Ultimate Dance Playlist for Seniors: 17 Summer Hits

Ultimate Dance Playlist for Seniors: Summer Hits from the 40s, 50s and Beyond

Nothing lifts the spirits quite like getting out and dancing. Research shows that dancing has a myriad of health benefits. For seniors, dancing offers great exercise and an opportunity to socialize.

Whether it’s time to shake a leg with your retired pals or introduce your grandkids to some real music, you can dance all night to this playlist of classic pop hits.

1. Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy – The Andrews Sisters

No one can resist moving their feet when the angelic voices of the Andrews Sisters burst out in this upbeat tune. It’s no surprise that this is one of the most popular big band summer hits of all time.

2. Cheek to Cheek – Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

Everyone knows the words to this beautiful song in which Ella and Louis sing of love as simply as dancing cheek to cheek. It’s the perfect song for cuddling up to your sweetheart.

3. I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honyebunch) – The Four Tops

The Four Tops had some of the silkiest voices of the ’60s, and this pretty tune really shows them off. It’s a feel-good love song with a beat that’s easy to follow, perfect for a low-key dance party with friends.

4. Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen

Freddie Mercury and crew celebrate the beauty of having a good time in this classic pop song from the ’70s. This is a great tune for an intergenerational party. Family and friends can show off the best dance moves of their generation!

5. It Don’t Mean A Thing – Duke Ellington

Break out the record player and brush up on your swing dance moves for this Duke Ellington classic. A driving rhythm and catchy chorus will keep dancing and smiling all night long.

6. Fever – Peggy Lee

Feeling like a romantic dance party? Snap your fingers and kick it off with the always-fun Fever. The most outgoing dancers in the room will enjoy strutting their stuff to this saucy tune.

7. Respect – Aretha Franklin

What does every dancing senior deserve? R-E-S-P-E-C-T, of course. No dance hits playlist would be complete without the legendary Aretha Franklin.

8. ABC – The Jackson Five

You just can’t have a dance party without your friends or family without this song. After all, dancing along to this fun pop tune is as easy as A-B-C, 1-2-3. You won’t be able to stop your body from moving to the contagious beat of this hit song. 

9. Loch Lomond – Martha Tilton

No matter whether you take the high road or the low road, you might want to break out in a jig when this decidedly Scottish tune comes on. Martha Tilton’s rendition of this folk classic makes for a great couple’s dance.

10. Papa Loves Mambo – Perry Como

Get in the ballroom mood with this fun mambo beat. Everyone at the party can sing along to the easy-to-remember lyrics too.

11. You Can’t Hurry Love – The Supremes

You might not be able to hurry love, but you can definitely have fun swaying along to the harmonic voices of the Supremes. Featuring Diana Ross’ unique and incomparable voice, this song is a must on any pop playlist.

12. Crocodile Rock – Elton John

Set your inner animal loose on the dance floor with the help of Elton John’s driving piano rhythms. If you have young grandkids, they’ll especially enjoy singing and dancing to this silly tune.

13. String of Pearls – Glenn Miller and His Orchestra

Show your friends and family how swing dancing is done with a little help from the incomparable Glenn Miller. This song is full of joy that you’ll feel all the way down to your feet..

14. Chantilly Lace – The Big Bopper

No other singer embodies feel-good ’50s pop romance like The Big Bopper. You’ll want to twist and groove as he sings about a pretty girl wearing Chantilly Lace.

15. Do You Wanna Dance – Bobby Freeman

This is another slow-dance pick that is sure to have couples on the dance floor. Hold on tight to that special someone when this one comes on.

16. Dancing Queen – ABBA

This late 70s tune epitomizes an era that will stir all the memories or the images you have stored away of this romantic time. It’s a great choice for an intergenerational gathering because it will get dancers of all ages up and moving.

17. Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys

No one does five-part harmony quite like The Beach Boys. Round out a lively dance party with this iconic song that encourages everyone to feel the good vibrations.

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