Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

Elementary schoolers can dance to it! Recommended dance songs and choreography for sports day

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.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

Every year, one of the biggest highlights at elementary school sports festivals is the dance! Dance songs are often a must-have part of the program.

Many people probably struggle with choosing the right music.

Here, we’ll introduce dance songs recommended for elementary school students.

We’ve gathered the latest popular tracks as well as fun, timeless favorites.

We’ve also prepared choreography videos, focusing on routines that are easy to learn even for busy people.

Packed with ideas to help both kids and adults enjoy the sports festival together—be sure to use this as a reference!

Elementary schoolers can dance! Recommended dance songs and choreography for sports day (21–30)

AdventureYOASOBI

[Adventure] YOASOBI 'Pom-Pom & Easy Dance' A simple arranged dance you can perform at recitals and school plays!

AdventureYOASOBI

This is the one that became a hot topic after being featured as the commercial song for Universal Studios Japan.

It’s a track by YOASOBI, the music duo of singer Lila Ikuta and Ayase, who is also known as a Vocaloid producer, released digitally in 2023.

Its refreshing tone evokes an image of a clear blue sky spreading overhead.

With an easy-to-follow tempo and rhythm, I think even dance beginners will find it approachable.

If you focus on using big, full-body movements, it should match the bright sound and vibe perfectly.

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KICK BACKYonezu Kenshi

“KICK BACK” (Kenshi Yonezu) Dance Cover ② – Elementary School Dance Class, Culture School

KICK BACKYonezu Kenshi

This is a song that gained popularity as the opening theme for the anime Chainsaw Man and proudly joined Kenshi Yonezu’s lineup of hit tracks! It was co-produced with Daiki Tsuneta from King Gnu, and its unique music video also became a hot topic.

If you’re going to perform a dance at a sports day, why not try this song? It’s a well-known track that people of all ages have probably heard at least once, and its catchy, cool vibe makes it perfect for the event! There’s no official choreography, but plenty of original choreography videos have been uploaded, so you’re all set!

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Rat-tat-tatSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

[Sports Day Dance] “Rat-tat-tat” / Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS (Easy Choreography | Lower Elementary, Middle Elementary, Upper Elementary)

Rat-tat-tatSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

Rat-tat-tat” by J SOUL BROTHERS III from EXILE TRIBE drew attention as the song for the “Zombie de Dance” segment at USJ’s Halloween event.

Released in 2019, the track is memorable for its distinctive choreography in the chorus, where you raise both hands and swing them side to side.

LDH group songs can seem difficult to dance to, but don’t worry—an official kid-friendly easy version is available! There are even parts in the lyrics that tell you whether to move your hands up or down, so you can just follow along.

Let’s hype up your sports day with a cool dance!

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Is being cute not enough?CUTIE STREET

Is being cute not enough? CUTIE STREET 'Easy Dance' — An original easy dance you can perform at recitals or school play events!

Is being cute not enough?CUTIE STREET

This is a high-energy dance track that captivates kids.

CUTIE STREET’s music is characterized by bright melodies and rhythmic beats, overflowing with a pop appeal that makes children want to move their bodies.

The lyrics take small everyday mistakes and worries in a positive light, delivering a message about valuing your true self and individuality, helping to boost children’s self-esteem.

Released digitally in September 2024, the song became a major topic on social media, surpassing 100,000 posts on TikTok.

Numerous dance videos are also available on YouTube, and the simple choreography makes it easy for kids to enjoy.

It’s especially effective for events like school sports days and dance lessons to cultivate a sense of rhythm and teamwork.

Why not dance along with your child and enjoy a fun time together?

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phonyTsumiki

From elementary schoolers to adults can enjoy dancing! “Phony” easy dance choreography ♬

phonyTsumiki

If you want to dance to a Vocaloid song, how about trying “Phony” (Phonyi)? Released in 2021 by Vocaloid producer Tsumiki, it’s a popular track that many singers have covered.

Even though there’s no official choreography, lots of dance-cover videos have been uploaded.

The rhythm is a bit fast for kids, but that’s exactly why simple choreography works! Some creators share easy routines that kids can follow, so be sure to use those as a reference and give it a try!

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Opening DeclarationNovelbright

[For Sports Day] Novelbright “Opening Declaration” <Refreshing> Akane Project Easy Version (Dance ONE Project ’22) Flag & Dance for Elementary and Middle School Students

Opening DeclarationNovelbright

Novelbright’s Declaration of Opening is a song whose fusion of band performance and orchestral elements evokes a grand, expansive image.

It was used as the theme song for Nippon TV’s information program Sukkiri in its nationwide high school dance club support project, so some of the choreography the students actually danced has been incorporated into the flag routine as well.

If you want to try more challenging moves, check out the original video and give it a shot!

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Brother BeatSnow Man

Brother Beat / Snow Man [Simple Choreography for Lower Grades]

Brother BeatSnow Man

“Brother Beat,” released in 2022 by the nine-member male idol group Snow Man, also served as the theme song for the film Osomatsu-san, in which all nine members starred.

It’s a pop dance track, making it a perfect choice for a dance performance at events like school sports days.

The tempo is a bit fast, but it’s sure to get the crowd pumped.

With call-and-response exchanges and lyric lines that feel like spoken dialogue, it’s a dance song you can definitely enjoy dancing to.

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