Some of the stories and events that topped headlines throughout the year ranged from serious, like the Ebola outbreak; to sensational, like a reality star’s attempt to break the internet; to down right silly with a cause, such as the wildly viral ice bucket challenge, which dared everyone from soccer moms to celebrities to pour buckets of ice cold water over their heads to raise money and awareness for ALS. As much as these stories may have captivated our hearts, minds and especially our attention, there were other significant news and events happening in the music and dance world that are worth having a look back at as we move forward into the New Year.

Unlike other areas of entertainment, the dance world doesn’t seem to be filled with as many salacious tales and scandals, and if so, we surely don’t hear about it as much. So as 2014 comes to an end let’s take a trip down memory lane, remembering some of the songs that topped the charts and made us move our feet to their infectious beats.

“Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars

The most recent song on this list to hit the charts is the kind of tune that is so rhythmic and catchy that no matter where you are when you hear it, you can’t help but dance along. I dare you to try to sit still to this one!

“Hideaway” – Kiesza

Just one of a number of electronic dance songs that crossed over onto the pop charts this year, Hideaway is reminiscent of the type of early 90’s record that dominated dance clubs as well as music videos on MTV. Even notice the range of dance styles that pay homage to popular dance trends spanning several decades and genres.

“Bailando” – Enrique Iglesias feat. Sean Paul & Descemer Bueno

Neither one a stranger to global pop dance hits, Enrique Iglesias and Sean Paul have done it again with this melodic flamenco infused tune that appeals to latin music lovers as well as mainstream pop music fans. With versions in Spanish as well as English, Bailando, which means ‘dancing’ in Spanish, makes listeners want to do just that.

“Problem” – Ariana Grande feat. Iggy Azalea

These two relatively new artists seemed to be everywhere this year, individually dominating the airwaves, each with multiple singles topping the charts. Coming together on this song proved to be a successful combination for hip-hop, pop and dance music fans around the world.

“Turn Down For What” – DJ Snake feat. Lil John

You couldn’t go to a dance club, party or even wedding it seemed without hearing this hard hitting track. The heavy bass in this hip-hop infused EDM jam mesmerizes listeners as it hypnotically pulls them to the floor (much like in the official music video). Below, see how even this powerful song packing its pulsating punch lends well to ballroom dance on DWTS!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGlaNL7K_nw

“All About That Base” – Megan Trainor

A breakthrough hit for this new artist has become an empowering anthem of sorts not only for curvy girls everywhere , but for the rest of us who can’t seem to get the contagious tune out of our heads… like it or not!

“Fireball” – Pitbull

Unofficially the go to guy providing the soundtrack for Zumba® classes around the world, with the knack for writing songs that make you sing along sometimes without even realizing it! With his signature Spanglish flair, he has non-Spanish speakers across the globe singing along without even knowing (or caring) what they’re saying! Mr. Worldwide is helping to fill dance floors while bridging the language gap one dance song at a time.

“Summer” – Calvin Harris

Now seasoned EDM hit maker, Calvin Harris does it again with this mid-tempo, appropriately titled single “Summer”. Topping summer anthem lists and filling clubs from Ibiza to Las Vegas, this surely won’t be the last hit by this pop dance record king.

“Talk Dirty To Me” – Jason Derulo

This R&B singer/dancer scored a huge pop hit with this funky track. Featured everywhere from Dancing With The Stars to award shows and more, the scintillating message takes a back seat to the infectious beats that have topped radio waves and dance floors across the country.

“Selfie” – The Chainsmokers

Love it or hate it, this is one of those songs that some people may never quite ‘get’, but still became a pop culture sensation. Although critically slammed for the annoying Valley Girl voice speaking her way through the entire song, its brilliance was by touching on the selfie, a modern cultural phenomenon which even has a popular TV show named after it!

“Vivir la Vida” – Marc Anthony

A long time hit maker in the Latin music scene, Marc Anthony became part of the Latin Explosion of the late 90’s as he crossed over to International audiences with catchy English language albums. Never straying too far from hits roots, he scored big with this Spanish and English language salsa song. With uplifting lyrics and spicy salsa flair, this song has become a staple at dance events, particularly salsa.

“Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift

If you weren’t hibernating under a rock somewhere, then you’ve heard this song. Featured in commercials and just about anywhere else you can imagine, this number one hit had people shuffling, shimmying, and of course shaking regardless of taste or ability.

“Delirious” – Steve Aoiki

Packing a pulsating punch, this song helped elevate DJ turned cake throwing artist Steve Aoiki into the mainstream, as fans tried to keep the beat covered head to toe in sweet treats!


“Happy” – Pharrell Williams

A touch of soul with a pinch of pop garnered an Academy Award nomination for this groundbreaking talent. Although he may have only recently exploded into the mainstream as a solo artist and coach on the TV show “The Voice”, Williams has been around for decades as a collaborator and producer for artists like Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dog, Gwen Stefani, Robin Thicke, Britney Spears and countless others. With multiple songs crossing genres and topping the charts simultaneously, Pharrell has become known as the producer with the golden touch who makes audiences ‘happy’ on the dance floor!

“Wavez” – Mr. Probes

An electronic dance track with an almost ethereal feel that takes listeners on a journey; As the chorus echoes, slowly drifting, wave after wave. It’s energetic yet relaxing, solemn yet fun, soothing yet makes you want to dance!