I've always had a difficult time finding Waltz music that is exciting and inspirational. Too often the music sounds goofy or sad or elevator. There are a couple that I really like now: Nocturne and Papillon There are several different versions of both of these that are good, but my version of Papillon is by the Olympic Standard Orchestra and Nocturne is Dancelife feat Bodane.
I would be very interested in this as well. Being a non-traditionalist, I don't hate traditional waltz music, just prefer something a bit different or a bit more modern. Looking forward to replies.
My list I do a lot of waltz, even contra waltz, so some of my choices reflect the few times I've been to vintage dances and danced to some of their music. On my personal waltz playlist (or list of favorites): Open Arms by Journey Rainbow Connection (yes, the one with Kermit singing) Is It You (Shrek soundtrack), covered by Casaphon (Ballroom Fantasy) If You Don't Know Me By Now Que Sera Sera (the version by Pink Martini is really cool) Lover's Waltz by Ungar and Mason (found on James Galway's A Song of Home) Viennese waltz favorites Amelie waltz Once Upon a December (Anastacia soundtrack), covered by Casaphon (Ballroom Swing I think), but the original is a favorite Piano Man by Billy Joel Oh Jean by the Proclaimers (if you really like dancing VW) Erin Shore waltz by The Coors (really one of my favorites, especially after the drum section... if you don't feel inspired and uplifted after that)
Two wonderful Waltzs . . . both by Secret Garden: "Greenwaves" from Once in a Red Moon "Serenade to Spring" from Songs from A Secret Garden Both are extremely moving, and beautiful ... great for showcases!
if you want different, try baka beyond's meeting of tribes off their 'the meeting pool' album. the tempo is a little fast, but a lot of energy with the african drums.
*bump!* I'm looking for waltz music that can be fun to choreograph a full (3-ish minute) routine to...and I haven't found anything that really rings my bell yet. Suggestions?
I don't have clips for this CD (contemplating on getting one myself). But I remember there are a couple of really nice waltzes & very different (instrumental pieces, no vocal) in "The Last Summer" by Artemy Savchenko. You can buy it on dancesport-international.com The only clip I found on the web was not good - it was the showpiece version of The Last Summer on one of the ballroom CDs. I think I like Snow White (first song) & the Nocturne better on that CD. If anyone has this CD, would you please be so kind to make a few 10 sec clips for us to preview?
"Once You Had Gold" by Enya is a beautiful slow waltz. We used in once for a demonstration. It does have some subtle tempo changes that can be tricky, but it is worth the effort.
Oooh, I love music that isn't just strict tempo. It makes the dance so much more interesting. I wonder if he could handle it... Thanks for the suggestion! Keep them coming people.
Try david sanborn's cover of randy newman's "same girl": sad, lots of rubato. but it's only about 2:15... there are vocal covers that also might work, trina broussard & holly cole come to mind, or the original version on "welcome to paradise" (1983)
I bought "The best of ballroom music: part 12" of Casa Musica, and I just love the 2 waltz: Secret Garden: Lotus http://www.casa-musica-hoerproben.de/real_audio/1577-01.wma Russel Watson & Lionel Richie: The Magic of Love http://www.casa-musica-hoerproben.de/real_audio/1577-21.wma
You really should buy Secret Garden's "Earthsongs" CD. Try to get the import version which has (I think) 3 tracks no included in the US version.
I took a crack at writing a waltz for our dance club. See what you think. http://home.hiwaay.net/~cornutt/Music/Web Page/music.html#NBW
That one they had on DWTS tonight for the "smooth waltz" was nice. I've heard it before, but it's been awhile since I have. *heads off to find it and burn it* ThreeStep (burning man)
Erm...I think we're talking about two different shows. I thought you meant "Dancing With the Stars" (the Dance-off), which I saw, whereas I think you're talking about "So You Think You Can Dance", which I missed and forgot to tape. So I can't help you there...
