Ballroom dance music is usually categorized by dance and by style, as the tempo and character of the music of each dance varies. CDs made specifically for ballroom dancing will list not only the title and performer, but also the dance and the tempo. The table below lists ballroom dance music tempo for each dance and style.
Note: While we believe this list to be comprehensive and accurate, please check with the appropriate authority for confirmation.
| Smooth/Standard |
| Dance |
American Style |
International Style |
Timing |
| Foxtrot |
30-32 MPM |
28-30 MPM |
4/4 |
| Peabody |
60-62 MPM |
|
|
| Quickstep |
|
50-52 MPM |
4/4 |
| Tango |
30-32 MPM |
31-33 MPM |
2/4 |
| Viennese Waltz |
54-58 MPM |
58-60 MPM |
3/4 |
| Waltz |
28-30 MPM |
28-30 MPM |
3/4 |
| Rythm/Latin |
| Dance |
American Style |
International Style |
Timing |
| Bolero |
24-26 MPM |
|
4/4 |
| Cha Cha |
28-30 MPM |
30-32 MPM |
4/4 |
| Hustle |
28-30 MPM |
|
4/4 |
| Jive |
|
42-44 MPM |
4/4 |
| Mambo/Salsa |
48-51 MPM |
|
4/4 |
| Merengue |
29-32 MPM |
|
4/4 |
| Nightclub 2-Step |
30-34 MPM |
|
4/4 |
| Paso Doblé |
|
60-62 MPM |
2/4 |
| Polka |
|
60-62 MPM |
2/4 |
| Rumba |
28-32 MPM |
25-27 MPM |
4/4 |
| Samba |
52-54 MPM |
50-52 MPM |
2/4 |
E.C./Triple Swing Single |
34-40 MPM 40+ MPM |
|
4/4 |
| West Coast Swing |
28-32 MPM |
|
4/4 |
| *MPM = Measures per Minute |
| Compiled by An Ton That |