What to buy for a dance workshop

A dance workshop needs more than music and an open floor. You will need mats, training bands, towels, a working sound setup, registration supplies, and enough drinks and snacks for the group. Plan seating and serving equipment for breaks, not just the dancing itself. Use the participant list to calculate quantities, then check power, cables, and charging at least one day before the workshop.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 35
Foldable tablesqty 4
Registration desk
Clothing rackqty 2

Sports equipment

Dance matsqty 35
Training bandsqty 35
Towelsqty 35

Equipment

Portable speakersqty 2
Laptop
Charging cablesqty 3
Extension cordsqty 2
Power stripsqty 3
Audio cablesqty 2
Timer

Lighting

Standing lampsqty 2

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 40
Reusable platesqty 40
Reusable cutleryqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 40
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving plattersqty 6

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 8
Serving tongsqty 4

Decorations

Name badgesqty 35
Pensqty 10
Program flyersqty 40
Direction signsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Sugar sachets - 1 box
- Wraps - 50 pieces
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Smoked chicken breast - 1,5 kilo
- Falafel - 1.5 kilos
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Red onions - 6 pieces
- Corn - 6 cans
- Olives - 3 jars
- Feta - 750 gram
- Yogurt dressing - 3 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Apples - 35 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Bananas - 35 pieces
- Brownies - 40 pieces
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls

Tips

Allow one dance mat per participant if the exercises use floorwork, and keep at least two spare mats available for replacements or late additions.
Plan two reusable drinking glasses per person for a half-day workshop, plus extra water in coolers. Chill drinks before participants arrive rather than during registration.
Bring one towel per participant for an active session, with at least five additional towels if the group is larger than 20 people.
Use one name badge and one pen for every registered participant, then add 10% spare badges and pens for changes at the door.
Pack the laptop, portable speakers, audio cables, extension cords, and power strips together. Charge the equipment the evening before and test the playlist for at least 15 minutes on site.

Frequently asked questions

How many dance mats do I need for a dance workshop?: Buy or bring one mat per participant when the workshop includes floor exercises. For 20 participants, that means 20 mats; add two spare mats if storage and budget allow.
How many drinks should I buy for a dance workshop?: Plan roughly 0.75 to 1 litre of water per person for a half-day workshop, plus coffee or tea during the break. Add about 10% extra for warm rooms or high-intensity sessions.
When should I prepare the dance workshop shopping list?: Make the first list at least 7 days before the workshop, when registrations and dietary requirements are known. Do the final quantity check 2 days before and buy perishable snacks and chilled drinks no later than the day before.
What sound equipment is needed for a dance workshop?: Pack portable speakers, a laptop, audio cables, charging cables, extension cords, and power strips. Test every connection at least 30 minutes before participants arrive, and keep a charged backup device if the playlist is essential.

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