Last Updated on October 9, 2024 by Tom S. Ray

Upbeat Jazz Songs For Dance

Finding the perfect upbeat jazz songs for dance routines can be tough. I know how challenging it is to locate those energetic and lively tracks that really get you moving. So, after exploring my own jazzy playlist from my competition days, I’ve put together a list of gems just for you.

Get ready to groove!

Key Takeaways

• Upbeat jazz music, like “Giant Steps” by John Coltrane and “Oh! Oh! Here He Comes” by Herbie Hancock, is perfect for dance routines due to its fast tempo and lively rhythms.
• Modern jazz hits such as “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got)” by Fergie and “Attention” by Todrick Hall blend jazz with pop, creating energetic beats that are ideal for dancing.
• Sassy tracks like “Call Me Queen” by Citizen Queen and “Sax” by Fleur East add flair to choreography, making dancers feel confident and powerful on stage.
• Competitive dance songs like “Mambo No. 5 (a Little Bit of…)” by Lou Bega and “Shake the Room” by Gamu help create engaging routines that grab attention with their high energy.
• Jazz songs customized for different age groups ensure young dancers enjoy age-appropriate tunes while still being able to groove energetically.

The Allure of Upbeat Jazz for Dance

Upbeat jazz music brings energy to dance. It has lively rhythms and groovy melodies. This makes it perfect for dancing. The fast tempo and sassy beats pull you in. You can’t help but move your feet.

I love how upbeat jazz tunes make me feel alive. They inspire creative choreography and keep the audience engaged. Dancing to these tracks is pure joy! Whether it’s “Hey I Don’t Know” by Kongos or “Put the Gun Down” by ZZ Ward, the uplifting jazz rhythms are irresistible.

Classic Upbeat Jazz Songs for Dance

Classic upbeat jazz songs bring a timeless charm to the dance floor. These tunes are lively, energetic, and perfect for getting everyone moving!

“Giant Steps” by John Coltrane

\”Giant Steps\” by John Coltrane is a must-have for every jazz dance playlist. This song, released in 1960, is fast-paced and full of energy. Its complex chord changes keep you on your toes.

I love how \”Giant Steps\” challenges dancers with its rapid tempo. The saxophone solos are exhilarating and make me want to move. It’s not just an upbeat tune; it’s a thrilling ride through vibrant jazz rhythms!

“Oh! Oh! Here He Comes” by Herbie Hancock

\”Oh! Oh! Here He Comes\” by Herbie Hancock bursts with energy. This song’s lively melody and groovy beats make it perfect for dance. The rhythm is infectious—you can’t help but tap your feet or move your body.

Herbie Hancock’s flair shines through every note. His unique style blends classic jazz elements with a modern twist, creating an upbeat tune that’s both fun and lively. Perfect for any dance floor looking to get people moving!

Contemporary Jazz Dance Hits

Let’s explore some modern jazz hits that make you want to move! These tracks, with their energetic beats and dynamic tempo, are perfect for dancing…

“A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got)” by Fergie, Q-Tip, GoonRock

A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got)” by Fergie, Q-Tip, and GoonRock is a perfect song for dance. Its lively beat and fun lyrics make it a party anthem. You can’t help but move when you hear it!

The song blends jazz with modern pop music. This fusion creates an upbeat vibe that’s hard to resist. It’s one of those tracks that gets everyone on the dance floor… young or old!

“Attention” by Todrick Hall

Todrick Hall’s “Attention” is a must-have in your jazz dance playlist. This song is lively and full of energy—perfect for those intense dance sessions. Its fast beats and catchy lyrics keep you moving.

I find “Attention” great for contemporary jazz routines. It pulls you in with its rhythm, making it hard not to groove along. If you’re looking for something fresh and fun, this track hits the spot!

Sassy Jazz Songs for Choreography

Sometimes, a dance needs that extra spark and sass… This list of jazz songs will bring energy and flair to any choreography!

“Call Me Queen” by Citizen Queen

Call Me Queen” by Citizen Queen is a fantastic sassy jazz song. It has a bold beat and fierce lyrics. The rhythm makes it perfect for high-energy dance routines. I used this song in one of my dance competitions, and the crowd loved it!

The confidence in the lyrics helps dancers own the stage. If you’re planning a sassy choreography, give “Call Me Queen” a try. It brings out that inner diva, making every move more powerful.

Share your thoughts if you’ve danced to it or have other favorites!

“Sax” by Fleur East

Sax” by Fleur East is a perfect sassy jazz song for choreography. The beat grabs you right away, making it hard to sit still. The saxophone adds extra flair and rhythm that’s ideal for kicking up the energy in any dance routine.

The lyrics are fun and bold. They add attitude to your moves. This song fits well in high-energy performances or even rehearsals when you need to get pumped up. Feel free to break out those sharp, snappy movements…it’s what this tune was made for!

Jazz Songs for Competitive Dance

Competitive dance needs high-energy songs. These tracks can make routines pop and thrill both judges and audiences….

“Mambo No. 5 (a Little Bit of…)” by Lou Bega

Lou Bega’s “Mambo No. 5 (a Little Bit of…)” is a classic choice for competitive dance. This song bursts with energy and sass, making it perfect for lively dance routines.

I’ve used this track in several competitions myself. Its upbeat tempo helps create energetic choreography that grabs the audience’s attention. The jazzy vibe keeps everyone on their feet and in high spirits!

“Shake the Room” by Gamu

Shake the Room” by Gamu is a fantastic choice for competitive dance. The song features a fast beat and enjoyable rhythm perfect for energetic jazz music. Haley, a known choreographer, has used this track in her routines which highlights its popularity among dancers.

It’s not just about the speed; the sassy vibe fits well with modern choreographies. The song shines in tap duets following jazz duets, making it versatile for various performances.

For anyone prepping for a dance competition, “Shake the Room” offers an upbeat rhythm to nail those fast-paced moves effortlessly!

Age-Specific Recommendations

Kids love to dance, and jazz provides the perfect beat. Here are some energetic jazz songs that are just right for different ages….

Jazz dance songs for 12-year-olds

I have a few favorite jazz dance songs just for 12-year-olds. One is “Hey I Don’t Know” by Kongos. It’s super upbeat and makes you want to move right away. Another great pick is “One Heart” by Leftover Cuties.

It has a cool, jazzy vibe that’s perfect for young dancers.

For something with extra pep, try “Shake the Room” by Gamu. It’s full of energy and sass—ideal for fun choreography! These songs are all great for getting kids excited about dancing to jazz music while keeping it age-appropriate and lively.

Jazz dance songs for 13-year-olds

Jazz dance songs for 13-year-olds have to be fun and full of energy. I love “Hey I Don’t Know” by Kongos. It’s perfect for teens who want to show off their moves. The beats are catchy, and the tempo is fast.

Another great pick is “Put the Gun Down” by ZZ Ward. This song has a strong rhythm that makes you want to dance. It’s also sassy, which can make any dance routine stand out. These tracks offer the right mix of fun and challenge for young dancers.

Conclusion

Dance floors come alive with upbeat jazz. These songs make every step fun and exciting. From classic tunes to modern hits, there’s something for everyone. Let the music move you and enjoy every beat!

Hope that helps,

Tom

Tom S. Ray( Mastering Engineer, Co-Founder )

Hey I’m Tom, I’m a mastering engineer here at Audio Unity Group. I mostly look after Vinyl production and audio side of things. I hold a bachelor’s degree with honours from Kingston University in London. I love audio and helping others create outstanding-sounding records.