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)

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?

Body MovingEliza Rose, Calvin Harris

Eliza Rose, Calvin Harris – Body Moving (Official Video)
Body MovingEliza Rose, Calvin Harris

An irresistibly dance-inducing track has arrived! This collaboration by Eliza Rose and Calvin Harris is house music that evokes the club and disco sounds of the ’80s.

It expresses the joy of surrendering to the rhythm and letting the music lead you.

Released in November 2023, the song celebrates freedom under the lights of the night and the power of music to bring people together.

It’s perfect for when you want to go all out on the dance floor, and it’s guaranteed to hype up any school or cultural festival! Highly recommended for those who enjoy self-expression and believe in the power of music.

All Day and Night with Madison BeerEuropa (Jax Jones & Martin Solveig)

Europa (Jax Jones & Martin Solveig) – All Day and Night with Madison Beer (official video)
All Day and Night with Madison BeerEuropa (Jax Jones & Martin Solveig)

If you’re looking for dance music you can drop straight into a club set, I recommend Europa’s “All Day and Night.” It’s a house track featuring seductive vocals, polished to true club-quality.

It works great as background music during stage changes and is also perfect as an entrance tune.

Love Not WarJason Derulo x Nuka

Jason Derulo x Nuka – Love Not War [Official Music Video]
Love Not WarJason Derulo x Nuka

If you want to hype up your sports day with a party song, we recommend Love Not War! It was released in 2020 by Jason Derulo, an R&B singer who has been active in the U.S.

since the 2000s, and music producer Nuka.

Its R&B sound with reggae and reggaeton elements is striking.

Since the tempo isn’t particularly fast, it might feel a bit lacking as BGM for sprints or relays, but it’s perfect for lively events like cavalry battles or pole-toppling!