Introduction:
“This Is Our Dance” is a romantic ballad performed by Elvis Presley, released on his 1970 album That’s the Way It Is. The song was part of Presley’s shift in his musical career during the late 1960s and early 1970s, a time when he was reinventing himself after his movie career began to slow down. This period is often referred to as his “Comeback Era,” and it marked a return to live performances, with Presley striving to reconnect with his audience through both his music and live concerts.
Written by songwriters Les Reed and Geoff Stephens, “This Is Our Dance” showcases the softer, more sentimental side of Presley’s music, diverging from his earlier rock and roll roots. Reed and Stephens were well-known British songwriters, with Stephens having penned hits like “Winchester Cathedral” and Reed contributing to a variety of successful songs across genres. The song’s style reflects a blend of lush orchestration and tender lyrics, making it well-suited for Presley’s velvety voice, which had matured over the years to accommodate more ballad-style tunes.
Musically, the song is typical of the smooth and easy-listening style that characterized much of Presley’s material from this era. Its sweeping, cinematic arrangement underscores the romantic theme of two lovers sharing a special moment, with the idea of the dance serving as a metaphor for their relationship. The song’s orchestral backdrop, complete with strings and gentle piano, creates an intimate setting that is reminiscent of the lush ballads popular in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
That’s the Way It Is, the album that features “This Is Our Dance,” is significant in Presley’s discography because it bridged the gap between his role as a recording artist and his newfound identity as a live performer in Las Vegas. The album is a mix of live and studio recordings, capturing the energy and emotion Presley brought to both settings. It was released in conjunction with a documentary film of the same name, which focused on Presley’s preparation for his Las Vegas concerts in the summer of 1970. The film and album were instrumental in solidifying Presley’s return to the stage as a performer, highlighting his ability to interpret a wide range of material—from ballads like “This Is Our Dance” to his more energetic rock numbers.
Though not one of Presley’s more commercially prominent hits, “This Is Our Dance” exemplifies his versatility and emotional range during this phase of his career, and it remains a favorite among fans who appreciate his romantic ballads. It reflects both the personal and artistic transitions Presley was navigating at the time, demonstrating his ability to adapt to changing musical trends while staying true to his emotive style.