PW Guide Article: Best Dancing Kick-Off Songs

Hmmm...I like number 6!

I love #7!!!!!!

Old Time Rock n Roll!!!!

5!

#6

I love #1!

#9!!!

ours was Billy Jean by Michael Jackson, big hit!

I often wonder what the sources are when I see Top Ten lists for music.  I'm not saying there's anything wrong with this list but I don't know where they come from. 

I love all of the songs listed on the above Top Ten List but as a DJ, I probably play 50% of the songs at almost every wedding and I've only used two of them as a kick-off song ("Get the Party Started" & "Let’s Get it Started"), which have now been replaced by more current songs.  The other songs in the above list I'll play for other sets later in the evening. 

The author of this article is right is saying that it's best to consult with your DJ or band about songs they use to open up the dance floor.  As a DJ, I keep a small list of songs reserved as the "ice-breaker" set.  This way, when brides and grooms don't have a specific song to request and leave it in our hands, we have it covered.  The list is a collection of songs that are a proven to get the guests dancing.  It ranges from big band to current hits and changes as new music hits the radio stations or when something else is recommended.  The song we play at that moment depends upon how we "read" the crowd.  We ask questions like:

• How many guests are there?
• What is the majority age range of the guests?
• Are they loud and rowdy or quiet and reserved?

A few other additional songs from my list, for example are "Move This" byTechnotronic and "Celebration" by Kool and the Gang and "Hot Hot Hot" by Arrow (not Buster).