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

We Will Rock YouQueen

Queen – We Will Rock You (Official Video)

With its powerful handclaps and stomping rhythm, this staple track energizes sports festivals and dance events.

Released in October 1977 by the British rock band Queen from the album “News of the World,” the song celebrates the determination to overcome setbacks and hardships in pursuit of victory.

As a rousing anthem symbolizing unity and fighting spirit, it continues to be embraced across sports scenes worldwide.

The foot stomps and handclaps recorded by the band members themselves create a sense of togetherness that draws in the audience, and in 2002 it was also adopted as the title song for the musical “We Will Rock You.” It’s the perfect choice for those who want to bring an entire venue together during school sports days or dance performances.

Dance The NightDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – Dance The Night (From Barbie The Album) [Official Music Video]

Born in London, England, Dua Lipa is one of the most talked-about millennial pop stars, working as both a singer-songwriter and a fashion model.

Released in May 2023, her track “Dance The Night” drew attention as part of the soundtrack for the film Barbie, in which she also appears.

Inspired by the disco sound of the ’80s, the song perfectly matches Lipa’s sultry vocals with a poppy, catchy melody, making it an ideal dance number—great even as background music for school sports days and athletic festivals.

Its uplifting lyrics, which depict dancing the night away while embracing one’s own radiance, are sure to resonate with young listeners.

Can’t Hold Us feat. Ray DaltonMacklemore & Ryan Lewis

MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS – CAN’T HOLD US FEAT. RAY DALTON (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

An ambitious work that conveys a forward-looking message full of courage and hope, set to an energetic beat and powerful melodies.

The sound delivered by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis—an impressive fusion of pop hip-hop and funk—inspires listeners’ hearts.

Preaching self-affirmation, the courage to face adversity, and the importance of bonds with friends, this piece topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 2013.

It also won Best Hip-Hop Video at the MTV Video Music Awards the same year.

Featured in TV commercials for Miller Genuine Draft and Microsoft, it has garnered broad support across audiences.

It’s the perfect track to boost your motivation—whether during your morning commute or before a workout warm-up.

MiracleCalvin Harris, Ellie Goulding

Calvin Harris, Ellie Goulding – Miracle (Official Video)

Let me introduce an exceptionally pop and danceable track! It’s the latest collaboration “Miracle” by Calvin Harris, the hugely popular Scottish DJ and hitmaker, and Ellie Goulding, the powerhouse singer from the UK.

Following their previous team-ups “I Need Your Love” (2013) and “Outside” (2014), this third collaboration took the charts by storm upon its release in March 2023, hitting No.

1 on the UK Dance Chart and Ireland’s Singles Chart.

Ellie’s angelic vocals deliver a lyrical plea for forgiveness to a lover over a nostalgic, ’90s-inspired sound.

If this plays at a summer event, the whole crowd will surely become one.

Come dance to “Miracle” too!

StarshipsNicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj – Starships (Explicit) (Official Video)

This upbeat dance tune, which skillfully weaves together elements of electropop and reggae, is a perfect track to energize sports days and dance events.

Released by Trinidad and Tobago–born Nicki Minaj from her album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, which dropped in April 2012, the song features a structure that starts with a guitar riff and unfolds into a catchy chorus.

Boasting stellar achievements—including winning Best Female Video at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards and earning diamond certification in the United States—this track’s electrifying sound and dynamic rhythm make it an ideal choice for group dance performances.

The NightsAvicii

Avicii – The Nights

This track blends powerful guitar riffs with dynamic electro-house sounds, brimming with forward-looking energy.

Created by Swedish artist Avicii, it appears on the EP “The Days / Nights EP,” released in December 2014, and carries a message about living life to the fullest.

American singer-songwriter Nicholas Furlong’s commanding vocals add even more appeal.

Featured on the soundtrack of the popular soccer video game FIFA 15, it captured the hearts of players around the world.

It’s a perfect song for school sports days and dance performances, and its exhilarating sound is sure to energize the entire venue.

Can’t Tame HerZara Larsson

Zara Larsson – Can’t Tame Her (Official Music Video)

Swedish singer Zara Larsson.

The uptempo dance number she created is “Can’t Tame Her.” It’s actually a song with a strong message, with lyrics centered on independent women and women’s freedom.

The lyrics are super cool, so if you’re curious, check them out.

Meanwhile, the sound leans on synthesizers and draws heavily from ’80s disco songs.

Because of that, it also resonates well with parents, making it a recommended track in that regard too.