RAG MusicAthletics
Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

Dance music in Western styles that hypes up sports days and athletic festivals [2026]

Since dance became a compulsory subject in 2012, it has become more familiar to young people than it used to be, and there are now more opportunities to showcase the results of daily practice on big stages like sports days and school festivals.

Of course, choosing classic BGM will get the crowd going, but you’ll also want to show your taste by incorporating the latest dance music.

In this article, we’ve compiled the latest hits and popular tracks of Western dance music that will hype up sports days and school festivals.

From pop infused with funk and disco elements to melodic EDM, we’ve selected a wide range of songs, so be sure to pick tracks that match your production and scenes!

Western dance music to hype up Sports Day and Athletic Festival [2026] (61–70)

Hey Mama ft Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha & AfrojackDavid Guetta

David Guetta – Hey Mama (Official Video) ft Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha & Afrojack
Hey Mama ft Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha & AfrojackDavid Guetta

A supreme, floor-filling upper tune that masterfully fuses electro house and trap.

This track from French DJ David Guetta, released in March 2015, became a hit, reaching No.

8 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Its powerful beat and catchy melody pair perfectly with Nicki Minaj’s rap and Bebe Rexha’s vocals.

The dreamlike music video set in a desert has amassed over 1.6 billion views.

With its up-tempo, commanding sound, it’s perfect for sports game intermissions and dance performances—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will fill the stadium with electrifying energy.

Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson – Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) [Official Video]
Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)Kelly Clarkson

This is a track marked by a powerful beat and catchy melody, singing about the courage to overcome adversity.

Released in January 2012 from the album “Stronger” by American artist Kelly Clarkson, it’s an uptempo dance-pop song.

It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks and became a massive hit, surpassing 4.95 million digital downloads.

The story of a protagonist who rediscovers her own strength after heartbreak blends perfectly with the dynamic sound produced by Greg Kurstin.

Beloved as a staple for cheer routines, it’s also the perfect song to lift the mood at parties, during workouts, or any moment you want to feel positive and energized.

Runaway BabyBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – Runaway Baby (Official Lyric Video)
Runaway BabyBruno Mars

A captivating track whose driving sound evokes 1960s R&B and rock, highlighted by Bruno Mars’s powerful vocals.

Included on his debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans and released in October 2010, the song is told from the perspective of a playboy, depicting how he attracts someone yet ultimately walks away.

With its punchy beat and funky guitar riffs, it delivered a show-stopping performance that dazzled the audience at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards in 2012.

Also used as the opening theme for the film Friends with Benefits, this energetic number is perfect for amping up cheer routines and party scenes.

Can’t Stop the Feeling!Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake – CAN’T STOP THE FEELING! (from DreamWorks Animation’s “TROLLS”) (Official Video)
Can't Stop the Feeling!Justin Timberlake

A song brimming with positive energy that makes listeners feel like they just have to dance.

Centered on the themes of joy and liberation felt throughout the whole body, it features simple, catchy lyrics and melodies.

Released in May 2016, it was also used on the soundtrack for the film Trolls.

It became Justin Timberlake’s fifth No.

1 single in the United States and achieved major international success.

It’s a recommended track for anyone starting a new chapter in life or looking for a mood boost.

Shape of YouEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Shape of You (Official Music Video)
Shape of YouEd Sheeran

This song was a huge hit in Japan as well.

It’s “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran, a singer-songwriter from England.

Released in 2017, it sparked a worldwide boom.

It also made headlines for breaking Guinness World Records, such as for the most streams.

If you search for “Shape of You dance,” you’ll find lots of videos, so be sure to use those as references for practice.

What Do You Mean?Justin Bieber

This song is striking for its message about wanting to know how the person you like truly feels.

It’s a track by Justin Bieber, the globally popular musician from Canada, released as a single in 2015.

For many people, this is the song that immediately comes to mind when they think of Justin Bieber.

With its understated tone, it may suit dance that showcases technique rather than intense, high-energy moves.

All By MyselfAlok, Sigala, Ellie Goulding

Alok, Sigala, Ellie Goulding – All By Myself (Official Video)
All By MyselfAlok, Sigala, Ellie Goulding

“All By Myself” by Brazilian DJ Alok and British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding.

If you’re looking for a stylish vibe, this modern-sounding dance tune is a great pick.

It’s especially characterized by its shimmering synths in the intro, which would pair perfectly with a fresh, breezy dance style.

Overall, it follows a classic EDM structure that effectively uses a gradual build-up, making it easier to plan your choreography—another strong point!