You’d think the guy who literally sang "just dance, dance, dance" in one of the biggest movie songs of the decade would have been a day-one staple for Ubisoft’s dance franchise. Honestly, it’s kinda weird. For the longest time, the relationship between Justin Timberlake Just Dance fans was basically a long-distance crush. We wanted the hits. We wanted the "SexyBack" swagger. But for years, the tracklists were surprisingly empty of JT’s solo discography.
Then everything changed.
If you’ve been playing the series since the Wii days, you know the struggle. We had Britney. We had Gaga. We had Katy Perry every single year. But Justin? He was the missing piece of the holy pop trinity. Whether it was licensing nightmares or just timing, the "Prince of Pop" didn't officially make his solo debut in the main series until way later than anyone expected.
The Breakthrough: When Justin Timberlake Just Dance Finally Became Real
It’s hard to believe, but Justin’s first "official" appearance in the main numbered series wasn’t even a solo track. It was "The Other Side" from Trolls World Tour, a collab with SZA that landed in Just Dance 2021.
Before that? Silence.
Sure, if you’re a hardcore completionist, you might remember "My Style" by the Black Eyed Peas (featuring Justin) in The Black Eyed Peas Experience, which was a spin-off. But for the main stage? Fans were parched.
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Then came the floodgates.
The Heavy Hitters
Once Ubisoft cracked the code, they didn't hold back. Here’s the current lineup of what you can actually play if you’ve got a subscription to Just Dance+ or the recent editions:
- "Rock Your Body" (Just Dance 2022): This was the one everyone wanted. It features "The Traveler," a coach who became a bit of a lore icon in the community. The routine is pure 2000s nostalgia, heavy on the footwork and that smooth, effortless JT vibe.
- "CAN'T STOP THE FEELING!" (Just Dance 2023 Edition): The "Danceverse Prince" version. This isn't just a dance; it’s a whole production. It’s colorful, it’s high-energy, and it’s arguably the most "Just Dance" a song can possibly get.
- "SexyBack" (Just Dance 2026 Edition): This is the big one for the current season. Finally getting the Timbaland-produced masterpiece in the main game feels like a "we’ve made it" moment for the devs.
Why "Rock Your Body" Changed the Game
There’s a specific reason people keep talking about "Rock Your Body" when they discuss Justin Timberlake Just Dance history. It wasn't just a song addition; it was the introduction of a character named Wanderlust's dad—the Traveler.
Ubisoft started getting really experimental with the backgrounds here. If you watch the routine closely, the environment shifts and glitches. It was a bridge between the "classic" Just Dance style and the new, story-driven "Danceverse" they’ve been building.
The choreography is also a "Medium" difficulty, but honestly, it’s all in the hips. If you don't have that specific bounce, you're going to lose points on the "Gold Moves." Speaking of Gold Moves, "Rock Your Body" has three of them, and they all require that specific snap-to-position that JT is known for. It’s frustrating. It’s fun. It’s basically a workout for your ego.
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The "SexyBack" Arrival in 2026
We’re currently living in the era where Just Dance 2026 is the talk of the town, and "SexyBack" is the crown jewel. It’s wild that it took twenty years from the song's original release to get it into the main game, but the wait was worth it.
The 2026 version doesn't just give us a generic coach. It leans into that mid-2000s industrial, neon-lit aesthetic. It’s moody. It’s sharp. It’s also surprisingly difficult to "Megastar" because the tracking on the Joy-Cons (or your phone) is notoriously picky about the bridge section.
Pro Tip: When you’re doing the "SexyBack" routine, don’t over-swing. JT’s style is about controlled, small movements that look big. If you flail, the sensor thinks you’re just a chaotic mess.
Misconceptions: What Most People Get Wrong
People often swear they remember dancing to "Mirrors" or "Suit & Tie" in Just Dance 4 or 2014.
They didn't.
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You’re likely thinking of fan-made "just dance" videos on YouTube or maybe Dance Central on the Kinect. Justin was notoriously difficult to license for a long time. There was also the "Cry Me a River" absence—still a massive hole in the library that fans are begging Ubisoft to fill.
Another common mix-up? "4 Minutes." Yes, Justin is in the song. Yes, it’s a banger. But in the world of Just Dance, that’s a Madonna track. It’s been in the game for ages, but it doesn't quite count as a "Justin Timberlake" map in the eyes of the purists.
How to Mastery the JT Swagger in the Game
If you’re trying to top the world leaderboards for Justin Timberlake Just Dance tracks, you have to stop dancing like a robot.
- Loose Knees: JT’s choreography is built on a "bounce." If your legs are stiff, your arm movements won't register with the right timing.
- The "Look": A lot of the points in the newer games come from the precision of the "hand-held" controller. For songs like "The Other Side," the tilt of the controller matters more than how hard you jump.
- Gold Move Timing: In "CAN'T STOP THE FEELING!", the Gold Moves are timed to the literal "dance, dance, dance" lyrics. It’s intuitive, but if you’re half a second early, you’ll get a "Yeah" instead of a "Perfect."
What’s Next for JT in the Danceverse?
The community is currently louder than ever about getting more "FutureSex/LoveSounds" tracks. We have the hits, sure, but what about the deep cuts? There’s a rumor—mostly just fan wishlist fuel on Reddit—that Just Dance 2027 might finally bring an "Extreme" version of a JT track.
Imagine an Extreme choreography for "My Love." The footwork would be a nightmare. It would probably be the hardest track in the game. But that’s what we want, right? We want to feel like we’re actually at the Super Bowl halftime show, even if we’re just in our living rooms wearing sweatpants.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Session
If you want to experience the best of Justin Timberlake Just Dance right now, here is exactly what you should do:
- Check your subscription: Make sure you have Just Dance+ active. Most of the JT library is locked behind the streaming service rather than being on the base disc/download of older games.
- Start with "The Other Side": It’s the easiest way to get used to the "New Era" tracking. It’s forgiving and gets you in the groove.
- Film yourself (privately!): JT’s moves are all about the silhouette. If you look like you’re doing a HIIT workout, you’re doing it wrong. You want to look like you’re barely trying.
- Play the "Traveler" Playlist: Ubisoft often bundles "Rock Your Body" with other lore-heavy songs. It’s a great way to see the visual evolution of the game’s art style while getting your Timberlake fix.
The journey of Justin Timberlake in the Just Dance franchise has been a slow burn, but it’s finally reaching its peak. Whether you’re a 2000s kid or a new fan of the Trolls soundtracks, there’s a map for you. Just grab that controller, shake out your shoulders, and for heaven's sake, don't forget to slide on the bridge.