The compilation takes its title from a track included on Khan's 1978 solo debut album Chaka.

The album, which was released as a double-record set, on CD and as a cassette edition with one extra track, comprises remixes made in the styles of late 1980s dance music genres like house music, hip hop and acid house of tracks originally recorded between the years 1978 and 1984, including two from Rufus & Chaka Khan's final album Stompin' at the Savoy – Live: "Ain't Nobody" and "One Million Kisses".

[5] The Dancin' Danny D. and Frankie Knuckles remixes of "I'm Every Woman" and "Ain't Nobody" were both originally released on the B-side of the US 12" single "Soul Talkin'", taken from Khan's 1988 album ck.

Note: the remixes of the tracks "I Feel for You", "This Is My Night" and "Eye to Eye" appearing on this album should not be confused with the original 12" remixes made in 1984 by the original producers Arif Mardin and Russ Titelman, all of which remain unreleased on CD in both the United States and Europe.

Life Is a Dance: The Remix Project was transferred from vinyl to CD in 1989 and remains in print.