"Dance" is the third solo studio album by English new wave musician Gary Numan, released on 4 September 1981 by Beggars Banquet Records. This was Numan's first studio album following his "Farewell Concerts" at Wembley Arena, although he would return to live performances in 1982.
The album features the single "She's Got Claws," which achieved notable success, reaching number 6 on the UK singles chart in September 1981 and remaining there for six weeks. Dance itself reached number 3 on the UK Albums Chart and stayed on the charts for eight weeks. It was certified with a silver disc in the UK for surpassing 60,000 sales.
Dance was Gary Numan's most experimental album to date, featuring a minimalistic approach with sparse electronic sounds and extensive use of drum machines and percussion. By 1981, with synth-pop becoming mainstream, Numan sought to explore new musical territory, drawing influences from Brian Eno, Kraftwerk, Lou Reed, and Japan. He enlisted Japan's bassist Mick Karn for the album, marking a shift to what is considered Numan's first true solo album, as previous releases were supported by a backing band.
The album’s lyrics were inspired by the works of William S. Burroughs and J. G. Ballard, as well as Numan’s own personal experiences, particularly a bitter relationship.
The track "Stories" was performed live during Numan's "Teletour" of 1980 before being recorded for Dance. A live version of this song appears on the 2005 expanded edition of Numan's live album Living Ornaments '80. Songs like "She's Got Claws" and "Cry, The Clock Said" were also premiered during Numan's "Farewell Concerts" at Wembley Arena in April 1981, with live versions featured on the 1998 live album Living Ornaments '81.
"Moral" is a radical reworking of "Metal" from Numan's 1979 album The Pleasure Principle, including a critique of the contemporary New Romantic movement and featuring violinist Nash the Slash. Parts of this new version were performed live and can be heard on Living Ornaments '81. An extended version of the studio track was later released on the 2018 vinyl double LP reissue of Dance.
"Night Talk," co-written by Numan and Paul Gardiner, was originally the B-side of Gardiner’s single "Stormtrooper in Drag," released under his own name in July 1981. The title track "Dance" was not included in the original album release but appeared as a bonus track on the 1999 CD release.
