Are you looking for the best unique contemporary dance songs for your next dance routine? Then you need to check out this list of the best unique songs for contemporary dance routines!
Let’s face it. Finding the right song for your next dance routine or dance class can be a challenge. Especially when it comes to contemporary dance. There is just so much to choose from you don’t know where to start looking. That’s why I’ve created this ultimate list of the best unique contemporary dance songs for you to use this year.
You’ll find some amazing and unique contemporary dance songs for solos, competitions, classes, and more! Get ready to learn about all of the best contemporary dance songs, contemporary dance music, contemporary dance cover songs, powerful contemporary dance songs, instrumental contemporary dance songs, and more.
This post is all about unique contemporary dance songs
Unique Contemporary Dance Songs
What Music Goes With Contemporary Dance?
Contemporary dance covers a very broad spectrum of dance and music styles. I’ve seen contemporary dance pieces done to what would normally be considered hip hop music and other pieces done to classical music.
When it comes to music for contemporary dance pieces you can use whatever you heart desires.
This list will cover some unique songs that would be great for your contemporary dance playlist for dance competitions, dance classes, dance routines, dance recitals and more!
How Do You Find Contemporary Dance Music?
My biggest tip for finding contemporary dance music is to first start with the movement you want to create and then find music that compliments that. Know what you want to portray or what your goals are when creating movement and find the right music from there.
Related Post: 50+ Upbeat Jazz Dance Songs for Dancers this Year
Contemporary Dance Playlist
Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for, your ultimate unique contemporary dance song playlist! Below you’ll discover our collection of the best unique songs for contemporary dance including cover songs, musical theatre songs, powerful contemporary dance songs, slow contemporary dance songs, emotional contemporary dance songs, and more!
Popular Contemporary Dance Cover Songs
Sometimes when you want a unique take on a popular contemporary dance song a cover is the way to go. You might even find that you like the cover more that the original version.
This section highlights some amazing covers of popular and classic songs that would be perfect for a contemporary dance routine.
Out of the Woods- Cover by For King and Country
Not While I’m Around- Cover by Eleri Ward
I personally think we need more Sondheim in contemporary dance. This cover is so beautiful and it would be perfect for a contemporary dance class combination or routine.
I Wanna Dance With Somebody- Cover By Shoshana Bean
Flowers Acoustic Version- Cover by Jonah Baker
No matter who does it I think “Flowers” is one of the best contemporary dance songs out there. That’s why I know this acoustic cover will make for an amazing contemporary dance song.
Bad Guy- Eklipse
Crazy- Cover by Daniela Andrade
Crazy by Gnarls Barkley is one of the greatest songs out there (at least in my opinion) and this song is perfect if you want a contemporary spin on it!
Crazy/Rolling- The String Queens
Bridgerton vibes anyone? I am obsessed with this strings mashup of Crazy and Rolling in the Deep and know it would make such an amazing song for a contemporary dance routine.
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)- Simply Three OR Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)- Escape
This list is full of some great instrumental covers that would make for some amazingly unique contemporary dance routines. This is another one. If you want to shake up the classic Sweet Dream dance routine these unique contemporary dance songs are perfect for you!
You Oughta Know- Duomo
Just Give Me a Reason- Duomo
Roxanne- Escala
If you want a bold, sexy contemporary dance routine inspired by Moulin Rouge, this song is perfect for you!
Seven Nation Army- Zella Day
City of Stars- Gavin James
Want to do an La la Land inspired dance routine? Then this cover of City of Stars is perfect for your contemporary dance routine this competition and performance season.
Taylor Swift 1989 Medley- Gardiner Sisters
Get into your 1989 contemporary dance song era with this beautiful medley of Taylor Swift that is perfect for your next dance piece.
You’ll Be in My Heart- NIKI
You Don’t Own Me- Kristin Chenoweth ft. Ariana Grande
If you want to add some Diva power to your contemporary dance playlist then this song is for you!
Only Us- Samantha Barks and Ramin Karimloo
If you love the music of Dear Evan Hansen you’ll love this emotional cover by theatre legends Samantha Barks and Ramin Karimloo.
Somewhere Only We Know- Cinematic Pop
Rainbow Connection- Megan Hilty
Dog Days Are Over- Faux Paz
Dare You to Move- Megan Hilty
Billie Jean- Cinematic Pop
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road- Live Cover By Sara Bareilles
Check it Out: 31 Taylor Swift Lyrics For Dancers to Help You Shake it Off!
Musical Theatre Songs for Contemporary Dance
I think we need more musical theatre in contemporary dance. There are so many great inspiring songs out there from broadway shows and beyond that would be perfect for contemporary dance class, exercises, and of course dance routines.
These songs are some of my top picks for your contemporary dance playlist to make it more unique.
You Matter to Me- Rachel Tucker and Lee Mead
This cover of the beautiful Waitress song is so lovely and would be such a great duet song.
Still Hurting- Sherie Rene Scott from the Last Five Years
The Last Five Years is so underrated and so much of the music from it would be perfect for your next contemporary dance routine, especially this emotional song.
My Days- Joy Woods from The Notebook the Musical
If you’re looking for a powerful female ballad to add to your contemporary dance playlist this song is a must add!!
What I Did for Love- A Chorus Line
This song is so moving and perfect for a large group contemporary dance routine.
She Used to Be Mine- from Waitress by Katharine McPhee OR Sara Barellies
This list would not be complete without this song. I love this song and all of its potential for a great contemporary dance routine.
Hold Your Dream (Acoustic)- from FAME Naturi Naughton
Fame is such an underrated musical and this song is so moving it would be a great addition to your next dance competition.
Falling Slowly- from Once
Once has such a beautiful score that would be great for contemporary dance duets, small groups, and even just dance class.
Instrumental Contemporary Dance Songs
We all need a little more instrumental music when it comes to contemporary dance. These unique contemporary dance songs are all instrumental.
The Twelve Spies- Silver Maple
This one has been on a dance playlist of mine forever and I just think it would make for one of the best unique contemporary dance songs for a dance routine!
The Show Must Go On– 2CELLOS
I love string music and think it makes for great modern and contemporary dance music which is why this unique song would be perfect for all of your contemporary dance playlists.
Pas De Deux- From On The Town by Leonard Berstein
No Time to Die- Queenz of Piano
Retrograde (Arr. Rimmer/Maydew)- Jess Gillam
I’ve used this song before for choreography and loved the potential it had for all sorts of choreography. I know it would be great for a concert dance piece and so much more.
Arthropodie- Christophe Beck
Add some Marvel to your contemporary dance playlist with this song from the score of Ant Man.
Michael Meets Mozart- The Piano Guys
Dance of Death- Andrew Bird
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Powerful Contemporary Dance Songs
We all love a good powerful contemporary dance routine and having a powerful contemporary song can elevate your dance routine just that much more. That’s why you’ll love this list of powerful unique songs for contemporary dancers to use for solos, dance competitions, or dance class.
Fire- Sara Bareilles
False Alarms- Josh Groban
You can’t find a voice more powerful than Josh Groban’s. Which is why a number of his songs will be appearing on this portion of the list.
Imagine- Ben Platt
If you want a great inspirational dance number at your upcoming dance competitions you can’t go wrong with this song.
Better to Have Loved- Idina Menzel
So She Dances- Josh Groban
Brave- Josh Groban
Gravity- Sara Bareilles
Piece By Piece- Idol Version – Kelly Clarkson
Elastic Heart (Piano Version)- Sia
Sometimes when you strip down a popular song like Elastic heart to a piano version like this it can be even more powerful than the original!
Spinnin- Madison Beer
Little Voice- Sara Bareilles
I think at this point I might need to credit Sara Barellies as a co-author of this post because so many of her songs work so well for contemporary dance pieces! This one is super inspirational and sweet for a solo or a group dance.
The Hardest Part- Olivia Dean
When Your Feet Don’t Touch the Ground- Ellie Goulding
Both Sides Now- Josh Groban and Sara Barellies
This one is a perfect combo of two of some great artists you can choose for the most unique contemporary dance songs. This song is so moving and inspiring, making it great for an emotional contemporary dance routine.
Open Hands- Ingrid Michaelson
Stronger- Azure Ryder
Slow and Soft Contemporary Dance Songs
Sometimes we want to slow down when we dance and perform. Luckily this section has got you covered with a bunch of slower and softer unique songs for contemporary dance.
Reflecting Light– Sam Phillips
If you’re a Gilmore Girls fan like me you’ll probably recognize this song. I’ve always wanted to create a dance to it and know it would make for a great dance routine.
The Way I Am- Ingrid Michaleson
1000 Times- Sara Bareilles
Up Above- Chris Gladson
This song by a personal friend of mine is perfect if you’re looking for a bit of country inspiration for your contemporary dance playlist.
Love Like This- Ben Rector
Once Upon Another Time- Sara Barellies
If you want a stripped back song with mostly vocals I know that this song is perfect. Focus on movement and go a little lyrical with this simple song by none other than Sara Barellies.
Check it Out: Dance Competition Quotes: 20 Inspirational Gems to Ignite Your Passion
Upbeat Contemporary Dance Songs
We’re rounding out this list of the best songs for contemporary dance with some more upbeat songs. You can also find some other upbeat, faster songs in some of the other categories. If you want a faster paced, more upbeat dance routine or class combination these songs are perfect for you!
Where the Colors Don’t Go- Sam Phillips
Cassiopeia- Sara Barellies
Native Tongue- Switchfoot
Wonder- morgxn
Higher- Bishop Briggs
Lease on Life- Andy Grammar
Next to Me- Emeli Sande
Be Okay- Oh Honey
Girls Chase Boys- Ingrid Michaelson
Before You Go
I hope you’ve found some amazing ideas for your next contemporary dance routine this year with all of these unique contemporary dance songs!
Comment your favorite contemporary dance song below.
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This post was all about contemporary dance songs
