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Dance music in Western pop recommended for junior high school students

When you think of dance music, many people probably imagine upbeat, high-energy tracks.

While that kind of dance music is certainly mainstream, since the 2020s, songs with a stylish tone have also been gaining popularity.

This time, we’ve selected dance tracks that we can recommend especially to lively middle school students.

In addition to up-tempo songs, we’ll also feature downbeat, stylish pieces—so please sit back, relax, and enjoy to the end!

Dance music in Western languages recommended for junior high school students (11–20)

PARANOIADARIA

DARIA MARX – PARANOIA (Official Music Video)
PARANOIADARIA

Many middle schoolers probably prefer catchy, poppy songs.

But there are surely some who like tracks with a more stylish vibe, right? For those people, I recommend PARANOIA.

It’s incredibly upbeat, yet the overall sound is kept cool, so it never feels overbearing—that’s the charm! The tempo is fast, too, so why not use it as BGM on your way to school?

UpINNA

INNA is an artist who represents Romania.

She has gained worldwide popularity in deep house and EDM, consistently releasing hit songs thanks to her catchy style.

Among her works, the one I especially recommend is “Up.” This track is packed with elements of Romanian music.

Its Arabian-tinged musicality—shaped by Romania’s position between the Middle East and Europe—is particularly striking.

If you’re a middle school student who likes Latin music, Arabian flavors, and dance music, definitely give it a listen.

AcapulcoJason Derulo

Jason Derulo – Acapulco [Official Music Video]
AcapulcoJason Derulo

Jason Derulo is a singer-songwriter who has been active since the 2000s.

In his early years he gained popularity as an R&B singer, but since the late 2010s he’s been active as a full-fledged dance music vocalist.

Among his works, a song I’d recommend to middle schoolers is Acapulco.

It’s a track with strong soca and reggaeton influences and an overall upbeat, catchy sound.

How about using it as background music when hanging out with friends?

Made You LookMeghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor – Made You Look (Official Music Video)
Made You LookMeghan Trainor

It’s a song packed with positive messages.

Taken from Meghan Trainor’s fifth album, “Takin’ It Back,” it centers on confidence and self-love.

Set to a lively doo-wop rhythm, it declares that you can be attractive even without wearing expensive brands.

Released in October 2022, it climbed high on the charts in many countries.

The music video, made in collaboration with the popular game Candy Crush Saga, also generated buzz.

With its pop sensibilities and cute vibe, it’s a tune that makes you want to dance.

It’s a perfect song for junior high school students who want to value their individuality.

Friday ft. Mufasa & Hypeman (Dopamine Re-edit)Riton x Nightcrawlers

Riton x Nightcrawlers – Friday ft. Mufasa & Hypeman (Dopamine Re-edit) [Official Video]
Friday ft. Mufasa & Hypeman (Dopamine Re-edit)Riton x Nightcrawlers

For junior high school students, summer is a fun season thanks to the summer break.

Many of you will probably go to the pool and make the most of summer, right? A perfect track for that situation is “Friday ft.

Mufasa & Hypeman (Dopamine Re-edit).” While retaining the stylish vibe of deep house, it’s a classic that leaves a pop, summer-evoking impression.

Be sure to use it as background music for leisure activities like the pool or the beach!

INFERNOSub Urban & Bella Poarch

Sub Urban & Bella Poarch – INFERNO (Official Music Video)
INFERNOSub Urban & Bella Poarch

Speaking of singers who gained worldwide recognition thanks to their popularity on TikTok, Sub Urban and Bella Poarch are prime examples.

If you’re a middle school student using TikTok, you’ve almost certainly heard at least one of their songs.

The work where these two TikTok-representative stars collaborated is INFERNO.

While the overall melody is upbeat and catchy, because both artists excel at dark pop, it carries a dark, gothic vibe in places.

Dance music in Western songs recommended for junior high school students (21–30)

The HillsThe Weeknd

A track by Canadian singer The Weeknd, released as a digital download in 2015.

Two remix versions featuring rappers Eminem and Nicki Minaj were also released, and the remix with Nicki Minaj was performed on the TV show Saturday Night Live in October 2015.