What you need for a dance school open house

A dance school open house needs more than music and a clear timetable. Visitors move between demonstrations, trial lessons, the information desk and refreshments, so the shopping list must cover each area without blocking the dance floors. Plan seating and coat storage for the busiest arrival period, then check power, sound and lighting before buying last-minute replacements. Keep chilled items refrigerated and group supplies by room so setup stays quick on the day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 80
Beer tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 2
Clothes hangersqty 100
Counter table
Stage stoolsqty 6

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Music player
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Bluetooth speakerqty 2
Laptop
Tabletqty 2
Camera
Tripodsqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 6
String lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 4

Sports equipment

Yoga matsqty 30
Dance ribbonsqty 20
Training bandsqty 20
Dance mirrorsqty 4
Towelsqty 40

Tableware

Glassesqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 60
Tea glassesqty 40
Platesqty 100
Coffee spoonsqty 60
Forksqty 100
Napkin holdersqty 8

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Pouring jugsqty 6
Serving traysqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Storage binsqty 12

Decorations

Balloonsqty 150
Balloon archesqty 2
Dance postersqty 12
Tableclothsqty 8
Directional signsqty 10
Name badgesqty 100
Photo backdrop
Photo propsqty 20
Vasesqty 8
Artificial flowersqty 16

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea assortment - 120 bags
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Chocolate milk - 6 liters
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Strawberries - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilos
- Bell pepper strips - 2 kilo
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Aged cheese - 1 kilo
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilo
- Vegetarian Spread - 1 kilo
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 100 pieces
- Whole wheat wraps - 40 pieces
- Mini croissants - 100 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Jam - 3 jars
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salted sticks - 6 bags
- Popcorn - 5 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 80 pieces
- Muffins - 80 pieces
- Mini donuts - 80 pieces
- Nut mix - 2 kilo
- Raisins - 1 kilo
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Gluten-free rolls - 20 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 20 pieces
- Vegan toppings - 1 kilo
- Vegan cookies - 4 packs
- Banana bread - 4 pieces
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Paper straws - 200 pieces
- Coffee filters - 100 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer gel - 6 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 20 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 6 pairs

Tips

Allow roughly 1 chair per seated visitor, plus 2 to 4 folding tables for registration, information and refreshments. Add coat racks and at least 1 hanger per expected coat if the open house is during cooler weather.
For each active dance hall, check the sound setup at least 2 days beforehand: speakers, mixer, music player, microphones, stands, extension cords and power strips should all be compatible and tested together.
Prepare trial-lesson supplies by class rather than leaving them in one pile. Count 1 yoga mat or other activity item per participant where possible, and keep spare towels available for busy sessions.
Set aside 2 to 3 drinks per visitor for the first hour, then add coffee and tea supplies for the full opening period. Buy chilled products no earlier than 1 day before the event and store them in the fridge immediately.
Use the entrance setup to guide visitors from registration to the correct hall: prepare signs for every room, keep the information desk visible, and check that tables, chairs and equipment do not reduce the clear dance floor.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a dance school open house?: Plan supplies in five groups: refreshments, seating and coat storage, sound and power equipment, signs and registration materials, and trial-lesson equipment. Check quantities against your registered visitor count at least 3 days before the open house.
How many chairs and tables do I need for a dance open house?: Start with 1 chair per visitor who may wait or watch, then add 2 to 4 tables for registration, information and refreshments. If attendance is uncertain, prepare seating for the confirmed registrations plus 10% spare capacity.
How much food and drink should I buy for an open house?: Allow 2 to 3 drinks per person during the first hour, with extra coffee and tea for the remaining program. Confirm dietary requirements no later than 3 days beforehand and buy chilled products within 24 hours of the event.
What equipment should I test before a dance school open house?: Test the speakers, mixer, microphones, microphone stands, music player, laptop or tablet, extension cords and power strips together at least 2 days in advance. Also check the camera and tripod if demonstrations will be recorded.

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