Dance performance shopping list

A dance performance needs more than costumes and a stage. Plan what the audience will sit on, what dancers need backstage, and how music, microphones and lighting will be powered. This shopping list covers the practical equipment and supplies for the performance area, changing rooms, reception and catering. Check quantities against your audience size and dancer count before you buy, and confirm technical requirements after the final rehearsal.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 150
Foldable tablesqty 12
Coat racksqty 4
Changing room benchesqty 8
Clothes hangersqty 100

Tableware

Glassesqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 80
Platesqty 180
Forksqty 180
Spoonsqty 120
Pliersqty 8

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Laptop
Audio cablesqty 6
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6

Lighting

Stage spotlightsqty 6
Light standsqty 3
Mood lightingqty 8
Spare batteriesqty 24

Decorations

Backdrop clothsqty 2
Balloonsqty 100
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Tapeqty 6
Tableclothsqty 12
Flower arrangementsqty 6
Directional signsqty 12
Program standsqty 4

Dance materials

Dance matsqty 6
Mirrorsqty 4
Stretching and warm-up equipmentqty 6
Towelsqty 30
Water bottlesqty 30

Clothing

Clothes racksqty 6
Clothing coversqty 40
Sewing kitsqty 3
Safety pinsqty 100
Clothes steamersqty 2
Makeup mirrorsqty 6
Makeup brushesqty 12

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Thermos flasksqty 6
Ice cube traysqty 4
Bottle openersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Knivesqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broomsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Waste binsqty 8
Toilet brushesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted breadsticks - 6 bags
- Nut mix - 4 bags
- Popcorn - 6 bags
- Mini currant buns - 60 pieces
- Mini croissants - 60 pieces
- Wraps - 30 pieces
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Herb cheese - 4 tubs
- Chicken breast topping - 2 packs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Apples - 80 pieces
- Bananas - 60 pieces
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Mandarins - 8 kilos
- Mini muffins - 100 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 60
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Lemon juice - 2 bottles
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Napkins - 400 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 6 packs
- Bandages - 2 boxes
- Disposable washcloths - 50 pieces
- Chewing gum - 10 packs
- Dextro - 4 boxes
- Energy cookie - 30 pieces

Tips

Plan one chair per expected audience member, plus a small reserve if space allows. Count foldable tables, coat racks and changing-room benches separately rather than assuming the venue has enough.
Allow one clothes hanger for each costume that must stay ready backstage, with several extras for quick changes. Lay out costumes before the final rehearsal so missing alterations or accessories are found in time.
Match the sound setup to the music sequence: speakers, mixer, laptop, audio cables and microphone stands should be checked together. Pack spare batteries and at least two extension cords and power strips for the technical area.
For catering, count one plate, fork and glass per guest, then add around 10% spare tableware. Provide coffee cups and spoons separately; they are easy to overlook when drinks are served after the performance.
Buy tape before decorating and technical setup begins. It can secure audio cables, backdrop cloths and balloon ribbon, while tablecloths and flower arrangements can be prepared without blocking the changing-room route.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a dance performance?: Plan seating and audience furniture, costume and changing-room supplies, sound equipment, stage lighting, decorations and catering tableware. For a basic setup, count one chair and one place setting per guest, then add about 10% spare items.
How many chairs and tables do I need for a dance performance?: Provide one chair for every expected audience member. The number of foldable tables depends on the catering and reception layout, but measure the serving and registration areas before buying or hiring them; a table that is 1.8 metres long usually seats or serves about 6 to 8 people comfortably.
How many clothes hangers should I buy for dancers?: Allow one hanger for every costume that must be kept ready backstage, plus at least 10% extra. For 30 costumes, prepare 33 hangers so a damaged or missing hanger does not disrupt a quick change.
What sound and lighting equipment is needed for a dance performance?: Check that you have speakers, a mixer, laptop, audio cables, microphones and microphone stands, plus stage spotlights, light stands and mood lighting if required. Test every connection at least 24 hours before the performance and keep spare batteries available.

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