What to buy for a dance workshop

A dance workshop needs more than music and an open floor. Plan supplies for registration, movement, refreshments, sound, and a quick reset afterwards. The shopping list covers practical items such as water jugs, reusable cups, towels, resistance bands, name stickers, and cleaning equipment. Check what the venue already provides before buying furniture, speakers, extension cords, or coffee equipment, and arrange chilled drinks before participants arrive.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Folding chairsqty 24
Foldable tablesqty 4
Coat racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 4

Sports equipment

Dance matsqty 24
Resistance bandsqty 24
Towelsqty 30

Equipment

Wireless speakersqty 2
Wireless microphone
Laptop
Music adapterqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 30
Reusable platesqty 30
Reusable cutleryqty 30
Coffee cupsqty 24

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Thermos flasksqty 3
Coolersqty 3
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 4
Water jugsqty 4

Decorations

Name stickersqty 30
Markersqty 6
Welcome sign
Directional signsqty 6

Lighting

Atmosphere lightsqty 6

Cleaning

Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop setsqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Hand sanitizerqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 40 bottles
- Sparkling water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Lemon slices - 4 lemons
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Tortilla chips - 3 bags
- Salsa - 3 jars
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Mixed nuts - 2 bags
- Rice cakes - 3 packs
- Whole wheat wraps - 36 pieces
- Gluten-free wraps - 8 pieces
- Vegan wraps - 8 pieces
- Hummus for wraps - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilogram
- Smoked chicken breast - 1.5 kilograms
- Arugula - 6 bags
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1,5 kilograms
- Avocados - 8 pieces
- Apples - 24 pieces
- Bananas - 24 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Sweet chili sauce - 2 bottles
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 tin
- Pepper - 1 can
- Napkins - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 2 packs

Tips

Allow at least 500 ml of water per participant for a short workshop, plus extra if the session lasts more than two hours. Put out water jugs and reusable drinking glasses where people can reach them without crossing the dance floor.
Prepare one name sticker and a marker for every registered participant, plus about 10% extra for last-minute registrations or replacements. Keep the stickers at the reception table rather than handing them out inside the activity area.
If you use towels, resistance bands, or dance mats, count one set per active participant and bring at least 10% spare. Pack them separately so setup can begin while the sound equipment is being tested.
Keep chilled drinks in coolers until shortly before the break, and use serving platters and tongs for snacks. Buy or bring enough reusable plates, cutlery, and glasses for the largest break group rather than relying on a small first batch.
Test the laptop, music adapter, wireless speakers, wireless microphone, extension cords, and power strips at least 30 minutes before the workshop. Pack a broom, dustpan, and mop set where the organiser can reach them immediately after the floor is cleared.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a dance workshop?: Bring water and snacks, reusable cups and plates, towels, dance mats or resistance bands if required, name stickers, and cleaning supplies. You will also need a laptop, music adapter, speakers, microphone, extension cords, and power strips unless the venue supplies them.
How much water should I buy for a dance workshop?: Plan around 500 ml per participant for a short workshop, then add more for sessions over two hours or warm rooms. Keep a reserve of at least 10% and make the water available before the first exercise starts.
How many dance mats and resistance bands do I need?: Count one mat or band for each participant who will use it, then add about 10% spare. For 20 participants, that means preparing 22 items so a damaged or forgotten item does not interrupt the session.
When should I buy supplies for a dance workshop?: Buy shelf-stable snacks, name stickers, markers, and disposable backup supplies at least 3 days ahead. Arrange chilled drinks and any venue-dependent equipment no later than the day before, then test all sound and power items 30 minutes before arrival.

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.