The Songs Your Favorite Dance Artists Can’t Stop Listening To

March 16, 2020

The most-played song on your Spotify says a lot about you. Maybe it’s that guilty pleasure track you dance to while you’re in the kitchen, or the one you have to listen to before going onstage.

We talked to 10 of our favorite pros about the song that’s racked up the most plays on their phones—whether it’s one they teach to, cross-train to, or just a song that helps them escape.

Arja in a supported penchee, her partner behind her, with several other women behind them in arabesque. She wears a light pink dress.

Daniel Azoulay, Courtesy Miami City Ballet

Miami City Ballet’s Nathalia Arja: “Finesse” by Bruno Mars

“I really like his songs and I love the way he moves. I’m always dancing to any of his songs—it puts me in such a great mood!”

Chien-Pott in rehearsal holding a fake sword, lunging forward as if about to use it.

An Rong Xu

Martha Graham Dance Company’s PeiJu Chien-Pott: Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring

“Stravinsky’s
Rite of Spring is a great way to start my day and pump up my spirit! Martha Graham’s Rite of Spring is one of my favorite ballets to dance.”

Murphy as Myrta in Giselle, in first arabesque downstage with a bunch of willis upstage gesturing towards her.

Theo Kossenas, Courtesy The Washington Ballet

The Washington Ballet’s Ashley Murphy: “Broken But I’m Healed” by Byron Cage

“This gospel song is so inspirational to me.”

Biasucci onstage in a flowing purple dress, with the skirt floating around her as if she just landed from a jump or turn. She's in a long fourth position with her arms extended overhead.

Angela Sterling, Courtesy PNB

Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Leta Biasucci: Mariah Carey’s “Shake It Off”

“Mariah Carey is a favorite in the soloist women’s dressing room.”

Asherie balancing on her head onstage against a blue and yellow starry backdrop. Her arms are extended behind her and her legs are on top of her.

Robert Altman, Courtesy Asherie

B-girl and Choreographer Ephrat Asherie: “A Flower is A Lovesome Thing” by Ehud Asherie

“The most-played song at the moment is actually my brother Ehud’s music. He’s a pianist and we worked together on a piece called
Odeon.”

Baca center stage in an attitude, wearing white tights and a blue jacket. There are a few others onstage watching him.

Alexander Iziliaev, Courtesy Pennsylvania Ballet

Pennsylvania Ballet’s Sterling Baca: “Ride Out” by Schoolboy Q

“I listen to music while at the gym, so it’s usually hip-hop, rap or reggaeton.”

Teicher at a photoshoot in front of a light gray background, wearing a maroon suit, bright yellow shirt and silver, red and black tap shoes. He seems to be in the middle of a tap step, one leg raised in the air with the knee bent, arms casually flung in the air, looking down at his feet.

Jayme Thornton

Tap Dancer Caleb Teicher: “Sweet Pea” by Amos Lee

“267 plays. It’s a song I use while teaching (dance teachers know how that goes…).”

Womack in rehearsal in a studio, wearing a tan and blue leotard and a white romantic practice tutu. She kneels on the ground, her arms gesturing in front of her, eyes turned downward, as if rehearsing a dramatic moment.

Kyoungjin Kim, courtesy Universal Ballet

Boston Ballet’s Joy Womack: ​ “Fingertips” by One Republic, “Romantic” by Stanaj

“And of course whatever I’m currently rehearsing. Music is my drug of choice. It’s my secret weapon and my horse blinders.”

Jamar Roberts onstage dancing in a spotlight. He wears silver pants, an open red jacket, exposing his bare chest, and a red hat. He has one foot crossed in front of the other, one arm extended upward in a semi circle shape, the other one extended downward.

Paul Kolnik, courtesy Ailey

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Jamar Roberts: ​”See You Again” (feat. Kali Uchis) by Tyler The Creator

“Music is a must for the daily subway ride to and from Brooklyn.”

Michaela Deprince jumps against a red background at a photoshoot. She's wearing a gold costume with a classical tutu, her legs are straight and she looks directly at the camera, arms up and reaching behind her.

Michel Schnater

Dutch National Ballet’s Michaele DePrince: “I Was Here” by Beyoncé

“It’s the last song I listen to before I go onstage.”