What to Buy for a Dance Trial Lesson

A dance trial lesson needs more than music and an open floor. You’ll need a clear registration point, comfortable seating, working sound equipment, drinks and simple serving supplies for the arrival period. Plan quantities around your confirmed registrations, then add a small buffer for late arrivals and damaged items. This list focuses on what to buy or bring so the lesson can start on time and participants can move easily through registration, refreshments and the class.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Registration desk
Buffet tablesqty 2
Folding chairsqty 12
Tableclothsqty 3
Coat racksqty 2

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Laptop
Microphone
Microphone stand
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Spare batteries

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 30
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 6
Serving tongsqty 4

Kitchen

Water jugsqty 4
Coffee maker
Kettleqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Coolersqty 2

Decorations

Welcome sign
Name stickersqty 40
Pensqty 10
Table décorqty 4

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Broom
Mop
Bucketqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Still Water - 48 bottles
- Sparkling water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Mints - 1 box
- Stir sticks - 1 pack
- Tea biscuits - 4 packs
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 3 bags
- Unsalted nuts - 2 bags
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 24 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Mini wraps - 60 pieces
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Back ham - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Arugula - 6 bags
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Butter - 2 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Napkins - 4 packs
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Toilet paper - 3 packs
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs

Tips

Buy or bring enough name stickers and pens for every registered participant, plus at least 10% extra. Set these at the registration table so people can identify one another before entering the hall.
For drinks, allow roughly 2 to 3 servings per person during the first hour, then adjust for the lesson length. Chill water and other drinks before doors open; a cooler is useful if refrigerator space is limited.
Check the sound setup at least 60 minutes before arrival. Bring extension cords, power strips and spare batteries, and test the laptop, mixer, active speakers and microphone together rather than separately.
Prepare one drink glass or coffee cup per expected guest, plus 10% spare. Water jugs, a coffee maker and a kettle prevent queues when participants arrive at different times.
Do not leave floor and room checks until registration begins. Confirm the dance floor is clear, place chairs and tables outside the movement area, and use coat racks so bags and jackets do not become a trip hazard.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a dance trial lesson?: Plan for 2 to 3 drinks per person during the first hour, then add more according to the total duration and weather. Buy or prepare at least 10% extra for late arrivals and spills.
How many name stickers and pens should I buy?: Provide one name sticker per registered participant and keep a 10% reserve. For 40 participants, that means at least 44 stickers and several working pens at the registration table.
What sound equipment is needed for a dance trial lesson?: Bring active speakers, a mixer, a laptop, a microphone and a microphone stand. Pack extension cords, power strips and spare batteries, then complete a full sound test at least 60 minutes before the lesson.
How many cups and glasses do I need?: Plan one glass or coffee cup per expected guest, plus 10% spare. For 40 participants, prepare at least 44 cups or glasses so serving does not stop when one is dropped or left in use.

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.