Dance Competition Shopping List

A dance competition needs more than a clear floor and a sound system. You will need practical supplies for judges, dancers, registration, refreshments, crowd flow and safe movement between rounds. Plan drinks for the full event, not just the opening, and check technical backups before participants arrive. This shopping list covers the equipment and consumables that are easy to overlook, including floor protection, cable management, jury furniture and serving supplies.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 180
Jury tablesqty 3
Judges' chairsqty 8
Bar stoolsqty 4
Clothes racksqty 4
Bollardsqty 12
Barrier tapeqty 4

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Laptop
USB sticksqty 3
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Gaffer tapeqty 4

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 6
Light standsqty 2
Light filtersqty 6

Sports equipment

Dance floor panelsqty 24
Rubber non-slip matsqty 12
Heating matsqty 10
Mirrorsqty 4
Water cratesqty 8

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 220
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 220
Cutlery setsqty 220
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving traysqty 8
Pitchersqty 8
Coffee potsqty 3

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
Bottle openersqty 4
Scissorsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Kettlesqty 2

Decorations

Balloonsqty 150
Balloon archesqty 2
Buntingqty 12
Tableclothsqty 12
Stage drapesqty 4
Photo backdrop
Decorative tapeqty 6
Welcome sign
Round boardqty 6
Directional signsqty 12
Table numbersqty 12
Buntingqty 6
Table decorationsqty 12
Photo propsqty 20

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Mop setsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Glovesqty 12
Waste sorting binsqty 6
Trash binsqty 4
Spongesqty 12
Scouring spongesqty 6
Rubber window squeegeesqty 2
Toilet brushesqty 4
Air freshenersqty 4
Cleaning bucketsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Rood - 36 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Coffee - 8 packs
- Decaffeinated coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Apples - 80 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 8 kilograms
- Mandarins - 60 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Mini wraps - 12 packs
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White bread - 6 loaves
- Cream cheese - 10 tubs
- Hummus - 10 tubs
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Vegetarian spread - 10 tubs
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilogram
- Bell peppers - 16 pieces
- Carrots - 3 kilogram
- Slamix - 12 bags
- Olives - 6 jars
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 jars
- Yogurt dressing - 4 bottles
- Mini meatballs - 5 kilograms
- Vegetarian snacks - 5 kilograms
- Mini quiches - 180 pieces
- Falafel balls - 180 pieces
- Puff pastry bites - 180 pieces
- Bitterballen - 240 pieces
- Satay sauce - 3 jars
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 40 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Labels - 200 pieces

Registration

Bib numbersqty 120
Safety pinsqty 300
Wristbandsqty 220
Name stickersqty 220
Ballpoint pensqty 30
Clipboardsqty 12

Competition equipment

Jury formsqty 200
Score sheetsqty 30
Participant listsqty 20
Program leafletsqty 220
Certificatesqty 120
Medalsqty 30
Cupsqty 12
Envelopesqty 30
Pen holdersqty 4
Paper tapeqty 6
Markersqty 12
Calculatorsqty 4
Timerqty 2
Clothing coversqty 40
Mirror Filmqty 2

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Anti-slip stickersqty 2
Flashlightsqty 4
Safety vestsqty 8
Emergency exit signsqty 6

Tips

Plan at least two drinks per participant for the first hour, then one additional drink per person for every following hour. Keep extra water available for dancers before and after their rounds.
Bring enough tables and chairs for every judge, registration point and refreshment area, plus one spare table if space allows. Set up jury tables before the first music check so judges are not working from temporary surfaces.
Use gaffer tape to secure extension cords and power strips across walking routes. Pack extra tape and at least one spare USB stick so music files can be transferred if a laptop or drive fails.
Check the dance floor panels and rubber non-slip mats on the day before the competition. Add heating mats where the venue floor requires them, and leave enough clear space around the dance area for safe entrances and exits.
Prepare serving supplies for the complete attendance count: reusable drinking glasses, coffee cups, plates, cutlery sets and serving platters. Chill drinks several hours before doors open rather than relying on the final setup window.

Frequently asked questions

What drinks do I need for a dance competition?: Plan two drinks per person for the first hour, then one extra drink per person for each additional hour. Include more water than other drinks because dancers need easy access to hydration between rounds.
How many tables and chairs are needed for a dance competition?: Provide one table and chair for each judge, plus tables and chairs for registration and refreshments. Add one spare table and two spare chairs if the venue has room, because these are often needed during late setup changes.
What equipment should I bring for dance competition music?: Bring a laptop, the required music files on at least two USB sticks, a mixer, active speakers and microphones. Test every file and connection no later than 60 minutes before the first performance.
How early should I set up the dance competition floor?: Set up the floor panels, non-slip mats, lighting, barriers and cables at least 2 hours before participants arrive. Complete the sound check and inspect the floor again 30 minutes before the competition starts.

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