'Tain't No Sin (To Dance Around in Your Bones)

Walter Donaldson

ModernSpecialistwaltzModerato4/4~3 min
H2
Henle (estimated)
RCM 3ABRSM 3

About this piece

This is an extended variation of the popular Donaldson tune, featuring a more elaborate narrative structure. It maintains the jaunty, upbeat character typical of early 20th-century popular piano arrangements.

Teacher notes

Players must manage the jumpy left-hand patterns while keeping the melody crisp and detached.

Technical focus

waltz-rhythmarticulationvoicing

Mood

playfulelegant

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to 'Tain't No Sin (To Dance Around in Your Bones)

Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.

Browse all Henle level 2 pieces (Beginner) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is 'Tain't No Sin (To Dance Around in Your Bones) by Walter Donaldson?

'Tain't No Sin (To Dance Around in Your Bones) is rated Henle level 2 of 9 — beginner repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 2–3. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 3.

What level do I need to play 'Tain't No Sin (To Dance Around in Your Bones)?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 2 — meaning you can already play level 1–2 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.

How long is 'Tain't No Sin (To Dance Around in Your Bones)?

A typical performance of 'Tain't No Sin (To Dance Around in Your Bones) lasts about 3 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for 'Tain't No Sin (To Dance Around in Your Bones)?

'Tain't No Sin (To Dance Around in Your Bones) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to 'Tain't No Sin (To Dance Around in Your Bones)?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include 'Tain't No Sin by Walter Donaldson, 'Cause I'm in Love by Walter Donaldson, Bach-bwv-anh-114 by Johann Sebastian Bach — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.