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

GirlfriendAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne – Girlfriend (Official Video)

Set to an exhilarating pop-punk sound, this track captures the straightforward emotions born from a one-sided crush.

Released in February 2007 by Canadian artist Avril Lavigne, it showcases her quintessential powerful vocals and energetic performance that captivated music fans around the world.

As the lead single from the album “The Best Damn Thing,” it topped the Billboard Hot 100 and has achieved over 7.

3 million in global sales.

It’s a perfect pick for school festivals and cultural events, instantly lifting the mood of the venue.

Beloved by many at parties and dance events as well, this vibrant song continues to energize crowds everywhere.

StrangersKenya Grace

Kenya Grace – Strangers (Official Lyric Video)

Kenya Grace is a South African-born, UK-raised singer-songwriter.

Known for her style that fuses contemporary electronic pop and drum and bass with elements of R&B and electronic music, she drew attention with her 2020 single “Talk.” In September 2023, she released “Strangers” as her major-label debut single.

The lyrics sharply observe shifting human relationships and changing views on romance in the digital age, accurately capturing the fleeting intimacy gained through love and the emptiness that follows—resonating with listeners.

Precisely because her polished beats aren’t yet widely known in Japan, using them at events like school sports days and athletic festivals could create a dramatic uplift.

If you’re looking for tasteful background music, be sure to check her out.

All I Do Is Win ft. T-Pain, Ludacris, Rick Ross, Snoop DoggDJ Khaled

DJ Khaled – All I Do Is Win (Official Video) ft. T-Pain, Ludacris, Rick Ross, Snoop Dogg

This is a powerful, up-tempo hip-hop track themed around victory and success.

Hailing from Louisiana, DJ Khaled collaborates with heavyweight artists who represent the hip-hop scene, including T-Pain, Ludacris, Rick Ross, and Snoop Dogg.

Released as a single from the album “Victory” in February 2010, the song achieved major success, earning RIAA triple-platinum certification.

It has been embraced across global entertainment, including a cover in the film Pitch Perfect 2.

Its impactful, hard-hitting sound and positive message make it perfect for school sports days and dance performances—an undeniable crowd-pleaser that enhances team unity and delivers a powerful, energetic showcase.

Wake Me UpAvicii

Avicii – Wake Me Up (Official Video)

Avicii, who came from Sweden, was one of the key figures who elevated EDM from a European genre to a globally popular style of music.

“Wake Me Up” is a song that expresses the feelings of a protagonist who didn’t realize they were lost in life and in how they were living, and who, wanting to avert their eyes from that sense of emptiness, wishes to be awakened once everything is over.

While following the EDM style of ramping up the tempo before the chorus and exploding at the chorus, the track also carries a sense of folk-like roots.

Considering the climactic lift in the chorus, I think it matches well with events like cavalry battles, where team strength determines victory or defeat!

APT.ROSÉ & Bruno Mars

ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – APT. (Official Music Video)

This is a collaborative work by Rosé and Bruno Mars, inspired by a drinking game popular among Korean youth.

Blending pop rock and electropop, the track features a refreshing sound paired with exhilarating lyrics that light up the nighttime party scene.

Released in October 2024 as the lead single from Rosé’s new album “rosie,” it dominated music charts worldwide.

In November of the same year, they delivered the first live performance at the 2024 MAMA Awards in Osaka, captivating the audience.

With its upbeat, bright melody and lyrics that capture the fun of partying, the song pairs perfectly with cheer dance choreography.

Packed with crowd-pleasing elements, it’s also recommended as background music for sports events and dance performances.

It’s My LifeBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – It’s My Life (Official Music Video)

This is a signature work by the American rock band Bon Jovi, delivering a powerful message and a high-octane rock sound that champions the importance of staying true to yourself.

The song, which boldly sings about self-assertion and taking the helm of your own life, was included on the album Crush released in May 2000 and won strong support from younger listeners.

Its uplifting lyrics and catchy melody line are striking, and the exhilarating sound—like speeding down a highway—stirs the soul.

A must-have track for energizing dance scenes, it’s perfect as BGM for school sports days and athletic festivals.

A classic that gives you the courage and vitality to stand tall and follow your own path, it surpassed 1 billion views on its music video in July 2021.

yes, and?Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande – yes, and? (official music video)

Ariana Grande is a U.

S.

-born singer who boasts immense popularity, armed with overwhelming vocal prowess and a cute look.

As a leading figure in 2020s pop music, she continues to reign, and in 2024 she returned to the scene with the release of “yes, and?”.

Carrying a message that celebrates the power of self-expression and self-acceptance, it’s an empowering track that’s been drawing a lot of attention.

Riding an upbeat yet accessible disco-inspired sound, her vocals powerfully sing about the importance of staying true to your authentic self—truly breathtaking.

It’s a song everyone can enjoy dancing to, perfect even for dance school recitals.

With Ariana’s signature style in full bloom, be sure to check out this uplifting anthem that fills you with courage.