Recommended club and dance music

Recommended Western dance music for beginners: world-famous classics and popular hits.

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!

Dance music, always at the forefront of the scene and loved by many listeners.

When you think of dance music, you might imagine an irresistibly upbeat sound.

However, since the 2020s began, dance music has undergone a major shift.

Unlike earlier styles, moodier, more downbeat tracks have become mainstream, with refined taste being valued over sheer catchiness.

Even within what we broadly call dance music, there are many different styles—just as there are many kinds of dance, the moods of dance tracks vary widely.

Here, we’ve selected dance music that even beginners can enjoy.

Dance music in Western music recommended for beginners: World-famous and popular songs (51–60)

Show Ya HowAdam Irigoyen and Kenton Duty

Shake It Up Show Ya How

Show Ya HowAdam Irigoyen and Kenton Duty

This is a song used in a Disney Channel drama series themed around dance.

In the show, the cast clapped along to the music together.

It might be fun for you and your friends to clap to the rhythm and dance as well.

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Gonna ShineAshley Tisdale

Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure – Gonna Shine

Gonna ShineAshley Tisdale

A song sung by Ashley, the lead in the Disney Channel Original Movie spin-off “Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure.” Its rhythm is easy for beginners to pick up, so you can dance to the music without much effort.

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Can’t Stop Dancin’Becky G

Becky G – Can’t Stop Dancin’

Can't Stop Dancin'Becky G

Just like the title phrase, “I can’t stop dancing,” this is a song that simply makes you want to dance.

It starts off a bit slow and calm, but the chorus has a very danceable vibe.

Becky’s dancing in the music video is easy to pick up, so copying her moves is highly recommended.

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BoyzJesy Nelson Ft. Nicki Minaj

Jesy Nelson – Boyz (Official Video) ft. Nicki Minaj

BoyzJesy Nelson Ft. Nicki Minaj

The classic “Boyz” by Jesy Nelson and Nicki Minaj.

At the time of its release, Jesy Nelson’s appearance in the music video was criticized as blackfishing, but the musicality itself is excellent, resulting in a catchy, hip-hop-tinged R&B track overall.

Unlike many songs appearing in the current scene, it features melodies closer to 2000s R&B and pop music, making it very easy to listen to and highly recommended for beginners.

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Recommended Western dance music for beginners: World classics and popular songs (61–70)

CriticalTKO and Nevermind

Nevermind- Critical

CriticalTKO and Nevermind

With its striking, unique melody and vocals, once you hear it, it will definitely stick in your head.

If you don’t want to be like everyone else and want to show your individuality, this is highly recommended.

You’ll stand out for sure, and there’s no doubt you’ll be able to dance in a unique, cool style.

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Adam Hicks and Coco JonesWhodunit

Shake It Up – Whodunit

Adam Hicks and Coco JonesWhodunit

True to its title, “Whodunit” (a word meaning a mystery or detective story), this track has a mysterious, uncanny vibe.

It’s a great pick for anyone who wants to try a slightly unusual dance or show off a distinctive, individual style.

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Cake By The OceanDNCE

DNCE – Cake By The Ocean

Cake By The OceanDNCE

A light, catchy pop tune.

DNCE’s signature song sings of sweet temptations by the seaside.

Set to a ’70s-style disco beat, its lyrics calling for a free-spirited life are striking.

Released in September 2015, it became a global hit.

It was featured in the film Pitch Perfect 3 and the game Just Dance 2017, gaining broad popularity.

Perfect for beach parties or summer drives when you want to feel liberated—an uplifting, dance-inducing party track.

It’s a song packed with DNCE’s charm, overflowing with joy that makes your heart bounce every time you listen.

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