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

StrangersKenya Grace

Kenya Grace – Strangers (Official Lyric Video)

Kenya Grace is a South African-born, UK-raised singer-songwriter.

Known for her style that fuses contemporary electronic pop and drum and bass with elements of R&B and electronic music, she drew attention with her 2020 single “Talk.” In September 2023, she released “Strangers” as her major-label debut single.

The lyrics sharply observe shifting human relationships and changing views on romance in the digital age, accurately capturing the fleeting intimacy gained through love and the emptiness that follows—resonating with listeners.

Precisely because her polished beats aren’t yet widely known in Japan, using them at events like school sports days and athletic festivals could create a dramatic uplift.

If you’re looking for tasteful background music, be sure to check her out.

Wake Me UpAvicii

Avicii – Wake Me Up (Official Video)

Avicii, who came from Sweden, was one of the key figures who elevated EDM from a European genre to a globally popular style of music.

“Wake Me Up” is a song that expresses the feelings of a protagonist who didn’t realize they were lost in life and in how they were living, and who, wanting to avert their eyes from that sense of emptiness, wishes to be awakened once everything is over.

While following the EDM style of ramping up the tempo before the chorus and exploding at the chorus, the track also carries a sense of folk-like roots.

Considering the climactic lift in the chorus, I think it matches well with events like cavalry battles, where team strength determines victory or defeat!

GirlfriendAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne – Girlfriend (Official Video)

Set to an exhilarating pop-punk sound, this track captures the straightforward emotions born from a one-sided crush.

Released in February 2007 by Canadian artist Avril Lavigne, it showcases her quintessential powerful vocals and energetic performance that captivated music fans around the world.

As the lead single from the album “The Best Damn Thing,” it topped the Billboard Hot 100 and has achieved over 7.3 million in global sales.

It’s a perfect pick for school festivals and cultural events, instantly lifting the mood of the venue.

Beloved by many at parties and dance events as well, this vibrant song continues to energize crowds everywhere.

yes, and?Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande – yes, and? (official music video)

Ariana Grande is a U.S.-born singer who boasts immense popularity, armed with overwhelming vocal prowess and a cute look.

As a leading figure in 2020s pop music, she continues to reign, and in 2024 she returned to the scene with the release of “yes, and?”.

Carrying a message that celebrates the power of self-expression and self-acceptance, it’s an empowering track that’s been drawing a lot of attention.

Riding an upbeat yet accessible disco-inspired sound, her vocals powerfully sing about the importance of staying true to your authentic self—truly breathtaking.

It’s a song everyone can enjoy dancing to, perfect even for dance school recitals.

With Ariana’s signature style in full bloom, be sure to check out this uplifting anthem that fills you with courage.

MiracleCalvin Harris, Ellie Goulding

Calvin Harris, Ellie Goulding – Miracle (Official Video)

Let me introduce an exceptionally pop and danceable track! It’s the latest collaboration “Miracle” by Calvin Harris, the hugely popular Scottish DJ and hitmaker, and Ellie Goulding, the powerhouse singer from the UK.

Following their previous team-ups “I Need Your Love” (2013) and “Outside” (2014), this third collaboration took the charts by storm upon its release in March 2023, hitting No.

1 on the UK Dance Chart and Ireland’s Singles Chart.

Ellie’s angelic vocals deliver a lyrical plea for forgiveness to a lover over a nostalgic, ’90s-inspired sound.

If this plays at a summer event, the whole crowd will surely become one.

Come dance to “Miracle” too!

LoadingJames Blake

James Blake – Loading (Official Lyric Video)

Born in 1988 in Enfield, England, James Blake is a musician active as a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer.

His distinctive sound, which spans a wide range of genres including electronic, R&B, soul, and post-dubstep, has earned high acclaim worldwide.

His latest track, “Loading,” released on September 8, 2023, is the second single from the album Playing Robots Into Heaven.

With a sound that recalls his roots in the club music scene where he began his career, its refined beats and melodies deliver a pleasantly uplifting feel.

A track like this would fit perfectly when played at moments that call for a cool-down during a lively sports day or athletic festival.

Dance The NightDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – Dance The Night (From Barbie The Album) [Official Music Video]

Born in London, England, Dua Lipa is one of the most talked-about millennial pop stars, working as both a singer-songwriter and a fashion model.

Released in May 2023, her track “Dance The Night” drew attention as part of the soundtrack for the film Barbie, in which she also appears.

Inspired by the disco sound of the ’80s, the song perfectly matches Lipa’s sultry vocals with a poppy, catchy melody, making it an ideal dance number—great even as background music for school sports days and athletic festivals.

Its uplifting lyrics, which depict dancing the night away while embracing one’s own radiance, are sure to resonate with young listeners.