Need motivation to lace up those running shoes and hit the trail? You’ve come to the right playlist.
Featuring adrenaline pumping songs recommended by Houston Ballet dancers, this playlist will get you through that last lap. Hear from the dancers on their favorite picks.
- Run the World (Girls) – Beyoncé | Melody Mennite
A playlist by Houston residents wouldn’t be complete without Houston royalty herself: Beyoncé. The perfect starter to any playlist, “Run The World” is sure to get you ready to take on a resistance bands workout. Recommended by Principal Melody Mennite, “It gets me hyped and feeling empowered to take on anything. Makes me want to really move.”
2. Mama Told Me – Alex Newell | Harper Watters
“First requirement for my workout songs is that it has to make me want to dance! Especially now because my workouts are at home, so I need something that will motivate me to get up from the couch! This song is also all about the moms! During quarantine I’ve had a lot more time to connect and chat with my mom, which has really kept me motivated and laughing, so I love this song because it lifts my spirits at the same time.” – Harper Watters
3. Play It Cool – Steve Aoki, Monsta X | Riley McMurray
Steve Aoki fan and Corps de Ballet dancer Riley McMurray pumps “Play It Cool” during his workout. “I love to listen to this song while I’m working out because the beat is really fun, and it gives me a good energy to keep working!”
4. When A Fire Starts To Burn – Disclosure | Caroline Perry
“This song will never fail to pump me up for a workout. I’ve been listening to it since a teacher used it in a modern class in Houston Ballet II. I also like to play it in the dressing room before a show to get excited.” – Caroline Perry
5. Blinding Lights – The Weeknd | Aoi Fujiwara
Not only a Tik Tok song, Aoi Fujiwara recommends this tune to raise motivation with its up-tempo beat. “When I work out, I mostly listen to up-tempo songs.”
6. RITMO (Bad Boys for Life) – Black Eyed Peas, J Balvin | Estheysis Menedez
“This song reminds me of my parents when I was little in the 90’s. They love fitness as well, and they used to listen to this type of music. The new version of 2020 is mixed with Latin music, and I think it’s extremely cool to not get bored of the same rhythm while you’re focused on the sequence of exercises. Right when you’re about to give up, the rhythm changes and automatically the reset button is activated. Perfect for cardio!!” – Estheysis Menendez
7. Paint It, Black – The Rolling Stones | Charles-Louis Yoshiyama
A classic for a reason, “Paint It, Black” is a favorite pump-up tune for Principal Charles-Louis Yoshiyama. “I’ve performed with this song in Christopher Bruce’s Rooster. I remember how tough it was, so that motivates me to work harder, and the flashback of good memories I have brightens up my mood.”
8. I’m Still Standing – Elton John | Jacquelyn Long
Feel yourself getting tired midway into your workout? Not to fret, Soloist Jacquelyn Long has the perfect remedy. “This song motivates me to keep going and push myself past that fatigue state! Sometimes it also incorporates some snapping and shoulder rolls into my workout too.”
9. 9 to 5 – Dolly Parton | Natalie Varnum
The quick beat of the hi-hat/piano/guitar trio in the “9 to 5” intro is sure to put pep in your step. No wonder it’s a staple for Demi-Soloist Natalie Varnum. “I love Dolly, and she always gets me excited and pumped for abs or any walk/jog.”
10. NASA – Ariana Grande | Hayden Stark
“I love this song because it’s the perfect ‘take back my life’ or revenge song. If you need to do anything out of spite or to feel more empowered, this is the best song to do it to. The song is also fast enough that you can take exercises at half speed without slowing too much, just in case you want more of a burn.” – Hayden Stark
11. Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) – Kelly Clarkson | Joshua Guillemot-Rodgerson
“This was me and my friends go-to song at boarding school. Three minutes and 41 seconds and you must plank the whole time. You are going to get to approximately 42 seconds in, and you are going to feel like there’s no way you can make it through the whole song. Suddenly Kelly Clarkson will scream “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” and you will know the truth—it’s not going kill you, and you are going to come out stronger. I see chiseled abs in your future.” – Joshua Guillemot-Rodgerson
12. Could Have Been Me – The Struts | Christopher Gray
“It can be tough to simply manifest the motivation to workout, especially when you’re exhausted from dancing, so this is usually one of the first songs I listen to when I hit the gym. For me there’s a powerful message in this song about making positive choices in the present, walking through fear, and putting yourself out there or running the risk of living in regret. The lyrics, the amazing old-fashioned rock vocals (think Freddie Mercury), and the up-tempo instrumentals in this song combine to form an energetic, motivating piece that provides the drive I need to put in a few extra hours of work.” – Christopher Gray
13. Uma Thurman – Fall Out Boy | Caleb Durbin
“Uma Thurman” never fails to motivate Corps de Ballet dancer Caleb Durbin. “The song immediately starts with a powerful beat and keeps its high energy the whole time. The use of a strong base line and saxophone really help to pump me up. Additionally, the words of the chorus are very motivating: ‘I can move mountains, I can work a miracle.’”
14. Never Say Goodbye – Hardwell, Dyro, Bright Lights | Luzemberg Santana
“This song puts me in the right mood before shows and class. The part of the song that says, ‘You’ll never fly if you’re too scared of the heights. You’ll never live if you’re just too scared to die,’ makes me think about being fearless and that I can go far and never give up. In my brain I’m thinking ‘give me the challenge, and I’ll show you that I can.’” – Luzemberg Santana
15. Alive – Empire of the Sun | Tyler Donatelli
If you need a good beat, “Alive” doesn’t disappoint. For Soloist Tyler Donatelli, “it just has the perfect beat for me, and it keeps me pushing through!”
16. dancing around – flor | Chun Wai Chan
“I love this song for my little jump exercises. The lyric ‘I can’t wait to dance around again’ definitely expresses my feeling of this very moment. The whole song is light, and the tempo is perfect for small jumps with tennis shoes on.” – Chun Wai Chan
17. Shadows Of The Night – Pat Benatar | McKhayla Pettingill
“I don’t know how someone could listen to this song and not feel pumped up. Thanks to my dad, I grew up listening mainly to 80’s rock music. This song is one of many incredible ones! It’s perfect for working out to (or blasting in your car and belting to at the top of your lungs). The beat is great, and Pat’s enthusiasm will definitely help you feel motivated while exercising.” – McKhayla Pettingill
18. Can I Call You Tonight? – Dayglow | Bridget Kuhns
Recommended by Soloist Bridget Kuhns, the joyful chords and carefree beat of “Can I Call You Tonight” will put a smile on your face during the last leg of your workout. “This song instantly puts me in a great mood! I love it for running, walking, dancing, doing the dishes, and everything in between!”
19. When I Was Done Dying – Dan Deacon | Connor Walsh
“More often than not when I’m working out, I like to listen to a podcast, or something that helps me calmly focus in like John Adams or Phillip Glass. If I’m going to be productive, even in the gym, I need something that helps my brain relax so I don’t get easily distracted. That being said, other times I just need something that helps me not take my self so seriously. Which can be equally as important. That’s why my pick is Dan Deacon’s ‘When I’m Done Dying’.” – Connor Walsh
20. 5 dollars – Christine and the Queens | Oliver Halkowich
And lastly, the perfect ending to a great workout features “5 dollars” by Christine and the Queens, a constant on First Soloist Oliver Halkowich’s workout playlist. “It has the perfect tempo for a quick walk, a loose jog, or a flashy jumping jack. The 80s synth vibes make me think all is ok in the world and at the end of the song I feel as though I was given 5 dollars to go get an ice cream.”
Listen to and get the full playlist now!
By Jasmine Fuller