Dance Music in Western Pop That Fires Up Sports Days and Athletic Festivals [2025]

Carry OnKygo & Rita Ora’s

Carry On (from the Original Motion Picture “POKÉMON Detective Pikachu”) (Official Video)

Carry On, a collaboration between DJ and music producer Kygo and singer Rita Ora, became the theme song for the movie Detective Pikachu.

Since the film is popular in Japan, many people probably know it.

Its fresh, stylish vibe makes it perfect for any scene at a school sports day or athletic festival.

It also has a touch of poignancy, so it could help create moving, emotional moments as well.

All By MyselfAlok, Sigala, Ellie Goulding

Alok, Sigala, Ellie Goulding – All By Myself (Official Video)

“All By Myself” by Brazilian DJ Alok and British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding.

If you’re looking for a stylish vibe, this modern-sounding dance tune is a great pick.

It’s especially characterized by its shimmering synths in the intro, which would pair perfectly with a fresh, breezy dance style.

Overall, it follows a classic EDM structure that effectively uses a gradual build-up, making it easier to plan your choreography—another strong point!

Now That I Found YouCarly Rae Jepsen

Carly Rae Jepsen – Now That I Found You

If you’re looking for a song everyone can jump to and get hyped, I recommend Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Now That I Found You.” Its four-on-the-floor dance beat pairs perfectly with driving synth phrases, and just listening to it lifts your energy.

It’s also super catchy and has an uplifting vibe, so it’s great as BGM for a dance performance.

Give Me A KissCrash Adams

Crash Adams – Give Me A Kiss (Official Music Video)

Give Me A Kiss is a classic that exploded in popularity thanks to social media and has become a hit in Japan.

Created by Crash Adams, it features refreshing vocals and a driving sound.

It’s the perfect track to add a crisp, uplifting vibe to any spirited sports day.

By the way, the title might make you think it’s a love song, but it’s actually about friendship—the unbreakable bond between the band members, so strong it makes you want to give each other a kiss.

WhateverKygo, Ava Max

Kygo, Ava Max – Whatever (Official Video)

Kygo is a Norwegian DJ, record producer, and songwriter best known for the tropical house genre.

He’s also recognized for collaborations with many famous artists, including Ed Sheeran and Selena Gomez.

Meanwhile, American singer-songwriter Ava Max, an Albanian-American, achieved a major breakthrough in 2018 with her hit “Sweet but Psycho,” which reached No.

1 in over 22 countries; her distinctive musical style and powerful vocals have captivated many listeners.

Their latest collaboration is the track “Whatever.” From a guitar intro reminiscent of Shakira’s “Whenever, Wherever,” to Ava’s soaring vocals that convey a strong resolve to move forward after heartbreak, layered over Kygo’s signature melodious house beat, the song alone is enough to lift your spirits.

Its uplifting energy makes it a perfect fit as BGM for school sports festivals or athletic events—be sure to use it as a highlight track!

Shape of YouEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Shape of You (Official Music Video)

This song was a huge hit in Japan as well.

It’s “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran, a singer-songwriter from England.

Released in 2017, it sparked a worldwide boom.

It also made headlines for breaking Guinness World Records, such as for the most streams.

If you search for “Shape of You dance,” you’ll find lots of videos, so be sure to use those as references for practice.

What Do You Mean?Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber – What Do You Mean?

This song is striking for its message about wanting to know how the person you like truly feels.

It’s a track by Justin Bieber, the globally popular musician from Canada, released as a single in 2015.

For many people, this is the song that immediately comes to mind when they think of Justin Bieber.

With its understated tone, it may suit dance that showcases technique rather than intense, high-energy moves.