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Wonderful entertainment/performances

Year-end/New Year party crowd-pleasing performance dance [2026]

Many people probably have opportunities to perform a dance as entertainment at year-end or New Year office parties.

In today’s social media era, short choreographies and “I tried dancing” videos regularly go viral on platforms like TikTok, and dances that aren’t too difficult are perfect as party entertainment.

This article compiles songs that are ideal for performance dances—ranging from the latest trends to timeless, foolproof classics—for those wondering what tracks to choose.

We’ve organized recommendations into three broad categories, making this a useful guide for a wide range of age groups.

Use this article as a reference and steal the spotlight at your New Year or year-end party!

Hall-of-fame go-to material (11–20)

cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai

Ai Otsuka’s “Sakuranbo” was released in 2003 as her second single.

It’s not a dance track, but its catchy melody makes it great for choreography.

For such choreography, how about using the rhythmic jump rope routine by the comedy duo Nyanko Star, who actually used this song for their act and took second place at the 2017 King of Conte? As the song builds toward the chorus, the excitement ramps up and it’ll really get the crowd going! If you have time to practice, adding Super Sansuke’s high-energy tsukkomi (snappy retorts) will definitely hype things up even more.

UFOpinku redii

[UFO] Pink Lady “Easy Dance” — A simple arranged dance you can perform at recitals and year-end parties!
UFOpinku redii

Pink Lady is an indispensable presence when talking about the history of Japanese idols.

Their signature song “UFO” was released in 1977 as their sixth single.

Countless artists have covered this track, and it has also been featured in commercials, so even generations unfamiliar with Pink Lady often say, “I’ve heard this song.” It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser when danced as a duo by two women, and of course it’s just as exciting when danced by two men!

Sazae-san dance

If you want to steal the spotlight at a year-end or New Year’s party, this song is highly recommended.

It features a lively rhythm and comical choreography, and became a big hit mainly on social media.

It started gaining popularity around 2018, with many people posting “I tried dancing” videos on TikTok and YouTube.

Its familiar melody and humorous moves have been embraced by a wide range of age groups.

It all began when members of the street performance group “Nanikore? Gekidan” performed it on the street, and it was later featured on TV shows as well.

The choreography is easy for anyone to enjoy, so if you dance with your coworkers, you’re sure to get the whole venue hyped up together.

GOLDFINGER’99Gō Hiromi

This is the 76th single by singer Hiromi Go, who thrived in the 1970s as one of the “New Big Three” of the Japanese pop scene and continues to be active today.

The song sets Japanese lyrics to Ricky Martin’s biggest hit, “Livin’ la Vida Loca,” by the Puerto Rican singer.

Released just four months after the original, this quick-turnaround cover became known for the way both versions could be heard everywhere around the same time.

With rhythms and melodies that evoke Latin music and lyrics that pack a powerful punch, it’s a surefire mood-lifter for all generations.

It’s also a staple performance piece—practically enshrined in the hall of fame—for year-end and New Year party entertainment.

Popular songs recommended for performance dances (21–30)

For those who want to choose classic songs that aren’t influenced by trends

Have you found the dance song you were looking for? If you haven’t yet, don’t worry—there are still plenty of classic and popular tracks that are perfect for a performance. From here, we’ll introduce timeless dance-worthy songs across different eras and genres. You might even rediscover a recent viral hit or a nostalgic favorite.

Top 10 recommended popular songs for performance dances

Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento

Kento’s track captures the inner struggles of today’s youth, set to bright, pop-tinged sounds.

Released in May 2024, the song generated significant buzz on social media, especially being widely shared on TikTok.

The lyrics carry an uplifting message about overcoming difficult situations, offering listeners hope and courage.

The music video, released the same day, visually conveys the song’s message through animation.

With its simple choreography, it’s sure to be a hit when performed at year-end parties and similar events.

This warm, heartfelt song offers comfort and support to people giving their all every day.

Beat de TouhiHama iku

Hamaiku – Escape with the Beat [MV]
Beat de TouhiHama iku

Characterized by its pop sound and easy-to-remember choreography, this song became a huge topic on social media.

Digitally released in November 2022, it was created in response to enthusiastic requests from fans.

It is the debut track by Hamaiku, a duo formed by a comedian and a former idol who serve as MCs on NHK’s music program Venue101.

The lyrics, written by meiyo, express a desire to escape reality and the wish to refresh oneself through the power of music.

It’s a perfect pick for year-end and New Year party performances, guaranteed to energize any venue.

Even those who aren’t confident in dancing can enjoy it with ease, thanks to its light, appealing steps.

Silent majorityKeyakizaka46

This is the debut single by the idol group Keyakizaka46, which was formed in 2015 and rebranded as Sakurazaka46 in 2020 for a fresh start.

With a stylish sound that differs from the typical image of idol songs and a powerful, youth-driven message toward society, it captured a wide range of fans.

The large-scale, perfectly synchronized performance reminiscent of a military unit is sure to excite audiences, drawing applause and cheers even as entertainment at year-end and New Year parties.

If you match the expressionless look from the original performance, you can recreate an even closer atmosphere—give it a try.