Dance Marathon Shopping List

A dance marathon needs more than music and a dance floor. You will need a reliable sound setup, safe power distribution, water service, food supplies, participant wristbands, and places to sit or take a break. Plan reusable tableware and clearly marked waste bins so volunteers can keep the venue moving during the event. Buy or collect the equipment early, then chill drinks, prepare snacks, and check every cable and speaker before participants arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 80
Tall cocktail tablesqty 4
Tableclothsqty 12
Clothes racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 120
Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Water jugsqty 10

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
DJ controller
Microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Speaker standsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 8
Laptop
Charging cablesqty 6

Lighting

LED light barsqty 6
Atmosphere lightsqty 8
String lightsqty 4

Sports equipment

Dance floor tilesqty 40
Floor markingsqty 2
Wristbandsqty 120
Stretch matsqty 20
Towelsqty 80
Fansqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 200
Balloon pumpqty 2
Buntingqty 12
Announcement signsqty 8
Directional signsqty 10
Photo backdrop
Photo propsqty 20
Donation boxesqty 3

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Scissorsqty 4
Ice packsqty 24

Cleaning

Mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Laundry basketsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Rood - 40 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Sports drink - 60 bottles
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Herbal tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Croissants - 80 pieces
- Mini rolls - 120 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 80 pieces
- Currant buns - 60 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Vegetarian spread - 12 tubs
- Jam - 4 jars
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 100 pieces
- Bananas - 80 pieces
- Oranges - 60 pieces
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Protein bars - 60 pieces
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Salty crackers - 8 packs
- Rice cakes - 8 packs
- Popcorn - 8 bags
- Mixed nuts - 4 kilos
- Raisins - 2 kilos
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Brownies - 100 pieces
- Mini muffins - 100 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Gluten-free rolls - 20 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 20 pieces
- Vegan cheese - 1 kilo
- Vegan spreads - 8 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 20 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- Disposable gloves - 4 boxes
- Disposable aprons - 20 pieces
- Name stickers - 150 pieces
- Ballpoint pens - 30 pieces
- Markers - 2 boxes
- Tape - 6 rolls
- Paper wristbands - 120 pieces

Tips

Plan at least one water jug or refill point for each main refreshment area, and provide reusable drinking glasses so dancers can hydrate without creating a pile of disposable cups.
Buy or borrow enough extension cords and power strips for the mixer, DJ controller, laptop, active speakers, microphones, and lighting. Test the complete setup at least one day before the marathon.
Allow one wristband per registered participant, plus a small reserve of around 5% for replacements, late registrations, or damaged bands. Sort them before check-in to reduce queues.
Set aside stretch mats in a quiet recovery area and use floor markings to separate the dance floor from cables, tables, and refreshment points. Keep this area accessible throughout the event.
Prepare serving platters, tongs, plates, cutlery, and coffee cups before catering arrives. Chill drinks several hours ahead and place waste bins near food, drinks, and seating rather than only at the exit.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a dance marathon?: Plan for sound equipment, microphones, lighting, dance floor tiles, floor markings, wristbands, stretch mats, drinks, snacks, reusable tableware, tables, chairs, and waste bins. Add power strips, extension cords, charging cables, and a laptop for the music setup.
How many wristbands should I buy for a dance marathon?: Buy one wristband for every registered participant and add about 5% extra. For 100 dancers, that means 105 wristbands, so you have replacements for damaged bands and late additions.
How much water and food do I need for a dance marathon?: Provide a refill point in each main refreshment area and keep water available throughout the event. For food, plan at least one snack serving per participant per break, then adjust the catering order for the event length and confirmed dietary requirements.
When should I prepare the dance marathon supplies?: Check cables, speakers, microphones, lighting, mats, and floor markings at least one day before the event. Chill drinks several hours beforehand, prepare snacks on the day, and sort wristbands before participant check-in.

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