill and artistry.
Notable Performances
The Waltz of the Flowers has been featured in countless performances by British ballroom dancers. In recent years, the piece has been performed at the Blackpool Dance Festival, the British Open Championships, and the World Championships. It has also been featured in several films and television shows, including the hit BBC series ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
3. ‘The Last Waltz’ by Engelbert Humperdinck
The Last Waltz by Engelbert Humperdinck
Engelbert Humperdinck’s “The Last Waltz” is a classic ballroom dance composition from the 1960s. The song was originally released in 1967, and has since become a staple of the ballroom dance scene in Britain.
The song features a beautiful melody and a classic waltz beat, making it perfect for couples to dance to. It also has a romantic feel, making it perfect for slow waltzes. The lyrics are romantic and melancholic, and the song has been covered by many artists over the years.
Notable Performances
“The Last Waltz” has been performed by many notable British artists, including Cliff Richard, Shirley Bassey, and Engelbert Humperdinck himself. It has also been featured in films such as “Four Weddings and a Funeral” and “The King’s Speech”.
The song has been a staple of the ballroom dance scene in Britain for decades, and has been featured in many dance competitions and shows. It is also a popular choice for wedding dances, and is often used as the last dance of the night.
Legacy
The Last Waltz by Engelbert Humperdinck is a timeless classic which has been beloved by generations of British ballroom dancers. It is a beautiful song, and its romantic lyrics and beautiful melody make it a perfect choice for slow waltzes.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. It is a timeless classic which will be remembered for many years to come.
4. ‘The Black and White Rag’ by George Botsford
4. ‘The Black and White Rag’ by George Botsford
George Botsford was a British composer and pianist whose ragtime compositions were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His most famous composition, ‘The Black and White Rag’, was written in 1908 and was the first ragtime piece to be published in Britain.
The piece is written in a two-step tempo and features a syncopated melody which is interspersed with short runs of notes. The lyrics of the song are light-hearted and tell the story of a couple who are dancing the Black and White Rag.
The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Beach Boys. It has also been featured in a number of films, including ‘The Great Gatsby’ and ‘The Sting’.
Notable Performances
The most notable performance of ‘The Black and White Rag’ was by the British dance bandleader Ambrose, who recorded the song in 1934. The recording was an instant hit and was played on the radio throughout the country.
The song has also been performed by a number of notable orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. It has also been featured in a number of ballets, including ‘The Red Shoes’ and ‘Romeo and Juliet’.
Legacy
‘The Black and White Rag’ is one of the most iconic pieces of music in British ballroom dancing history. It is still regularly played at dance competitions and events, and its popularity shows no sign of waning.
5. ‘The White Cliffs of Dover’ by Nat Burton
The White Cliffs of Dover by Nat Burton
Nat Burton’s ‘The White Cliffs of Dover’ is a classic British ballroom dance composition. Written in 1941, it was inspired by the sight of the white chalk cliffs of Dover, England, which were a symbol of hope during the Second World War.
The song has a slow, romantic tempo, with a gentle melody that evokes the beauty of the cliffs. The lyrics are heartfelt and nostalgic, and they tell the story of a soldier returning home to his beloved.
The song has been recorded by many artists, including Vera Lynn, who had a hit version in 1945. It has become a popular choice for ballroom dancers, especially those who are performing the Viennese Waltz.
Notable Recordings
Vera Lynn – 1945
The Andrews Sisters – 1945
Frank Sinatra – 1955
Bing Crosby – 1957
Kenny Ball and His Jazzmen – 1962
Petula Clark – 1964
Elvis Presley – 1971
The Shadows – 1971
Robbie Williams – 2002
6. ‘The Lambeth Walk’ by Noel Gay
The Lambeth Walk by Noel Gay
Noel Gay’s ‘The Lambeth Walk’ is one of the most iconic British dance compositions of all time. Written in 1937, the song was originally performed by the ‘Me and My Girl’ cast in the London West End, and has since been covered by a variety of artists.
The song is known for its distinctive ‘Lambeth Walk’ dance, which was popularised in the late 1930s. The Lambeth Walk is a lively and energetic dance that involves quick steps, arm movements and jazzy rhythms.
The song has been used in a variety of films, including ‘Me and My Girl’, ‘The Ladykillers’ and ‘The Great Muppet Caper’. It has also been featured on the BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ show.
Notable Recordings
Notable recordings of ‘The Lambeth Walk’ include the original cast recording from ‘Me and My Girl’, as well as versions by The Beatles, The Kinks, and Petula Clark. More recently, the song has been covered by Robbie Williams and Lily Allen.
7. ‘The Maypole Dance’ by Percy Grainger
7. ‘The Maypole Dance’ by Percy Grainger
Percy Grainger was an Australian-born composer who had a great influence on British music. He was a prolific composer, and his works often featured strong folk influences. One of his most famous compositions is ‘The Maypole Dance’, a work for orchestra which was originally written in 1914.
The piece is based on a traditional English folk dance, and is scored for full orchestra, with a prominent part for the strings. The music is light and cheerful, and is often used for dances and pageants. It is a popular choice for school orchestras and amateur ensembles, as it is relatively easy to learn and perform.
Notable Performances and Recordings
The piece has been performed by a number of orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. It has also been recorded by many notable conductors, including Sir Charles Mackerras and Sir Simon Rattle.
Conclusion
‘The Maypole Dance’ is a delightful and cheerful work which is a great testament to Percy Grainger’s skill as a composer. It is a popular choice for school orchestras and is often used for dances and pageants. It is a great example of British folk music, and is sure to be enjoyed by audiences for many years to come.
8. ‘The Cakewalk’ by Scott Joplin
The Cakewalk by Scott Joplin
Scott Joplin, the renowned American composer, wrote the Cakewalk in 1902. This ragtime dance was a popular ballroom dance in the United Kingdom during the early 20th century. The Cakewalk was originally composed as a solo piano piece, but it was later arranged for a full orchestra. The Cakewalk is characterized by its syncopated rhythms, which give it an incredibly lively feel. The Cakewalk was also one of the first pieces of music to be recorded on a phonograph.
History of the Cakewalk
The Cakewalk originated in the United States during the late 19th century. It was a popular dance among African-Americans, and it was often performed in minstrel shows. The Cakewalk was derived from the African-American tradition of “cake-walking” which was a type of dance competition. The winner of the competition was awarded a cake as a prize.
The Cakewalk in Britain
The Cakewalk soon became popular in the United Kingdom, and it was performed in many ballroom venues. The Cakewalk was often accompanied by a full orchestra, and it was a popular dance at the time. The Cakewalk was a popular social dance in Britain, and it was often performed by couples.
The Legacy of the Cakewalk
The Cakewalk has become an iconic piece of music, and it is still performed today. The Cakewalk has been featured in many films and television shows, and it has been recorded by countless artists. The Cakewalk is a timeless piece of music, and it is an important part of the history of ballroom dancing in the United Kingdom.
9. ‘The Minuet’ by George Frideric Handel
The Minuet by George Frideric Handel
The Minuet by George Frideric Handel is one of the most popular and beloved ballroom dance compositions in Britain. Written in 1741, this piece of music has been used in countless ballroom competitions and performances over the centuries.
The Minuet is a graceful and elegant dance, and its simple structure makes it a favorite among beginner and experienced dancers alike. The music is lively and upbeat, and it has a joyous and jubilant feel that is sure to get the audience up and dancing.
The Minuet is a great piece to use for a variety of ballroom dances, such as the Waltz, the Foxtrot, and the Quickstep. It can also be used for more advanced dances, such as the Viennese Waltz or the Tango.
Handel’s Minuet is a timeless classic, and its popularity is sure to last for many more years to come. It is an essential part of any British ballroom dance repertoire, and it is sure to bring joy and delight to any ballroom dance event.
10. ‘The Polka’ by Johann Strauss I
The Polka by Johann Strauss I
Johann Strauss I was an Austrian composer who wrote a number of ballroom dance compositions, including the famous ‘The Polka’. It was first performed in 1844 in Vienna, and quickly became a popular dance in Britain.
The Music
The Polka is a lively dance in 2/4 time, with a strong emphasis on the first and third beats. Its distinctive rhythm gives it a bouncy, energetic feel, and it is often accompanied by a cheerful brass band.
The Dance
The Polka is a partner dance, with both partners moving in a circular pattern. The steps are fairly simple, with the man leading and the woman following. It is usually danced to a moderate speed, and is often seen at weddings and other festive events.
Legacy
The Polka has remained a popular dance in Britain since its introduction in the 19th century. It is often seen in social settings, and is a popular choice for competitive ballroom dancing. It is also a popular choice for folk dancing, and is often seen at traditional festivals.
