As an instructor, I’m a bit pickier with my music than I am when dancing on my own. While I love *vibes*, it’s hard to ignore demeaning lyrics in songs with great beats that I’d otherwise love to share with students. I don’t know, I just feel like I’m promoting substance abuse or devaluing/objectifying yourself when I play this music, and I don’t want students to associate pole with that kind of negativity.
So through very scientific means (starting a Pandora station for every song I remotely like to dance to), here are a few songs I’ve found that I love to play for student freestyle time. They’re sensual and vibey, but mostly low on sex or drugs references. (The nasty songs will have to be a separate post, ha).
Let me know if you’d dance to this, and share any suggestions or favorite songs below!
1. Like I Want You, Giveon
I love Giveon for groovy, vibey music that captures that has a kind of torch-song longing mood. Bonus points for smooth vocals and an excellent BPM.
2. Rewind, Ravyn Lanae
Slightly more upbeat, this song has whispery sweet, feminine vocals and in interesting beat with lots of details to create accent movements with.
3. I Want You Around, Snoh Aalegra
Clean and bright, this bass-heavy track would pair well with smooth, exotic-style flow.
4. Last Dance, Leisure
I LOVE Leisure for pole. This is one of my favorite songs. They have funk and disco-inspired beats with understated, indie-feeling vocals that allow for lots of variation in speed, tempo, and accent moments. Just, *chef’s kiss,* mellow perfection.
5. Ideal Woman, Celeste
This is a slow, gooey guitar-driven R&B song with lowkey feminist edge to it. Love it for a fierce, take-your-time freestyle that feels more about power and control than enticing anyone.
6. So Young, Portugal the Man
Indie vibes, syncopated beat, groovy vibes.
7. Best Mistake (Slowed Reverb Version), Ariana Grande
I love this song anyway, but slowed down, it’s soulful, sad, moody, and the perfect tempo.
8. Baby Powder, Jenevieve
This has the beat of nasty 90s R&B but with sweet vocals and high standards.
9. Come Gimme Love, King Sis
Upbeat and smooth, this song is flirty but PG.
10. My Love Mind All Mine, Mitski
Okay okay, you’ve heard this a million times on TikTok, but the mellow, melancholy vibe of this song and it’s short length make it perfect for a relaxed, easy-going closing freestyle.
11. Wicked Games (Clean), Kiana Lede
Slow, vibey, and angsty as hell, this song has lots of tempo-change and accent opportunities.
12. My Heart Bleeds, Rhye
Rhye makes really spare sounding music rife with sexual tension. Vibes!
13. Good Thing, Kehlani
Bombshell theme song! This one is upbeat, unapologetic, and would be great to choreograph to. Plus you can’t beat the message..
14. Be More, Stephen Sanchez
If you’re a fan of emotional, retro sounds, you might like Stephen Sanchez. It has the feel of 60s torch songs with a modern, restrained singing style.
15. All Over You, Leisure
I really like Leisure, okay?!
So that’s the list! What did you thing–would you or do you already dance to these? I have a few NSFW songs to share too, so that will have to be a follow up post.
See you in class!
-Cathy
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