Lovely childcare

Fun to dance! A roundup of recommended dance songs for young children, perfect for daycare and sports days

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

Dance activities in daycare and at sports festivals are very important times for children!By moving their bodies to music, they can learn a sense of fun and rhythm.Choosing a special dance for the upcoming sports festival is one of the exciting parts, too.Here, we introduce recommended dance songs for young children that are perfect for daycare and sports festivals.Kids who are tuned into trends will also enjoy dancing to more mature-sounding songs.Choose dances and exercises that match the children’s preferences, and have both kids and adults get excited together!

Fun to Dance! Recommended Preschool Dance Songs for Daycare and Sports Day (121–130)

POKÉDANCEnanahira

[Official] “POKÉDANCE” Dance Practice by ENHYPEN — featuring partner Pokémon from past generations dancing

POKÉDANCEnanahira

This piece is a fun dance tune set to charming electronic sounds and a light, buoyant rhythm, celebrating the joy of friendship and new encounters.

Its English lyrics convey the message of “having fun together with friends,” wrapping listeners in a warm atmosphere that brings smiles to everyone.

Released in February 2024, the song beautifully matches Nanahira’s clear, soaring vocals with a cute melody, and the animated music video featuring partner Pokémon dancing drew plenty of attention.

A dance practice version by ENHYPEN was released simultaneously, capturing the hearts of Pokémon fans.

With its rhythmic, upbeat feel, it’s perfect for group performances like school sports festivals.

Pairing it with balloon choreography can make the presentation even more dazzling.

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Let’s move forward! Clap your hands!

Let's Move Forward! Clap Your Hands! ~Tie-in Song for the Movie “Shimajiro and the Rainbow Oasis”~ [Official Shimajiro Channel]

Let's move forward! Clap your hands!

This bright and lively song is a heartwarming piece themed around the courage to move forward and the bonds of friendship.

Structured so you can sing along while clapping to the rhythm, it embraces the anxiety and fear of taking steps ahead as natural feelings, while conveying the importance of overcoming them.

The desire to cherish friendships and hope for the future is expressed through a gentle melody.

Used as an insert song in the film Shimajiro and the Rainbow Oasis (released in March 2017) from the series Shimajiro no Wao! The Movie, it colors the adventures of Shimajiro and his friends.

It’s a perfect song to enjoy with children while moving their bodies, whether during group time at nursery and kindergarten or at home!

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But no loveRainy。

"Detective Conan" New Non-Credit Opening | Rainy. "But No Love" - “DETECTIVE CONAN” New Opening Movie (2025)

But no loveRainy。

Let me introduce a lively song that both adults and children can enjoy! Rainy.’s energetic dance number carries a warm feeling as it portrays young people boldly forging their own paths along with a bright melody.

Released as a single in January 2025, it was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime Detective Conan.

This track is perfect to enjoy with dance performance, so why not try expressing it by dancing together as a parent and child? Experience a wonderful musical world filled with the dreams and hopes of youth together with your kids.

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Green Pepper ExerciseArima Kana

[Oshi no Ko] Green Pepper Exercise / Kana Arima [Episode 9 “B-Komachi” Insert Song]

Green Pepper ExerciseArima Kana

The anime “Oshi no Ko,” which has sparked a social phenomenon, features the popular character Kana Arima performing the “Green Pepper Exercise” in episode 9.

The actual singing is by voice actress Megumi Han, and the lyrics are crafted to express a deep love for green peppers.

Although green peppers often rank high among least-liked foods, dancing to this song might make them more likable.

As for the choreography, it’s simple and comical.

Since it’s linked to the lyrics, it should feel easy to get into.

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Fun to dance! A roundup of recommended dance songs for young children for daycare and sports festivals (131–140)

Jiggly Wiggly Pool ExercisesKeroponzu+Fujimoto Tomohiko

Jiggly Pool Exercise

Jiggly Wiggly Pool ExercisesKeroponzu+Fujimoto Tomohiko

This is a gymnastics song that captures the excitement you feel right before getting into the pool.

Set to the fun sound of “puru puru,” which evokes the chill of the water and the shiver in your body, it makes you want to move along.

The track is included on the album “Harunatsu Aki Fuyu: Gyōji Asobi Daisakusen!” released in July 2014.

It’s widely used as a warm-up exercise in preschools and kindergartens before summer pool activities begin.

Why not sing it together as a parent and child to express the growing anticipation of kids who can’t wait for water play?

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[Dance] Popopo PoseGReeeeN

Popopopopose!

[Dance] Popopo PoseGReeeeN

Introducing “Popopopopose” by Mr.

Green, a big hit on NHK’s “Inai Inai Baa!” The sounds pa-pi-pu-pe-po have a magical feel that captivates children.

This song is packed with “p” sounds in the lyrics, making it fun both to listen to and to sing.

Plus, it incorporates rock-paper-scissors, which four-year-olds love, so kids can dance as if they’re playing.

Matching the choreography to the lyrics allows for full-body expression and makes it really engaging.

If you include a section where children can move freely with their favorite poses, their individuality will shine through, creating a dance that’s enjoyable for the audience as well.

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Odoru Pompoko RinMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto

Momoclo [MV] 'Odoru Pompokolin' ANIMATION MUSIC VIDEO / Momoiro Clover Z (MOMOIRO CLOVER Z)

Odoru Pompoko RinMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto

The anime Chibi Maruko-chan is beloved as a nationwide classic.

It’s known not only among children but also by parents and people of all ages, and the song Odoru Ponpokorin is highly recognizable as well.

Originally released in 1990 by B.B.Queens, the song has since been covered by numerous artists including Kaela Kimura, E-girls, and Momoiro Clover Z.

It’s a surefire hit that will liven up any gathering—not just for parents and children, but for crowds of all kinds!

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