In most instances, dances require music as a complementary background element. Music can be used to provide the beats and counts to which the dancers move around the floor. This series focuses on songs that have no lyrics and were intended as purely musical accompaniment.
For more information on each piece click on the specific image.
Circa 1902
Composed by George Rosey
New York : Jos. W. Stern
Title: Monkey on a Stick: An Eccentric Dance
Date: Circa 1902
Composer: George Rosey
Circa 1908
Composed by Fred Perkins
Boston, Mass : Bates & Bendix
Title: Salome: Dance Characteristic
Date: Circa 1908
Composer: Fred Perkins
Circa 1914
Composed by James Reese Europe
New York : Jos. W. Stern & Co.
Title: The Castle Walk: Trot & One Step
Date: Circa 1914
Composer: James Reese Europe
Circa 1868
Composed by Paolo Giorza
Boston : O. Ditson & Co.
Title: The Celebrated Cancan Dance
Date: Circa 1868
Composer: Paolo Giorza
Circa 1852
Composed by Nicolo Paganini
New York : W. Hall & Son
Title: The Celebrated Witches’ Dance
Date: Circa 1852
Composer: Nicolo Paganini
Circa 1840s
Composed by Max Maretzek
New York : Atwill
Title: The Flower Dance of the Viennoise Children
Date: Circa 1840s
Composer: Max Maretzek
Circa 1910
Composed by Charles L. Johnson
Kansas City, Mo. : Chas. L. Johnson & Co.
Title: Under the Southern Moon: Two-Step
Date: Circa 1910
Composer: Charles Leslie Johnson
Circa 1916
Composed by Chris Smith
New York : F.B. Haviland Pub. Co. Inc.
Title: Shoot the Rabbit: Fox Trot
Date: Circa 1916
Composer: Chris Smith