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 the campfire. A roundup of recommended dance tracks (31–40)

Time ParadoxVaundy

[Dance Choreography] Time Paradox — Vaundy | Theme Song of “Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Earth Symphony”

Time ParadoxVaundy

Many of you probably go to see the Doraemon movie that comes out every year.

Doraemon has many works that move even adults to tears.

With that in mind, I recommend this song—the theme for Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Earth Symphony—as a campfire tune.

Its slow tempo makes it easy to dance to, and the somewhat wistful melody is perfect for nighttime.

The choreography introduced here features flowing movements and a relaxed feel that embraces pauses, so try dancing while immersing yourself in the music.

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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!

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Racing into the NightYOASOBI

[Long Version for Recitals] YOASOBI | Racing into the Night [Easy Dance] <Sports Day, Elementary School, Kindergarten, Nursery>

Racing into the NightYOASOBI

The music unit YOASOBI, known for creating songs inspired by novels, released their first digital-only single.

It became especially popular among the social media generation, and within about seven months of its release, the song surpassed 20 million views on YouTube.

The original novels are “Thanatos no Yūwaku” (The Temptation of Thanatos) and “Yoru ni Tokeru” (Melt into the Night) by Maiya Hoshino, published on a fiction posting site.

Its sense of speed and the dreamlike melody that seems to melt into the nighttime scenery are truly moving, aren’t they? It’s also popular as a dance track, and you can dance to it with simple moves like a box step and hand claps—so be sure to check it out!

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Jenka

Jenka / Let's all dance! Folk dance [for schools and community activities]

Jenka

Jenka, also famous as a classic folk dance tune, originated in Finland.

It’s a folk dance where several people form a line and dance together.

Dancers step forward one foot at a time to the rhythm and move along while hopping forward and backward.

While it’s easy to dance alone, when dancing in a line you need to be in sync with each other; otherwise, the line will fall out of order when moving forward and back.

When forming the line, place your hands on the shoulders or waist of the person in front of you.

It’s also recommended to gradually increase the number of people in the line!

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Hokey Pokey

Hokey Pokey ♪ Hokey Pokey [English Songs | Kids’ English Conversation | Landy & Katy Channel]

Hokey Pokey

When you think of a cheerful melody that makes you want to dance around a campfire, many of you probably know exactly the one.

Wave your right hand as directed, then tap your left foot, and spin around—before you know it, you’re smiling.

Its simple structure, uniting song and dance, is filled with a mysterious charm that captivates people across generations.

Said to originate from Mother Goose, this piece isn’t tied to any specific performer but has been passed down through the ages.

In Japan, it has been widely loved since the mid-2000s, featured on albums like “Kentaro and Miku’s Waiwai Kids! Let’s Sing in English with Miku,” among others.

It’s a familiar presence in kindergartens, sports day exercises, and English-learning materials—truly a star performer.

Move your body together with everyone at camp, and you’re guaranteed to make unforgettable memories.

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Songs you can dance to around the campfire. Recommended dance tracks (41–50)

100% Courage

[Super Easy Dance] Courage 100% / Nintama Rantarō Anime Theme Song [Dance While Sitting] <Sports Day Dance, Kindergarten, Nursery, Elementary School, Seniors, Day Service>

100% Courage

Familiar as the theme song of the anime “Nintama Rantarō,” “Yuuki 100%” is a track that clearly conveys a positive spirit.

The sound is light and buoyant, so moving your body to it lets you fully feel the fun throughout your whole body.

If you take cues from the lyrics—like the shining sun—when coming up with movements, it’s easy to tell what comes next, so it’s a great choice.

It may be important to really feel the rhythm as if you’re bouncing and to dance with a smile so the song’s fun stands out.

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HappinessAI

Let's Dance at the Christmas Party! AI 'Happiness' Easy Dance Choreography for Elementary School Kids

HappinessAI

AI’s song “Happiness” conveys a powerful sense of hope, as if wishing for happiness to spread throughout the world.

Dancing to this song, imbued with such a wish for happiness, will let you feel the joy through your whole body.

Because it’s a grand piece with a relatively calm rhythm, large movements that highlight its grandeur might work well.

It’s also a good idea to keep the choreography simple—something everyone can synchronize—while staying mindful of the song’s worldview.

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