the use of 'which' in this sentence

Question

Is this correct?

Es una cancion a la que bailamos muchas veces.

It's a song to which we dance many times. (It's a song we dance to many times).

"a la que" is what I'm unsure of.

Answer 1

Yes, correct.

However, it´s also common say "Es una canción que bailamos muchas veces."

Answer 2

I'm only guessing, but if "dance to something" means to follow the song, I doubt that peculiar usage exists in Spanish, where we "dance the song" or "dance with a song" (con)

In English:

"dance to (song name)" means to dance while that song is being played: "We danced to Sugaree." This can also be used with a musical style: "We danced to rock"; a band name "We danced to the Grateful Dead." or "We danced to the music of the Grateful Dead."; or just music: "We danced to the music."

"dance a (dance style)" means to perform a dance in that style: "We danced a waltz." This can be shortened to "We waltzed."

"dance the (specific dance step)" means to perform a specific dance: "We danced the Macarena."

Answer 3

Wait so "Es una cancion en la que bailamos muchas veces" is wrong? Because it still sounds right to me for "It's a song in which we dance many times"

and "Es una cancion en la que baila mucho la gente" sounds right too for "It's a song in which the people dance a lot" I was fully expecting to come home to some points.

Edit: I guess it's con since you dance with a song.

Answer 4

Es una cancion que bailamos muchas veces.

This is what I would use.

Answer 5

I think the correct preposition for dancing to a song is "con" rather than "a" or "en". Don't know if a la que can work, en la que is what I'd say though. Yes, correct. However, it´s also common say "Es una cancion que bailamos muchas veces."

I never know what to think when people are saying different things. ?

You are not the only one. - Wait for someone with 100K rep points. :) - ian-hill, Aug 10, 2011

Answer 6

I'm only guessing, but if "dance to something" means to follow the song, I doubt that peculiar usage exists in Spanish, where we "dance the song" or "dance with a song" (con), so I'd go for Julián's and lorenzo's suggestions.

Answer 7

I think the correct preposition for dancing to a song is "con" rather than "a" or "en".

Answer 8

Don't know if a la que can work, en la que is what I'd say though.