What You Need for a Dance Performance

A dance performance needs more than costumes and a stage. Your shopping list also has to cover audience seating, backstage changing areas, sound equipment, refreshments, signs and safe cable management. Plan quantities from your confirmed guest list and number of performers, then check what the venue already provides. Items such as spare USB sticks, gaffer tape, water glasses and directional signs are easy to overlook but can cause delays on the day.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 180
Foldable tablesqty 8
Coat racksqty 4
Changing room benchesqty 6
Dressing room tablesqty 6
Waste binsqty 8

Tableware

Water glassesqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 80
Tea glassesqty 80
Serving traysqty 8
Coffee spoonsqty 80
Small bowlsqty 12

Decorations

Backdrop clothsqty 4
Paper garlandsqty 12
Balloon archesqty 2
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Tableclothsqty 8
Photo backdrop
Program standsqty 4
Directional signsqty 12
Clothes racksqty 6
Clothing coversqty 40
Costume mirrorsqty 4
Makeup mirrorsqty 8
Prop cratesqty 6
Clothes hangersqty 80

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Laptop
Backup USB sticksqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Cable traysqty 12
Gaffer tapeqty 6
Cable tiesqty 100

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 8
Light standsqty 4
Mood lightingqty 12
Flashlightsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 6
Ice cube traysqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Serving bowlsqty 12
Pliersqty 8
Measuring cupsqty 2
Ice packsqty 20

Cleaning

Vacuum cleanersqty 2
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 12
Microfiber clothsqty 24
Laundry basketsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee beans - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Chocolate milk - 8 liters
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Fresh mint - 4 bunches
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Stir sticks - 250 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Paper napkins - 400 pieces
- Paper cups - 250 pieces
- Paper plates - 250 pieces
- Wooden spoons - 250 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 5 bags
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Salty pretzels - 4 bags
- Mini rice cakes - 4 packs
- Mini cookies - 6 packs
- Butter cookies - 4 packs
- Currant buns - 30 pieces
- Mini croissants - 40 pieces
- Mini muffins - 40 pieces
- Brownies - 40 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 25 pieces
- Grapes - 5 tubs
- Mandarins - 30 pieces
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Carrots - 4 bags
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 trays
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Plain hummus - 4 tubs
- Wholegrain crackers - 8 packs
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Jam - 3 jars
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 1 bottle
- Allergen cards - 30 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 80 pcs
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 box
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Tissues - 12 boxes
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- Safety pins - 2 boxes
- Sewing kits - 4 pieces
- Hair spray - 6 cans
- Hairpins - 10 boxes
- Hair ties - 10 packs
- Makeup remover - 4 bottles
- Cotton pads - 8 packs
- Tissues - 12 boxes
- AA batteries - 24 pieces
- AAA batteries - 24 pieces

Tips

Count chairs against the final guest list, then add 5–10% extra for late arrivals, performers’ guests and seating changes. Include foldable tables for registration, refreshments and printed programmes.
Allow at least one dressing-room bench and one table for each busy changing area. Keep a separate table for accessories, props and personal belongings so they do not end up beside the sound equipment.
Bring two backup USB sticks containing the music files, and test the laptop, mixer, active speakers and wireless microphones at least 24 hours before the performance.
Use cable trays and gaffer tape wherever cables cross a walkway. Pack extra extension cords and power strips, but confirm the venue’s available power points before shopping.
Buy or prepare directional signs before invitations go out. Place signs for the entrance, seating, toilets, changing rooms and backstage areas, and keep spare signs for last-minute room changes.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a dance performance?: Plan for seating, tables, coat racks, changing-room furniture, serving items, decorations, signage and sound equipment. Your core list should include chairs, active speakers, a mixer, microphones, a laptop, backup USB sticks and cable-management supplies.
How many chairs do I need for a dance show?: Start with one chair per confirmed audience member and add 5–10% extra. For 100 registered guests, prepare approximately 105–110 chairs if the venue has room.
How much sound equipment is needed for a dance performance?: At minimum, allow for active speakers, one mixer, a laptop with the music files, microphone stands and the number of wireless microphones required for announcements. Test every item at least 24 hours before the show and keep two backup USB sticks ready.
What should I bring backstage for a dance performance?: Provide changing-room benches and tables, coat racks, water glasses and clearly marked signs. Set these up at least 2 hours before doors open so performers can change, store belongings and find the correct area without crossing the audience space.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.