The 7 Best Classical Pieces Related to Dance

Some of the best classical pieces, such as the Nutcracker, were written for dance. (Igor Bulgarin)

As a young orchestral performer, one of my favorite genres to play was great classical works written for or inspired by dance. These pieces’ rhythms and melodies are infectious, probably because of their connection to the world of popular entertainment—balls and other celebratory events that involve dance from eras past.

These kinds of pieces are an excellent entrée into classical music for that very reason—their catchiness and popular appeal. They can also be used to help learn rhythm, since the rhythm of dance steps is such a key component. In addition, if you or your kids hope to become well-versed in classical music, these are pieces that players are generally expected to be familiar with.

Many fine recordings of these works are available online, and if you look them up, you may find that many of them ring a bell, whether you were exposed to them in concerts or films. After listening to these over the course of several weeks or months, you could do an at-home “name that tune” game to see who has them down best.

Here is a list of the top seven classically composed works that were either written for, or contain rhythms or melodies of, dance:

Tchaikovsky—‘Waltz of the Flowers’ From ’The Nutcracker’

Featured in Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker,” this waltz is part of the enchanting Land of Sweets scene. The piece’s music starts by being bright and cheerful, and gradually transitions into a grand and festive conclusion. It has become synonymous with the holiday season. The familiar and festive nature of the music could make it fun to play in your home and play-dance to as a family. That’s true for many of the pieces in this article, in fact.

Johann Strauss II—‘The Blue Danube’

Often considered the quintessential waltz, this masterpiece by “Waltz King” Johann Strauss II is one of the most recognizable and beloved waltzes. Its graceful melody and flowing rhythm make it a symbol of Viennese elegance. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra’s New Year’s Concert, a tradition dating back to 1939, often features “The Blue Danube” as a highlight.

Johann Sebastian Bach (attrib.)—‘Minuet in G’

It might be a surprise to see Minuet in G on this list. It’s a very simple piece that’s part of every young pianist’s training. But in fact, the minuet was a type of dance that came from France in the 1600s, and the strong 3/4 time (“ONE-two-three”) in this little piano piece reflects the steps of the dance. While most learners of the piano think of this as a Bach piece because of its attribution that way for centuries, it was found in the 1970s to have been composed by a certain Christian Petzold.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart—‘Eine Kleine Nachtmusik’ (‘A Little Night Music’)

Mozart’s serenade “Eine kleine Nachtmusik” is a charming and elegant work—one of Mozart’s best known—that incorporates a minuet into its third movement. The graceful melodies and lively rhythms make it memorable. It was originally composed for a chamber setting, but is now typically performed by a full orchestra.

Antonin Dvořák—'Slavonic Dances’

Dvořák’s set of 16 Slavonic Dances for piano duet, and later orchestra, reflect his deep connection to Slavic folk traditions. Although these pieces were not originally composed for dance performances, they evoke a sense of specific dance forms, including the polka. They became immensely popular, showcasing Dvořák’s ability to infuse classical music with the spirit of folk dances.

Johannes Brahms—'Hungarian Dances’

Johannes Brahms’s Hungarian Dances are a vibrant fusion of classical refinement and Hungarian folk dance influences. These compositions, inspired by traditional Hungarian Roma (Gypsy) music, feature catchy rhythms, syncopated melodies, and dynamic tempo changes reminiscent of dances such as the csárdás. The most famous of these dance pieces is Hungarian Dance No. 5.

Brahms skillfully integrates earthy elements of folk traditions into his works, creating a spirited and enduring musical celebration.

Frédéric Chopin—‘Military Polonaise’

Chopin, a Polish composer and pianist, is perhaps best known for his polonaises, written for piano. The polonaise (French for “Polish,” in feminine form) is a joyful Polish group and couples’ dance that can be performed by anywhere from a few to a few hundred people. His “Military Polonaise” is one of his most famous compositions in this genre. It is characterized by bold and heroic themes, reflecting the dance’s martial spirit. The piece is marked by powerful rhythm and grandiosity. Incredibly, Chopin wrote his first polonaise when he was only 7.

Whether it be by playing these pieces as background music in your home or office, seeing a live performance, or playing a “name that tune” game with your family, getting to know these great works, or hearing them again, is surely worthwhile, and will bring a touch of joy to your every day.

And, if you really feel inspired, why not dance along? It does the mind and body good. Just, no office dancing, please.