Composer

:

Richard Rodgers

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Show Tune

Average_duration

:

2:25

"Shall We Dance?" is a musical composition by Richard Rodgers, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. It was composed in 1937 and premiered on Broadway in the same year. The song is part of the musical "The King and I," which tells the story of the relationship between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher who is hired to teach the King's children. "Shall We Dance?" is a romantic duet between the King and Anna, in which they express their feelings for each other through dance. The song is divided into two movements, with the first being a slow and romantic waltz, and the second being a more upbeat and lively dance. The first movement begins with a soft and gentle melody played by the orchestra, which is then joined by the King's voice as he sings the opening lines, "We've just been introduced / I do not know you well / But when the music started / Something drew me to your side." Anna responds with her own verse, expressing her surprise at the King's request to dance with her, "It's so peculiar / Waiter, here's a clue / I'm with someone / And I don't want to dance." The second movement begins with a change in tempo and rhythm, as the orchestra plays a more upbeat and lively melody. The King and Anna continue to dance, with the King singing, "Shall we dance? / On a bright cloud of music shall we fly? / Shall we dance? / Shall we then say 'Goodnight' and mean 'Goodbye'?" Anna responds with her own verse, expressing her desire to continue dancing with the King, "Or perchance / When the last little star has left the sky / Shall we still be together / With our arms around each other / And shall you be my new romance?" The song ends with the King and Anna expressing their love for each other through dance, with the orchestra playing a final, romantic melody. "Shall We Dance?" is a classic example of Rodgers and Hammerstein's ability to create memorable and romantic songs that have stood the test of time.

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