The songs that made this book dance
A behind-the-scenes playlist from The Steps Between Us
If you’ve ever taken a ballroom lesson, you know music is more than just background — it’s the infrastructure of every step. We dancers live by the beat. The rhythm tells us when to move, when to pause and stretch out the movement as in waltz, and – maybe most important -- how to feel. At DanceFreak Studio in The Steps Between Us, the music never stops, and it creates a tapestry of moods — romantic, playful, mysterious, and heart-wrenching.
As I was writing the book, certain songs became emotional anchors for the characters and scenes. Some of them even found their way directly into the story. I thought it would be fun to share a few — click to listen and maybe you’ll hear the story come alive in a new way.
“Moon River” – Andy Williams
This dreamy classic plays the first time Ava wanders into DanceFreak Studio and catches a glimpse of a showcase in progress. The haunting sweetness of the melody — and the effortless grace of the dancers — stops her in her tracks. It's the moment something shifts inside her. A sense of longing. A whisper: What if I let myself want something again?
“Buona Sera, Signorina” – Louis Prima
Nandi chooses this jazzy Italian number for Ava’s first showcase — partly to charm Ava, who once lived in Florence and still speaks Italian. It’s cheeky, seductive, and a little over the top… much like Nandi himself. The perfect soundtrack to a partnership that starts with sparks and secrets. Spoiler alert: This was the song for my first showcase with Imi.
“Dream a Little Dream of Me” – Mama Cass
Ava sings this in a surprising moment of triumph during the Budapest trip. It’s not about dance, but about courage — using her voice, stepping into the spotlight, and taking up space she never thought she deserved. The lyrics are bittersweet and dreamy, just like Ava’s arc. Another spoiler: We did this showcase, with singing. Picture to the left, with me in my 1960s Mama-approved pink peignoir set. (She didn’t really approve, but I think she would. And by the way, she did NOT die choking on a chicken bone but rather of a heart attack, poor girl.)
What song reminds you of Ava and Nandi? Or of your own “first dance” moment? I’d love to hear it. Drop me a line to lauren@laurengibbonspaul.com
Here’s my starter ballroom playlist. Dancers, what are your favorite ballroom songs?
Moon River – Henry Mancini / Audrey Hepburn (Foxtrot / American Rumba)
Captures Ava’s first dreamy glimpse into the studio—graceful, wistful, transformative.
Buona Sera, Signorina – Dean Martin (Louis Prima cover) (Foxtrot / Swing)
The playful Italian number Nandi picks for their showcase—sly charm and flirtatious flair.
Dream a Little Dream of Me – Henry Mancini / Mama Cass (Rumba)
Ava’s Budapest moment of triumph—soft, courageous, intimate.
Sway – Michael Bublé (Cha Cha)
A modern cha cha staple—smoky, seductive, perfect for a cheeky rhythm.
Cheek to Cheek – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong (Foxtrot)
Joyful classic with a vintage big-band swing—ideal for light-footed elegance.
Dance Me to the End of Love – Leonard Cohen (Tango)
Intense and emotional—fits the story’s deeper, more dramatic turns.
Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps – Doris Day (Rumba)
Soft, playful, and teasing—great for lyrical sways and subtle storytelling.
Let’s Face the Music and Dance – Nat King Cole (Foxtrot / Quickstep)
A smooth classic that says, “Bring it on,” perfect for confident stepping.
Besame Mucho – Diana Krall (Bolero / Rumba)
Rich romantic flavor—warm and bittersweet, ideal for emotional lifts.
Blue Tango – Leroy Anderson (American Tango)
Bright and structured—great for showcasing technical precision.
It Had to Be You – Harry Connick Jr. (Foxtrot)
A heartfelt ode—emotive yet danceable, with a nostalgic shimmer.
Libertango – Astor Piazzolla (Argentine Tango)
Passionate and dramatic—strong character moments in the choreography.