Western pop/rock cheer songs recommended for sports days and athletic festivals. Cheer songs from around the world.

I Feel Like DancingJason Mraz

Jason Mraz – I Feel Like Dancing (Official Music Video)

With its straightforward title, “I Feel Like Dancing,” this song is perfect for school-festival dance performances.

Written by American singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, the number is irresistibly catchy—the chorus simply repeats the title over and over, and after just one listen it gets stuck in your head.

It could be fun to arrange it so the audience watching the dance can sing along with that repeated part, too! Getting everyone to sing together while you dance would make a great memory for the school festival.

UnholySam Smith, Kim Petras

Sam Smith, Kim Petras – Unholy (Official Music Video)

“Unholy,” with its striking, slam-like bass drop in the intro, is a surefire crowd-pleasing dance tune for any school festival.

This track by British singer-songwriter Sam Smith especially shines with the build-up from the a cappella intro into the bass—absolute perfection! If you choreograph to that flow, you’ll naturally come up with cool dance ideas that hype up the crowd.

In the middle, it shifts to the part sung by female vocalist Kim Petras, so adding a change in the choreography there is a great idea too.

Relative Ways…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead

…And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead – Relative Ways

The Western pop anthem “Relative Ways,” perfect for sports days and athletic festivals, features a dynamic sound that instantly fills you with strength and uplifting lyrics that inspire courage.

Once you lock into the rhythm, its vibrant performance turns into energy that gets your body moving, and its melody is accessible to every generation, so everyone can enjoy it together.

Play this song at a sports day or athletic festival, and the entire venue will be wrapped in a sense of unity, making for a fun and memorable time.

Give it a try.

Never Surrender2Pac

2PAC – Never Surrender [MOTIVATION]

The legendary hip-hop king representing the West Coast, 2Pac.

Any true head knows he’s a great rapper.

Among his works, the track that’s especially perfect for school sports days and athletic festivals is “Never Surrender.” Even at a school sports day, it’s ultimately about competition.

The track’s hard-edged lyrics and flow match the intense, head-to-head atmosphere perfectly.

It’ll boost the athletes’ motivation too, so definitely give it a listen.

My GirlsAnimal Collective

Animal Collective – My Girls (Official Video)

When it comes to songs perfect for school sports days and athletic festivals, isn’t the classic track released in January 2009 by Animal Collective the ideal pick? Released as a single from the album Merriweather Post Pavilion, it features an experimental sound that fuses electronica with psychedelic elements.

With lyrics themed around deep love for family and a critique of materialism, it could prompt students to reflect on what truly matters.

Highly acclaimed—selected as Pitchfork Media’s number one song of 2009—this track is perfect as background music for relays or dance performances.

Its sparkling melodies and dynamic rhythms are sure to energize the entire venue!

Music Don’t DieApollo 440

apollo 440 – music don’t die

The power of energetic music amps up school events! This classic track by Apollo 440 is a rallying anthem that instantly fires up listeners.

Riding a rhythmic beat, it unleashes a full-throttle sense of speed that makes you want to start running.

Just listening might get your body moving! Featured on the album “The Future’s What It Used To Be,” released in January 2012, this song is perfect for school events like cultural festivals and sports days.

It’s sure to stoke the excitement and make those moments when students come together even hotter.

Apollo 440’s distinctive sound is bound to capture the hearts of younger generations.

If you want to hype everyone up, check out this soul-stirring track!

I Bet You Look Good on the Dance FloorArctic Monkeys

Arctic Monkeys – I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor (Official Video)

Speaking of iconic songs that symbolize the early 2000s, isn’t this track by Arctic Monkeys the one? Its lyrics paint a vivid picture of a feverish dance floor, and the intense guitar riffs leave a strong impression.

Brimming with youthful energy, the sound is a perfect fit for the vibe of school sports days and athletic festivals.

Released in October 2005, the song became a historic hit in the UK, earning widespread acclaim, including being selected by NME as one of the “Best Tracks of the Past 15 Years.” Its driving rhythm and powerful vocals are sure to boost competing athletes and electrify the entire venue.

Appealing not only to younger listeners but to a broad range of ages, it’s a great addition to your playlist.