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

Sparkly Kingdom on the Cloudsshimajirou

[Dance for Sports Day that toddlers can do too] On the Shining Kingdom’s Clouds 🌈 [Kindergarten, Nursery School, Recital]

Sparkly Kingdom on the Cloudsshimajirou

With its bright, bouncy melody and captivating vocals, this song instantly captures children’s hearts.

Set in a mysterious world above the clouds, it’s packed with dreams and excitement, making any sports day dance program even more delightful.

It’s the theme song for the film “Shimajiro and the Prince of the Twinkling Kingdom,” released in March 2022, and it’s brimming with Shimajiro’s charming worldview.

The easy-to-learn choreography and upbeat, positive message resonate with children and energize the event.

The simple dance moves are designed so everyone can join in together.

It’s an exceptionally wonderful track that adds extra sparkle to the atmosphere of sports day.

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100% Courage

[Original Choreography] Over 100,000 views! Let's dance the kids' routine to 'Yuuki 100%!'

100% Courage

As a children’s dance song, it’s an all-time classic: “Yuuki 100%.” It’s the opening theme for the anime Nintama Rantarō.

The great thing about this song is that everyone knows it—from grandparents and parents to the kids who’ll be dancing! There are plenty of choreography videos for children, so you can find moves that fit their age without having to create new choreography.

It’s a bright, energetic song, perfect for sports days! It’s great with just the kids, but dancing together as parents and children is fun too.

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First Carbonation

“First Fizzy Drink” (2-year-olds / Dance) — from Hiromichi & Tanizō’s Our Sports Day!

First Carbonation

This is a very cute song that captures how kids react when they taste something fizzy.

It was composed by Kunihiro Taniguchi.

It’s a dance track that children who love moving their bodies—shaking their hips, squatting and then jumping—will really enjoy! The choreography is relatively simple, so even two-year-olds can have fun with it and it should be easy to learn quickly.

If you’re looking for a bright song for events like sports days or recitals, give this one a try.

It also seems like it would be fun to dance to at home with Dad and Mom!

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Doraemon Ondo

Roppongi Hills Bon Odori 2018 [Doraemon Ondo]

Doraemon Ondo

This is the song “Doraemon Ondo” from the hugely popular kids’ anime Doraemon.

It plays during the opening or ending in the summer season, and every year a new dance routine is introduced.

When it comes on at festivals, it’s sure to delight the children!

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Let’s dance, Ondo!

Let's dance, Ondo!

Let's dance, Ondo!

This is a participatory Bon Odori song that everyone can enjoy moving their bodies to.

The comical vocals and lively rhythm combine to create an atmosphere that naturally makes you want to dance as you listen.

The choreography that matches the lyrics is easy to follow, making it perfect for getting everyone excited at preschools or local summer festivals.

With moves like fireworks and hand claps, you’ll listen on with anticipation, wondering what comes next.

The instrumental tones are vibrant, and the balance with the vocals is exquisite.

A major appeal is that children can shout along, move their bodies, and have fun together.

Whether dancing in yukata or hero costumes, this song lets you fully feel the bustle of summer.

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Ghost Fireworks Ondo

[Professional Dancers Perform!] Ghost Fireworks Bon Dance

Ghost Fireworks Ondo

“Ghost Fireworks Ondo” captures a fun, summery vibe.

Its unique world where friendly ghosts appear blends with lively images of fireworks, unfolding in ways that spark children’s imaginations.

The music layers sounds like drums and flutes, clearly evoking the atmosphere of a Bon dance.

The singing is approachable, with vivid expression that seems to breathe life into the ghosts.

The dance choreography is easy to pick up, making it useful for preschools and local summer events.

Combining playfulness with a seasonal feel, this piece is the perfect ondo for summer festivals.

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Tanuki Lord’s Ondo

Tanuki Lord's Bon Dance: Junpeke Dance Paralyrhythm

Tanuki Lord's Ondo

“Tanuki no Tonosama Ondo” is a playful ondo that portrays the cheerful world of tanuki.

The song weaves in humorous scenes, inviting dancers to move as if enjoying a story.

Its tempo is calm yet easy to follow, making it perfect for Bon Odori.

The vocals are gentle, creating a soothing atmosphere that children can sing along to with ease.

Traditional Japanese instruments envelop the piece, giving it a distinctly Japanese sensibility.

The choreography—like handclaps and the tanuki’s tummy-patting—makes movements easy to express, welcoming participants of all ages.

This song, which lets you experience the tanuki’s delightful tale through music and dance, will color a memorable moment of summer.

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