Lovely Play & Recreation

Songs you can dance to around the campfire. A roundup of recommended tracks for dancing.

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

A campfire is essential for nights during camping and outdoor activities.

A campfire gradually grows from the start, reaches an exciting peak, and then settles into a calm mood toward the end—that transition is one of its true charms.

And it’s not just about watching the flames; people often sing songs and dance as well.

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of recommended songs to dance to around the campfire.

We’ve gathered classic campfire tunes, folk dance songs, and even popular J-pop hits—use this as a handy reference.

Songs you can dance to around a campfire. Recommended dance tracks (51–60)

Kinder-PolkaDoitsu min’yō

Kinder-Polka

Kinder-PolkaDoitsu min'yō

This folk dance music, with its pleasantly traditional rhythm handed down in Germany since old times, is a wonderful piece that cheerfully enlivens any camp gathering.

Set to a lively 2/4 meter, the charming dance—where everyone forms a circle and deftly uses their fingertips—will make moments starring the children even more delightful.

It’s said to be inspired by a “little goat,” and its innocent, guileless atmosphere is simply irresistible.

The piece doesn’t have a specific composer; rather, it has been lovingly passed down among the people.

Many of you may know it as a folk dance resource used in school education and enjoyed in elementary schools.

Gathered around a campfire and dancing together across generations, you’re sure to create memories you’ll never forget!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Let’s dance, the fun Porečeke!Pōrando min’yō

[Children's Song] Let's Dance, Fun Polechke

Let's dance, the fun Porečeke!Pōrando min'yō

When this exhilarating melody reaches your ears, doesn’t it naturally bring a smile to your face and make you want to join hands and start dancing? Rooted in a traditional Polish dance, its bright, buoyant rhythm lifts every listener into a cheerful mood.

The Japanese lyrics seem to teach us the joy and sense of unity that come from singing together in one voice.

What made this piece widely known in Japan was likely its introduction on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1962.

It’s the perfect song to color those irreplaceable moments—singing and dancing with friends around a campfire.

As a beloved classic across generations, it will surely continue to bring many smiles for years to come!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Make you happyNiziU

NiziU – “Make you happy” [Easy dance for beginners, with slow version] mixsh ver.

Make you happyNiziU

This is the pre-debut song by NiziU, a nine-member girl group formed through the audition program Nizi Project, produced by Korean music producer and artist J.Y.

Park.

The dance in the chorus, where you rotate your wrists and jump as if skipping rope, is called the “jump-rope dance.” After the members released a video of themselves performing it, countless people covered it and it became a social phenomenon! The choreography is easy for both kids and adults to learn, so it’s also a popular song at events like school sports days.

It’s perfect for making memories around the campfire, too!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

sparkleFuji Kaze

Usable for PE and recitals! Easy dance choreography for preschoolers to Fujii Kaze’s “Kirari”

sparkleFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze’s “Kirari” is a song with a gentle sound that evokes an expansive landscape.

Since it carries a refreshing mood overall, let’s pair it with large, dynamic movements to bring out a clear sense of fun.

The beat resonates firmly, but use it primarily as a cue to start your movements; rather than intricate steps, it’s recommended to build the dance with soft, sweeping motions.

Be mindful of expressions that convey enjoyment, and if you add some steps as well, that refreshing sense of fun will stand out even more.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

ThrillerMaikeru Jakuson

[Halloween★Easy Choreography] Thriller / Michael Jackson [Kindergarten, Elementary School: Lower Grades, Middle Grades, Upper Grades, Sports Day Dance]

ThrillerMaikeru Jakuson

Michael Jackson’s horror-themed dance song, with its brilliant rhythm and danceable sound, is perfect for a sports day finale! With choreography inspired by zombie moves, it’s sure to get kids excited.

Known as the title track of the album Thriller, released in November 1982, the song masterfully blends pop, R&B, and disco elements.

Its music video—famously produced with a $500,000 budget—sparked huge buzz for its zombie dance and opened up new possibilities for music videos.

It can be adapted to events like ball-toss games and other school sports day activities, making it a popular, highly recommended dance track that everyone can enjoy!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem