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 that hypes up sports days and athletic festivals [2026] (51–60)

Runaway (U & I)Galantis

Galantis – Runaway (U & I) (Official Video)
Runaway (U & I)Galantis

This progressive house masterpiece by the Swedish EDM duo Galantis delivers an unprecedented sense of euphoria.

With its energetic beat and sampled female vocals, it’s a track that creates truly dazzling moments.

Released in October 2014, it was featured in Absolut Vodka’s 2016 advertising campaign and on the soundtrack of the popular game Forza Horizon 3, earning acclaim that led to a nomination for Best Dance Recording at the 58th Grammy Awards.

Its powerful rhythm and exhilarating melodic lines make it perfect for warm-ups or entrance scenes at school sports days and athletic festivals, uniting everyone’s spirits and filling the entire venue with vibrant energy.

Mi GenteJ Balvin, Willy William

J Balvin, Willy William – Mi Gente (Official Video)
Mi GenteJ Balvin, Willy William

This is a collaborative work by J Balvin from Colombia and Willy William from France, blending exhilarating dance beats with energetic rhythms.

Skillfully weaving in elements of moombahton, reggaeton, and dancehall, the track sparked a global sensation the moment it was released in June 2017.

It was also featured in the popular Just Dance video game series, and the music video achieved 400 million views just 47 days after its release—an all-time record.

With its powerful sound and catchy melody line, it’s an ideal choice to add flair to dance performances at school sports days and athletic festivals.

All StarSmash Mouth

This is Smash Mouth’s signature song, loved as an anthem for young people thanks to its exhilarating power-pop sound and message-driven lyrics.

In contrast to the upbeat music, the lyrics carry deeper meanings that hint at global warming and social issues, allowing each listener to find their own interpretation.

Released in May 1999 by the San Jose, California–based band, the ambitious track reached No.

4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It was featured in the promotional video for the film Mystery Men and used as the opening song for the animated movie Shrek, continuing to influence pop culture for many years.

Its positive message and dynamic melody make it an ideal BGM for dance performances at school sports days and athletic festivals.

Mr. BrightsideThe Killers

The Killers – Mr. Brightside (Official Music Video)
Mr. BrightsideThe Killers

A masterpiece by the American rock band The Killers that explodes with youthful energy.

Its striking guitar riffs and driving drum beats grab you from the start, and the propulsive rock sound makes it perfect for school sports festivals or dance performances.

The vocals deliver a bittersweet love story infused with universal emotions like jealousy and insecurity.

Released in September 2003, the track drew major attention as the lead single from the acclaimed album Hot Fuss and was even nominated for a Grammy.

The album sold over seven million copies worldwide, catapulting The Killers to stardom.

The soaring, crowd-pleasing chorus and emotional vocals offer wide-ranging possibilities for choreography.

It’s a great pick for students who want to fully express youthful energy.

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

Pump ItThe Black Eyed Peas

The Black Eyed Peas – Pump It (Official Music Video)
Pump ItThe Black Eyed Peas

This masterwork by the Black Eyed Peas captivates with the powerful fusion of electropop and surf rock.

Released in 2005 by the American group and featured on their album Monkey Business, the track later appeared in the hit films Little Man and Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties.

Combining a sound that samples a Dick Dale song with a message to turn it up louder, it reached No.

18 on the U.S.

Billboard charts.

Its intensity and groove make it perfect for energizing the crowd as background music during school sports days and athletic competitions.

It also works as dance music, and its energetic, uplifting vibe makes it an ideal anthem for sports events.

I Don’t Wanna WaitDavid Guetta & OneRepublic

David Guetta & OneRepublic – I Don’t Wanna Wait (Official Video)
I Don't Wanna WaitDavid Guetta & OneRepublic

In April 2024, David Guetta and OneRepublic co-wrote an electrifying electro-house track that feels like a party about to kick off.

It’s a captivating song that pairs the danceable beats characteristic of the French-born Guetta with a soaring vocal melody.

Garnering strong support from younger listeners, it has earned Platinum certification in both Australia and France.

Its uplifting message—urging you to live fully in the moment—along with its catchy melodic lines, has resonated with many.

Perfect not only for music festivals and parties but also as background music for school and cultural festivals, this exhilarating track is made to bring friends together and get the crowd going.

Work from Home ft. Ty Dolla $ignFifth Harmony

Fifth Harmony – Work from Home (Official Video) ft. Ty Dolla $ign
Work from Home ft. Ty Dolla $ignFifth Harmony

The American five-member girl group Fifth Harmony took the global music scene by storm with this ultimate dance anthem.

A mid-tempo melody infused with breezy tropical house elements sets the stage for the group’s powerful vocals to soar.

Their sophisticated R&B-style singing is perfectly accented by rapper Ty Dolla $ign’s gritty feature.

Released in February 2016 as the lead single from the album “7/27,” it peaked at No.

4 on the Billboard chart and earned 5× Platinum certification in both the U.S.

and Canada.

Catchy and energetic, it’s an ideal BGM for group dance scenes.

Seamlessly blending a retro funk vibe with modern EDM sounds, this track is guaranteed to bring a vibrant flourish to school sports days and athletic festivals.