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

FANCYTwice

TWICE “FANCY” M/V

Many middle and high school students love K-pop idols.

K-pop is popular at sports days and athletic festivals too, so it’s perfect as background music.

“FANCY” is a hit by TWICE, one of the most popular K-pop idol groups.

Its fresh vibe makes it suitable for any scene and it’s sure to get everyone excited.

Of course, it’s also great for performing a dance to this song.

CHEER UPTwice

TWICE “CHEER UP” M/V

TWICE, the most popular female K-pop artist group, boasts top-tier talent in singing, dancing, and visuals.

CHEER UP is the lead single from their second mini-album, PAGE TWO, released in 2016.

The song cutely expresses the irritation and frustration that come from romantic dilemmas, and its hit success helped TWICE become widely recognized.

With its overall poppy vibe—featuring cute vocals throughout—the track would likely hype up events like obstacle races, where flustered moments come across as humorous.

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)Shakira

Shakira – Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) (The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Song)

“Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” which was used as the official theme song for the FIFA World Cup held in South Africa, is upbeat from start to finish.

Since it’s a song used for a global sporting event, it’s perfect for school sports days and athletic festivals.

It would really hype up the crowd if used as an entrance song, don’t you think? Initially, it made headlines because people in South Africa were critical of the song, but now it’s widely recognized as a symbol of peace.

Danger Feat J Boog and Tyrone’s JacketIration

Iration – Danger Feat J Boog and Tyrone’s Jacket (Official Video)

Speaking of sports day, it’s definitely a passionate event, isn’t it? I bet a lot of people feel like listening to songs with Latin rhythms, like reggae.

Or maybe not? This track called “Danger” by a band named Iration blends a reggae-like vibe while still being crafted as dance music.

With its groovy, heavy beat, it just makes your body move before you know it.

Changing ft Paloma FaithSigma

Sigma ft Paloma Faith – Changing (Official Video)

This is a signature track by Sigma, one of my personal favorite DJs.

They excel at transitioning from a calm, subdued verse into an uptempo, powerful chorus.

The duo met at the University of Leeds in the UK, where Princess Kako of the Japanese imperial family also studied.

They even performed at Ultra Japan in 2015.

Uptown Funk ft. Bruno MarsMark Ronson

Mark Ronson – Uptown Funk (Official Video) ft. Bruno Mars

Characterized by energetic, danceable beats, this work captivated audiences around the world with its confident lyrics and catchy melody.

The track’s urban funk sound, influenced by 1980s Minneapolis funk, is the result of a brilliant collaboration between Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars.

Released in November 2014, it spent 14 consecutive weeks at number one on the U.

S.

charts, and later won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year.

It’s a song I highly recommend to anyone starting a new chapter in life, as it instills confidence and courage.

CloserThe Chainsmokers

The Chainsmokers – Closer (Lyric) ft. Halsey

The Chainsmokers’ hit song “Closer,” released in 2016.

If you’ve even dabbled a little in Western pop music, you’ve probably heard it.

The track does a great job of highlighting Halsey’s wistful vocals.

It’s a song that conveys the feelings of both a man and a woman after a breakup.

As the song approaches the end, Halsey’s vocals grow increasingly powerful—be sure to pay attention.

It may not have much of a sports day vibe, but it’s guaranteed to lift your spirits!