Top Ten Waltzes/strict tempo

[yourdj]

OK what are your top 10 waltzes/strict tempo?

Im doing allot of masonic and older do's now where I need to play them. Obviously at weddings too:
I don't know much about waltzes but here are a few varied suggestions. correct me if im wrong :p

1: Fly me to the moon (frank)
2: The Last Waltz (humperdink)
3: If you dont love me by now (s.red)
4: Cant take my eyes off of you (f.vallie)
5: Moon River (a. williams)
6: Thats amore (my fav)
7: I've had the time of my life (not sure if this is right)
8: Lets face the music and dance (frank)
9: The wonder of you (elvis)
10: A little bird told me (e.knight)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

OK what are your top 10 waltzes/strict tempo?

Im doing allot of masonic and older do's now where I need to play them. Obviously at weddings too:
I don't know much about waltzes but here are a few varied suggestions. correct me if im wrong :p

1: Fly me to the moon (frank)
2: The Last Waltz (humperdink)
3: If you dont love me by now (s.red)
4: Cant take my eyes off of you (f.vallie)
5: Moon River (a. williams)
6: Thats amore (my fav)
7: I've had the time of my life (not sure if this is right)
8: Lets face the music and dance (frank)
9: The wonder of you (elvis)
10: A little bird told me (e.knight)

You can't just pick songs at random - they need to be the correct tempo for each style, hence the phrase 'strict tempo'.

I've found that the song itself doesn't really matter as long as the tempo is correct for the style of dance.

Also, although the waltz is 3/4 timing, you can get different variations within the tempo, such as Vienna Waltz and slow waltz.

Let's face the music and dance is by Nat King Cole by the way.:)

[Corabar Entertainment]

Last time we had an event where there was going to be a mixture of young and old, I got my mother to go through some slightly more 'modern' music (still oldies, but songs that those who weren't into their ballroom/strict tempo would still regard as 'pop').

She managed to identify some great tracks that would be useful for each style (waltz, foxtrot, quick step, etc) that I would never have thought of. (My mother used to be quite a good ballroom dancer in her day).

Unfortunately, she wrote it the descriptions on her own 'tapes' (:eek: ) so I don't have the info here ATM, but next time I'm visiting her, I'll try and remember to grab them and post them here.

[yourdj]

You can't just pick songs at random - they need to be the correct tempo for each style, hence the phrase 'strict tempo'.

I've found that the song itself doesn't really matter as long as the tempo is correct for the style of dance.

Also, although the waltz is 3/4 timing, you can get different variations within the tempo, such as Vienna Waltz and slow waltz.

Let's face the music and dance is by Nat King Cole by the way.:)

you have lost me :confused: so what do you play and when :)

[yourdj]

Last time we had an event where there was going to be a mixture of young and old, I got my mother to go through some slightly more 'modern' music (still oldies, but songs that those who weren't into their ballroom/strict tempo would still regard as 'pop').e.

Would las ketchup or something come under that. :) I assume thats ballroom?

[yourdj]

Bump - i need this tonight :lol:

[Corabar Entertainment]

Unfortunately, she wrote it the descriptions on her own 'tapes' (:eek: ) so I don't have the info here ATM, but next time I'm visiting her, I'll try and remember to grab them and post them here.Sorry - I always forget about this when I am visiting Mum, so still haven't got that, but if you're looking for a quick fix, have a look here http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=24916


you have lost me :confused: so what do you play and when :)Traditionally, you play a set of three songs of one type (ie 3 waltzes, 3 foxtrots, etc)


Would las ketchup or something come under that. :) I assume thats ballroom?No.

[DJDC]

I've got one of the big band CD's Joe Loss and his orchestra, it has a selection of different dance type waltz, quickstep, tango, etc on 2 CD's I flit between the 2. Whilst there are 4-5 waltzs I can use the waltzs and building up the tempo. I always leave a pause between each track, dancers often stop, clap before carrying on. I tend to use frank, nat, and the old crooners to pad this out, if I find i've ended up running into ballroom music, then also 60's stuff like searchers needles and pins, sweets for my sweet, Clarence frogman Henry, but I do, Everly brothers and the slower rock and roll. There have been a few occasions over the years where I've ended up doing a whole night of this style of music. More modern stuff you'll get away with the mavericks dance the night away, Shania Twain etc. I'll leave it there as it's otherwise I'll waltz away with myself and go off topic.

[DJDC]

Joe loss is on itunes!

[yourdj]

Thanks. is this joe bloke just covering the tracks. i would prefer to use the originals otherwise for proper senior events.

I have not done an older function for ages as I am mostly a wedding DJ now and I started running out of tracks.
It was in a hotel reception area and there were only four couples at most so not easy as one bad track will loose them all.

Any more? I do get a little confused when people ask for waltzes?

For example are these waltzes:

- Have You Met Miss Jones - i have the robbie version.
- Let's Face the Music and Dance (its very fast - ballroom?)
- Fly Me to The Moon
- The Best of Everything
- That's Amore (i would say this is a classic waltz?)

I do not confess to be the best DJ in the world and this genre is confusing me a bit :)
A few more top 10's would be helpful please :) Lots of us do masonic events etc. so we must have some knowledge.


No.

I posted the las Ketchup thing a year and a half ago :lol:

Thanks for replying :D

I remembered that link actually but could not find it and was a bit busy. Thanks anyway.

Thats actually really helpful as it lists all the tracks:

http://www.dancesportmusic.com/waltz.html
http://www.dancesportmusic.com/slowfox.html
http://www.dancesportmusic.com/chacha.html
http://www.dancesportmusic.com/tango.html
http://www.dancesportmusic.com/quickstep.html
http://www.dancesportmusic.com/vw.html
http://www.dancesportmusic.com/samba.html

[Digital Jack]

When your old wedding ring was new ( Joe Longthorne version is best IMO )...........I love that song.
Reminds me of so many people inc' my very own wifey :heart1:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Toby

You don't need the original versions of anything - it's the tempo that is important, not the version.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Thanks. is this joe bloke just covering the tracks. i would prefer to use the originals otherwise for proper senior events. Joe Loss was a very famous band leader in his day.


Any more? I do get a little confused when people ask for waltzes?

For example are these waltzes:

- Have You Met Miss Jones - i have the robbie version.
- Let's Face the Music and Dance (its very fast - ballroom?)
- Fly Me to The Moon
- The Best of Everything
- That's Amore (i would say this is a classic waltz?)You're not kidding when you say you're a little confused! As Darren said, it's the tempo - but also the BEAT. - ie a waltz is in 3/4 (can you count 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3 by counting every beat?). Waltz is by far the easiest to explain on a forum to someone who is unfamiliar with music. Others are much more difficult.


I remembered that link actually but could not find it Is a flippin' 'Sticky' thread at the top of the Music forum!!!![/QUOTE]


Thats actually really helpful as it lists all the tracks:

http://www.dancesportmusic.com/waltz.html
http://www.dancesportmusic.com/slowfox.html
http://www.dancesportmusic.com/chacha.html
http://www.dancesportmusic.com/tango.html
http://www.dancesportmusic.com/quickstep.html
http://www.dancesportmusic.com/vw.html
http://www.dancesportmusic.com/samba.htmlYes - and it changes on a regular basis, so make a note of them every so often.

[funkymook]

Here's a few examples from the first site that came up when I googled 'songs for waltzes'.

The site has information and examples about other dances as well.


Waltz dance music
The three-quarter time signature of waltz has a distinctive 1-2-3; 1-2-3 feel and rhythm pattern. Great waltz music can be found in most music genres, including rock, country, pop, and classical. Beginners should start with a tempo of 90-100 beats per minute.

This is a list of popular and recognizable songs that the Waltz can be danced to. Studying this list and hearing and thinking about each song should give you a good idea of the distinctive rhythmic feel of the Waltz. You'll see that great Waltz music can be found in virtually every musical genre.

Waltzes

"Three Times a Lady" - The Commodores
"Open Arms" - Journey
“Take It To the Limit” - The Eagles
"True Love" - Elton John
"May I Have This Dance" - Anne Murray
"Tennessee Waltz" - Patti Page
"Saturday Night" - Billy Dean

Easy to dance to

"Too Far Gone" - Emmylou Harris
"Their Hearts Are Dancing" - Forester Sisters
Slow and easy to dance to
"Foolish" - Johnny Mathis
"Oh, How I Miss You Tonight" - K. D. Lang
"Love Lifted Me" - Kenny Rogers
"I Meant Every Word He Said" - Ricky Van Shelton
"Hopelessly Yours" - Suzy Bogguss & Lee Greenwood
"Alibis" - Tracy Lawrence

Easy to hear

"Sweet Memory Waltz" - Vince Gill
"Moon River" - Henry Mancini and Orchestra
"Are you Lonesome Tonight" - Elvis Presley
"Four Walls" - Jim Reeves
"He´ll Have To Go" - Nat King Cole
"Husbands and Wives" - Neil Diamond
"(I'm A-Lovin' You) Always" - Bobby Darin
"Love In Slow Motion" - Angela Bofill

[Shaun]

And some more, as featured on Strictly Come Dancing.....




"Sex Bomb" by Tom Jones (Cha Cha Cha)

"Let's Face The Music and Dance" by Fred Astaire (Quickstep)

"Crickets Sing For Anamaria" by Astrud Gilberto (Samba)

"He Was Beautiful" by Lesley Garrett (Waltz)

"You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine" by Lou Rawls (Rumba)

"Mas Que Nada" by Sérgio Mendes (Samba)

"I've Got You Under My Skin" by Frank Sinatra (Foxtrot)

"Spinning Around" by Kylie Minogue (Cha Cha Cha)

"That Old Black Magic" by Frank Sinatra (Quickstep)

"My Baby Just Cares For Me" by Nina Simone (Jive)

"Lady Marmalade" by Labelle (Cha Cha Cha)

"Flying Without Wings" by Westlife (Foxtrot)

"The Lady Is a Tramp" by Frank Sinatra (Quickstep)

"Jump Jive an' Wail" by The Brian Setzer Orchestra (Jive)

"The Girl From Ipanema" by Nat King Cole ( Foxtrot)

"Love Is in the Air" by John Paul Young (Samba)

"Endless Love" by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross (Rumba)

"With You I'm Born Again" by Syreeta Wright and Billy Preston (Waltz)

"Livin' La Vida Loca" by Ricky Martin (Samba)

"If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keyes (Viennese Waltz)

"Moon River" by Andy Williams (Waltz)

"September" by Earth, Wind and Fire (Cha Cha Cha)

"Por Una Cabeza" by Carlos Gardel (Tango)

"Habanera" by Georges Bizet (Paso Doble)

"Hernando's Hideaway" by Archie Bleyer (Tango)

"Bring Me To Life" by Evanescence (Paso Doble)

"She Bangs" by Ricky Martin (UCha Cha Cha)

"I'm Outta Love" by Anastasia (Cha Cha Cha)

"Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" by Marilyn Monroe (Quickstep)

"Roxanne" by The Police (Tango)

"Conga" by Gloria Estefan (Samba)

"You Light Up My Life" by Debby Boone (Waltz)

"Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" by Wham (Jive)

"True Love" by Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly (Waltz)

"My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion (Rumba)

"Tequila" by Carlos Santana (Samba)

"Sing Sing Sing" by Benny Goodman (Quickstep)

"Uptown Girl" by Billy Joel (Cha Cha Cha)

"Goldfinger" by Shirley Bassey (Tango)

"Don't Cry For Me Argentina" by Madonna (Paso Doble)

"When Will I See You Again" by Barry Manilow (Waltz)

"The Lady in Red" by Chris De Burgh (Rumba)

"I'm Still Standing" by Elton John (Jive)

"All That Jazz" by Liza Minnelli (Foxtrot American Smooth)

"Copacabana" by Barry Manilow (Samba)

"Get Happy" by Judy Garland (Quickstep )

"She's a Lady" by Tom Jones (Cha Cha Cha)

"Objection" by Shakira (Tango)

"Espana Cani" by Pascual Marquina Narro (Paso Doble)

"When the Girl in Your Arms is the Girl in Your Heart" by Cliff Richard (Waltz)

"How Could an Angel Break My Heart" by Toni Braxton (Rumba)

"Lady" by Lionel Richie (Waltz)

"Ain't That a Kick in The Head" by Dean Martin (Foxtrot)

"Hit The Road Jack" by Ray Charles (Jive)

"La Bamba" by Richie Valens (Samba)

"Oh, Pretty Woman" by Roy Orbison (Tango)

"Love Potion No. 9" by The Clovers (Cha Cha Cha)

"Do Your Thing" by Basement Jaxx (Quickstep)

"Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps" by Doris Day (Tango)

"Carnaval de Paris" by Dario G (Paso Doble)

"Golden Brown" by The Stranglers (Vienniese Waltz)

"Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers (Rumba)

"What the World Needs Now Is Love" by Jackie DeShannon (Waltz)

"Fly Me To The Moon" by Nat King Cole (Waltz)

"She" by Elvis Costello (Rumba)

"A Little Less Conversation" by Elvis Presley (Cha Cha Cha)

"Two Hearts" by Phil Collins (Jive)

"It Had to Be You" by Frank Sinatra (American Smooth)

"All Night Long" by Lionel Richie (Samba)

"Tik Tok" by Kesha (Cha Cha)

"The Business of Love" by Cheris Hodges (Foxtrot)

"Big Spender" by Shirley Bassey (Foxtrot)

"Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" by The Animals (Paso Doble)

"Sing Sing Sing" by Benny Goodman (Quickstep)

"My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion (Rumba)

"Come Away With Me" by Norah Jones (Waltz)

"Can You Feel It" by The Jacksons (Cha Cha Cha)

"Por Una Cabeza" by Carlos Gardel (Argentine Tango)

"Smiley Faces" by Gnarls Barkley (Jive)

"Somebody Told Me" by The Killers (Tango)

"Bamboleo" by Gypsy Kings (Paso Doble)

"Call Me Irresponsible" by Frank Sinatra (Foxtrot)

"Dead Ringer for Love" by Meat Loaf (Jive)"Vehicle" by Ides Of March (Salsa)

"Argentino Paso" by Casa Musica (Tango)

Age of Aquarius" by The 5th Dimension (Samba)

"Los Amigos" by Forever Tango Cast (Argentine Tango)

[yourdj]

Is a flippin' 'Sticky' thread at the top of the Music forum!!!!

I was a little busy at the time Djing and had that section up only.
also visible to the clients.


Here's a few examples from the first site that came up when I googled 'songs for waltzes'.


Thanks :)


And some more, as featured on Strictly Come Dancing.....

thanks :)

I just want a few killer tracks so perfect.

[Shaun]

I just want a few killer tracks so perfect.

There was only the one 'Killer' track in my list :ph34r: :d

"Somebody Told Me" by The Killers (Tango)

[Excalibur]

http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=28826&highlight=strict+tempo

Links posted in post #7

Also
Ballroom Dancing - The Essential Collection: Various Artists: Amazon.co.uk: Music

This one's 4 CD's. Enough for about a week.
Strict Tempo Dancing: Victor Silvester, Cyril Stapleton: Amazon.co.uk: Music

[djtrev]

I would assume that if you have been asked for strict tempo dance tracks that the client is into ballroom dancing and the more suitable music would be big band stuff as played by Ted Heath, Joe Loss and definately Victor Sylvester.
The cd's suggested by Excalibur would work a treat.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Well, anything would work a treat as long as it's the correct tempo.

[StarZSoundS]

When your old wedding ring was new ( Joe Longthorne version is best IMO )...........I love that song.
Reminds me of so many people inc' my very own wifey :heart1:




Wow.....


Another Fan......Top Man....my favourite singer of all time!!:beer1: :beer1: :beer1: :beer1: :beer1: :beer1: :beer1: :beer1: :beer1:

[Corabar Steve]

It figures :sj:

[Excalibur]

Well, anything would work a treat as long as it's the correct tempo.

Absolutely true, I've heard some live bands do some brilliant versions of songs as strict tempo tunes.

However, for those of us who are as musical as a barn door ( me :o ), you can't beat an album which says:
Silver Machine-Waltz
Ace of Spades-Rumba, etc,etc,etc. :D :D :D :D :D

[yourdj]

Absolutely true, I've heard some live bands do some brilliant versions of songs as strict tempo tunes.

However, for those of us who are as musical as a barn door ( me :o ), you can't beat an album which says:
Silver Machine-Waltz
Ace of Spades-Rumba, etc,etc,etc. :D :D :D :D :D

I really need to get myself to a tea dance :banana:

Last night went great but I do feel I am lacking in this sector - more the knowledge of etiquette than anything else.
I am so used to post rock and roll party's now.

[Excalibur]

I really need to get myself to a tea dance :banana:

Last night went great but I do feel I am lacking in this sector - more the knowledge of etiquette than anything else.
I am so used to post rock and roll party's now.

There are a couple of dances you might find useful Toby.
The Quaker dance, and the Squirrel Dance.

[yourdj]

This is a great post, thanks guys.

I have another "all waltz" golden wedding anniversary next month.

Any more suggestions.

[yourdj]

I have a tea dance of sorts today. its a golden wedding so have done as much brushing up as I can and found a very good site. I have generally gone through all the tracks and picked stuff i know as there is nothing worse than having a load of music your not familiar with.

Its a family function during the day so I recon it will spill quickly on to maggie may type stuff.

Hundreds of tracks here!!!

http://www.ballroomdancers.com/music/search_style.asp?Dance=Waltz
http://www.ballroomdancers.com/music/search_style.asp?Dance=Foxtrot

etc.

Here is a good guide too:

*BPM
**Time

Waltz
28-30
3/4

Vienesse Waltz
58-60
3/4

Foxtrot
28-30
4/4

Quickstep
50-52
4/4

Tango
31-33
2/4

Cha Cha Cha
30-32
4/4

Rumba
25-27
4/4
Samba
48-52
2/4

Jive
42-46
4/4

Paso Doble
60-62
2/4

I am getting closer to understanding strict tempo but still have a long way to go.
Very useful tool I think, especially for older functions and any gig that has germans!!! :D

I will post a list tomorrow.
Top prizes for anyone who can put each track into a genre as I have loads of stuff and no clue what's what.

[CRAZY K]

I have a tea dance of sorts today. its a golden wedding so have done as much brushing up as I can and found a very good site. I have generally gone through all the tracks and picked stuff i know as there is nothing worse than having a load of music your not familiar with.

Its a family function during the day so I recon it will spill quickly on to maggie may type stuff.

Hundreds of tracks here!!!

http://www.ballroomdancers.com/music/search_style.asp?Dance=Waltz
http://www.ballroomdancers.com/music/search_style.asp?Dance=Foxtrot

etc.

Here is a good guide too:

*BPM
**Time

Waltz
28-30
3/4

Vienesse Waltz
58-60
3/4

Foxtrot
28-30
4/4

Quickstep
50-52
4/4

Tango
31-33
2/4

Cha Cha Cha
30-32
4/4

Rumba
25-27
4/4
Samba
48-52
2/4

Jive
42-46
4/4

Paso Doble
60-62
2/4

I am getting closer to understanding strict tempo but still have a long way to go.
Very useful tool I think, especially for older functions and any gig that has germans!!! :D

I will post a list tomorrow.
Top prizes for anyone who can put each track into a genre as I have loads of stuff and no clue what's what.

Dont understand the question:confused:

I dont know if it helps Toby, excuse me if its already been posted ---but its always good to divide the Ballroom into sections--as you do with Disco Music--starting probably with a couple of Waltzes which everyone will probably cope with-- then moving uptempo to Quickstep maybe--bear in mind those are the two most basic dances a lot of people can remember plus possibly a Cha Cha.

After that go Latin maybe for the more accomplished Dancers--you dont want to clear the floor early on;)

You may need to ask the audience or the organiser what dances they can cope with so you dont get left looking embarrassed because no one dances to a Paso Doble--unless your doing a demo of course:D :D :D :D

[yourdj]

Dont understand the question:confused:

I dont know if it helps Toby, excuse me if its already been posted ---but its always good to divide the Ballroom into sections--as you do with Disco Music--starting probably with a couple of Waltzes which everyone will probably cope with-- then moving uptempo to Quickstep maybe--bear in mind those are the two most basic dances a lot of people can remember plus possibly a Cha Cha.

After that go Latin maybe for the more accomplished Dancers--you dont want to clear the floor early on;)

You may need to ask the audience or the organiser what dances they can cope with so you dont get left looking embarrassed because no one dances to a Paso Doble--unless your doing a demo of course:D :D :D :D

I am doing sets of three waltzes and three foxtrot etc. Everyone is dancing so thats a plus point.
Being a golden wedding anniversary they are all over 70 pretty much. i was told there would be allot more younger folk.

This is honestly the easiest gig I have ever done :D And I will be in bed by 8pm. I must do more of these. List still coming tomorrow.

[mattydj50]

For a complete catalogue of Strict Tempo stuff, contact Tommy at Maestro Records

Great chap and very helpful with advice.

http://www.maestrorecords.com/