The Power of Music in Pole Dance: A Guide to Soundtracking Your Movement

We asked our pole dancers and performers about the music they use or love. And we got some pretty interesting answers

Pole dancing is an art form that fuses strength, grace, and emotion with musicality. Whether you're dancing alone in your room, teaching a packed class, or preparing for a high-stakes competition, the right music can completely change your energy, your expression, and your performance.  We explored the best music for various pole dance contexts: thinking, sensual flow, competition, teaching, dancing solo, and performing at events like weddings and birthdays.

1. Music to Think, Create, and Choreograph To

Before a single move is made, music can set the tone for creativity. When choreographing a routine or simply daydreaming up your next sequence, you'll want music that stimulates imagination without overpowering your thoughts.

Best genres: Ambient, Lo-fi, Minimalist Piano, Trip-hop

Examples:

• Olafur Arnalds – "Near Light"
• Nils Frahm – "Says"
• Bonobo – "Kiara"
• Tycho – "Awake"
• Billie Eilish – "Everything I Wanted" (for a soft, introspective mood)

These tracks create an emotional but neutral space where you can visualise movement, timing, and emotion.

2. Music for Sensual and Slow Flow Pole Dance

Sensuality is a big part of pole culture. Music for sensual dance should be slow, rhythmically interesting, and emotionally evocative. Think sultry vocals, deep bass, and space to breathe.

Best genres: R&B, Soul, Electro Chill, Alt Pop

Examples:

• Banks – "Gimme"
• The Weeknd – "Earned It"
• FKA twigs – "Cellophane"
• Sevdaliza – "Human"
• Sade – "No Ordinary Love"

Tip: Sensual doesn’t have to mean slow—tracks with syncopation or unusual textures can add drama and allure.

3. Music for Pole Dance Competitions

Competition music should showcase your strengths, match your theme, and allow for emotional highs and technical peaks. Judges often appreciate originality, so steer away from overused tracks and look for something that tells a story.

Best genres: Orchestral Pop, Electronic, Cinematic Soundtracks, Experimental

Examples:

• Woodkid – "Run Boy Run"
• Hozier – "Take Me to Church"
• Ruelle – "Madness"
• Imagine Dragons – "Believer"
• Florence + The Machine – "Shake It Out"

Remember: timing is everything. Choose a song with distinct changes in tempo or intensity so you can build a narrative arc.

4. Music for Teaching in the Studio

When teaching a class, music becomes a background element that supports, not dominates. You need a playlist that keeps energy high, helps students stay in rhythm, and doesn’t distract from instruction.

Best genres: Instrumental Hip-hop, Electro Pop, Soft House, Commercial Pop

Examples:

• Lizzo – "About Damn Time"
• Doja Cat – "Woman"
• Sofi Tukker – "Drinkee"
• Calvin Harris – "Summer"
• Disclosure – "Latch (Instrumental)"

Pro Tip: Have a few different playlists ready for warmups, conditioning, flow practice, and tricks. Keep the BPM (beats per minute) moderate so dancers don’t rush their movement.

5. Music for Dancing Alone

Some of the most honest, cathartic dance sessions happen when you’re completely alone. Here, the music should reflect your mood—whether you're working through something heavy or just feeling yourself.

Best genres: Anything goes—based on your emotional state.

Examples

• Aurora – "Runaway" (emotional release)
• Tove Lo – "Habits (Stay High)" (gritty vulnerability)
• Labrinth – "Still Don't Know My Name" (empowerment)
• Massive Attack – "Teardrop" (introspection)
• Beyoncé – "Alien Superstar" (self-love & power)

Dancing solo is a great time to experiment. Choose songs you wouldn’t dare use in class and go wherever the music takes you.

6. Music for Public Performances: Weddings, Birthdays, and Celebrations

Event performances are tricky—you need to please a wide audience, keep it tasteful, and still feel connected to the music. Depending on the tone of the event, you might go romantic, playful, or even humorous.

For weddings:

• John Legend – "All of Me"
• Alicia Keys – "If I Ain’t Got You"
• Ed Sheeran – "Thinking Out Loud"
• Adele – "Make You Feel My Love"
• Etta James – "At Last"

For birthdays or upbeat settings:

• Beyoncé – "Crazy In Love"
• Bruno Mars – "Uptown Funk"
• Britney Spears – "Toxic"
• Shakira – "Hips Don’t Lie"
• Dua Lipa – "Levitating"

Be sure to understand your audience. Keep it PG if kids or older guests are present, and adjust your costume and choreography accordingly.

How to Build Your Pole Playlist

When building a playlist for any occasion, ask yourself:

• What emotion am I trying to evoke?
• Does this song have a clear rhythm or changes?
• Does it match the tempo of the tricks I want to perform?
• Will this resonate with my audience (even if it’s just me)?

Apps like Spotify, SoundCloud, and YouTube are great for discovery. Look at curated pole dance playlists, or search by mood and genre. Don’t be afraid to dig into lesser-known artists—there’s gold in the indie and underground scenes.

Music is more than a soundtrack—it's your partner in performance. The right song can lift you, ground you, push you forward, or help you let go. Whether you’re choreographing for a championship or just twirling in your pyjamas, let music be your guide.

No matter your pole path—teacher, student, performer, dreamer—your playlist is a mirror. So build it with intention, emotion, and a little bit of boldness.

Now press play, grip that pole, and dance it out.