Dance music in Western pop recommended for junior high school students

The HillsThe Weeknd

The Weeknd – The Hills

A track by Canadian singer The Weeknd, released as a digital download in 2015.

Two remix versions featuring rappers Eminem and Nicki Minaj were also released, and the remix with Nicki Minaj was performed on the TV show Saturday Night Live in October 2015.

Take My BreathThe Weeknd

The Weeknd – Take My Breath (Official Music Video)

The Weeknd, a Canadian singer-songwriter who brought the 1980s trend of synth-pop back into the modern spotlight.

Thanks to the massive hit of his 2019 release “Blinding Lights,” even middle school students may know him.

One of his standout tracks released in 2022 is “Take My Breath.” It’s incredibly compelling, blending the feel of 1980s synth-pop with a contemporary R&B sound.

Bad BloodTaylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar

Taylor Swift – Bad Blood ft. Kendrick Lamar

An anthem track released by Taylor Swift that sings about betrayal.

It won a Grammy Award.

The music video, shot in Los Angeles and London, features many celebrities including Jessica Alba.

It surpassed 20.

1 million views on its first day of release and won at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards.

Shameless (TikTok Remix)Camila Cabello

Camila Cabello – Shameless (tiktok version speed up)

Singer-songwriter Camila Cabello, who combines a cute look with genuine musicality, has won widespread popularity.

Her Latin music–based style is widely supported even outside the English-speaking world.

Among her songs, one I especially recommend is “Shameless (TikTok Remix).” It’s a track that’s trending on TikTok and exudes a very stylish vibe.

It also seems perfect for dance music use.

Wouldn’t it make ideal background music for a fashion department runway, for example?

Do It To It (feat. Cherish)ACRAZE

ACRAZE – Do It To It (feat. Cherish) (Official Video)

This track, crafted by Ark Rays, a DJ from New York State, USA, is designed to ignite the dance floor.

Sampling a popular R&B song from 2006 and elevating it into a modern tech-house sound, it vividly captures the exhilaration of people dancing.

Released in August 2021, the track garnered global acclaim and won Dance Song of the Year at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.

It was also featured in a Pepsi Wild Cherry advertising campaign and the game Fortnite, earning love from a wide audience.

It’s an excellent choice as background music for fast-paced school sports events like sprints and relays.

Guess featuring billie eilishCharli XCX

Charli xcx – Guess featuring billie eilish (official video)

A track where sound and heart connect through dance.

This sensual collaboration between UK-born Charli XCX and Billie Eilish weaves elements of electroclash and French house into the song.

Riding a beat reminiscent of Daft Punk, the interplay of their voices is breathtaking.

Born from the June 2024 album “Brat,” the piece also made waves with its music video.

The large amount of lingerie used during filming was donated to the support organization I Support The Girls.

With a comfortable rhythm that’s easy to use for school festivals and dance performances—and a meaningful contribution to society—the song has captured the hearts of many.

Light it Up (feat. Nyla & Fuse ODG) (Remix)Major Lazer

Major Lazer – Light it Up (feat. Nyla & Fuse ODG) (Remix) [Official 4K Music Video]

The dance tune delivered by Major Lazer, the US-based act, is a powerful track that exquisitely blends the cheerful vibes of Jamaican dancehall with the exhilaration of trap.

Featured on the album “Peace Is the Mission,” it was released in November 2015 and became even groovier through a collaboration with Nyla and Fuse ODG.

The music video, shot in Ghana in March 2016, also drew attention for its stunning visuals themed around traditional festivities.

As a staple dance number that can liven up school festivals and events, it continues to be loved on dance floors around the world.