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 days and athletic festivals [2026] (91–100)

Stay (Don’t Go Away)David Guetta feat Raye

David Guetta feat Raye – Stay (Don’t Go Away) (Official Video)
Stay (Don't Go Away)David Guetta feat Raye

With a classic house dance beat and a bouncy bassline, this is “Stay (Don’t Go Away),” a collaboration between David Guetta and Raye.

Raye’s beautiful vocals match perfectly.

The bassline in particular is light and lively, making you want to move your feet to the rhythm.

How about using it as BGM for a sports day or school athletic festival?

Break My HeartDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – Break My Heart (Official Video)
Break My HeartDua Lipa

Dua Lipa is a British singer-songwriter and model.

She’s now gaining attention among young people around the world and has achieved notable success, including winning Best Pop Vocal Album at the annual music celebration, the Grammy Awards.

Her songs include not only pop, but also many tracks that incorporate dance and funk.

Break My Heart features a chic, danceable chorus that really stands out—it makes you want to move to the rhythm.

For a school sports day, how about trying a unique group gymnastics routine by adding dance elements, like building a pyramid?

Don’t Start NowDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – Don’t Start Now (Official Music Video)
Don't Start NowDua Lipa

It’s Dua Lipa’s 13th single, released in 2019.

The bassline in the chorus has such a cool rhythm that your body starts moving on its own—a real dance number.

Dua Lipa’s husky, breathy, and rich voice is also captivating.

How about using this stylish, fashion-forward track for a costume relay? Putting on pieces of the outfit one by one at different points would make it feel like a fashion show set to this song, even though it’s a school sports event, and it would really hype up the crowd.

Love AgainDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – Love Again (Official Music Video)
Love AgainDua Lipa

Dua Lipa, a UK pop icon with multiple Grammy Awards and worldwide recognition, released “Love Again” in 2021—a high-energy track that can get the whole school hyped.

The music video is captivating, featuring her stylishly dancing as a cowgirl.

Alongside her rhythmic flow, you’ll sense a nostalgic disco-like vibe.

It’s also recommended for those who enjoy funky, glamorous arrangements.

It’s a pop song that will excite not only students but the audience as well, so be sure to check it out.

DUN DUNEVERGLOW

EVERGLOW (에버글로우) – DUN DUN MV
DUN DUNEVERGLOW

If you like dirty melodies, I recommend DUN DUN.

It’s K-pop influenced by US commercial music.

While K-pop is known for uniquely reworking US elements and blending a variety of genres, DUN DUN is a prime example where that genre-mixing really stands out.

Because multiple styles are mixed, the track has a somewhat rough-hewn finish.

For those who love that kind of gritty sound, this is an irresistible song.

Beautiful People (feat. Khalid)Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Beautiful People (feat. Khalid) [Official Music Video]
Beautiful People (feat. Khalid)Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran’s hit song “Beautiful People (feat.

Khalid),” released in 2019, features lyrics that challenge the superficial happiness of celebrities.

Is it a provocation aimed at the money-driven U.S.

music scene? (Haha) The lyrics are quite bold, so be sure to check out the Japanese translation.

The melody is crafted as an easy-to-listen-to pop tune, making it perfect for a sports day.

It would fit well for entrance scenes or the closing ceremony.

ShiversEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Shivers [Official Video]
ShiversEd Sheeran

If you want to liven up your school sports festival with modern electro-pop, we recommend “Shivers.” This track is included on the 2021 album “=” by Ed Sheeran, the British singer-songwriter known for hits like “Shape of You.” It features an exotic sound that portrays a mature romance.

You’ll also enjoy the chorus work and flow that perfectly match its rhythmic tempo.

How about playing this upbeat number that can turn the entire venue into a dance floor?