Matching the dances energy

Some dances require much energy to dance, like swing, hustle, salsa, fast waltz and polka.  When the music supplies this energy, their dancing will feel fun and effortless, like driving a turbocharged car.  When the music doesn't give this energy boost, fast dancing can feel like hard work.

Other dance forms are gentle and lyrical, and dancers love music which sweeps them emotionally through those dances.

There's a huge difference between the questions, "Is it possible to waltz to this tune?" and, "Does this music totally embody the feeling of waltzing... does it make them want to waltz?"  The second question is far more important than the first.  (It's the same question for swing, salsa and every dance form.)

If you only have a few tunes for waltzing (or whatever the dance form is), then play whatever you have.  But when you have dozens of possible tunes, then choose from the second category above, not the first... does this tune make you want to waltz, or is it merely a tune in 3/4 time?  Does it embody the spirit of waltzing?  Does it energize that particular dance form?  (Again, it's the same question for swing, salsa and every dance form.)

There's a huge tendency to ask ourselves, "What could I dance to this tune?"  We all do that.  But when DJs only answer that question with something like, "Hey, I could polka to that!" they may be heading for trouble.  The really important questions come next, which are the topics of the first four pointers on this page.  Especially questions like, "Does this tune have the driving energy required to move the dancers?"  Or, "Is the beat clearly audible?"