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] (11–20)

StarshipsNicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj – Starships (Explicit) (Official Video)
StarshipsNicki Minaj

This upbeat dance tune, which skillfully weaves together elements of electropop and reggae, is a perfect track to energize sports days and dance events.

Released by Trinidad and Tobago–born Nicki Minaj from her album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, which dropped in April 2012, the song features a structure that starts with a guitar riff and unfolds into a catchy chorus.

Boasting stellar achievements—including winning Best Female Video at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards and earning diamond certification in the United States—this track’s electrifying sound and dynamic rhythm make it an ideal choice for group dance performances.

UnholySam Smith, Kim Petras

Sam Smith, Kim Petras – Unholy (Official Music Video)
UnholySam Smith, Kim Petras

“Unholy,” with its striking, slam-like bass drop in the intro, is a surefire crowd-pleasing dance tune for any school festival.

This track by British singer-songwriter Sam Smith especially shines with the build-up from the a cappella intro into the bass—absolute perfection! If you choreograph to that flow, you’ll naturally come up with cool dance ideas that hype up the crowd.

In the middle, it shifts to the part sung by female vocalist Kim Petras, so adding a change in the choreography there is a great idea too.

The NightsAvicii

This track blends powerful guitar riffs with dynamic electro-house sounds, brimming with forward-looking energy.

Created by Swedish artist Avicii, it appears on the EP “The Days / Nights EP,” released in December 2014, and carries a message about living life to the fullest.

American singer-songwriter Nicholas Furlong’s commanding vocals add even more appeal.

Featured on the soundtrack of the popular soccer video game FIFA 15, it captured the hearts of players around the world.

It’s a perfect song for school sports days and dance performances, and its exhilarating sound is sure to energize the entire venue.

Sweetest PieMegan Thee Stallion & Dua Lipa

Megan Thee Stallion & Dua Lipa – Sweetest Pie [Official Video]
Sweetest PieMegan Thee Stallion & Dua Lipa

Megan Thee Stallion, a U.S.-born rapper renowned for her overwhelming rap performances, draws attention not only for her music but also for her distinctive fashion.

Sweetest Pie, which she created in 2022 with UK singer-songwriter Dua Lipa, is a track with an exotic atmosphere.

You’ll be captivated by their dynamic, rhythmic flow.

It’s a thrilling song that fits perfectly as background music for heated events like ball-toss games and tug-of-war.

Unstoppable (R3HAB Remix)Sia

Sia, R3HAB – Unstoppable (R3HAB Remix)
Unstoppable (R3HAB Remix)Sia

Singer-songwriter Sia, whose exceptional charisma captivates audiences in an instant.

True to its title, “Unstoppable (R3HAB Remix)” is a dance tune that makes you want to start moving the moment you hear it.

While the original “Unstoppable” is slower in tempo, this mix by DJ R3HAB stands out for its sped-up pace.

It’s hugely popular on TikTok as well, so it’s sure to get everyone hyped at a school festival!

About Damn TimeLizzo

Lizzo – About Damn Time [Official Video]
About Damn TimeLizzo

“About Damn Time,” sung by American artist Lizzo.

It’s an irresistibly danceable track with a feel-good beat that makes your body move on its own.

It’s perfect not only as BGM for sports days and athletic festivals, but also as a backing track for dance.

It’s trending on social media, so playing this song might grab the attention of younger audiences.

Crank up the energy with its funky rhythm and enjoy your sports day to the fullest!

Western dance music that hypes up sports days and athletic festivals [2026] (21–30)

CHEER UPTwice

TWICE, the most popular female K-pop artist group, boasts top-tier talent in singing, dancing, and visuals.

CHEER UP is the lead single from their second mini-album, PAGE TWO, released in 2016.

The song cutely expresses the irritation and frustration that come from romantic dilemmas, and its hit success helped TWICE become widely recognized.

With its overall poppy vibe—featuring cute vocals throughout—the track would likely hype up events like obstacle races, where flustered moments come across as humorous.