What you need for a hip-hop dance performance

A hip-hop dance performance needs more than speakers and a stage. Plan for dancers changing backstage, reliable music playback, clear sound, basic stage lighting, audience seating and refreshments. This shopping list covers the equipment and supplies that are easy to overlook, including backup playback, cable management, changing-room furniture and serving items. Check quantities against your venue capacity, the number of dance groups and the length of the programme before you buy or hire anything.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 180
Tablesqty 8
Foldable tablesqty 3
Clothes racksqty 4
Changing room benchesqty 6
Waste binsqty 8
Bar stoolsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 220
Water glassesqty 30
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 180
Pastry forksqty 180
Serving spoonsqty 8
Serving traysqty 8

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Subwoofersqty 2
Mixer
Wireless microphonesqty 3
Microphone standsqty 3
Music laptop
Backup music player
DI boxesqty 2
XLR cablesqty 10
Extension cordsqty 12
Power stripsqty 8
Gaffer tapeqty 6

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 8
Light standsqty 4
Light controller
Stage lightingqty 4
Work lightsqty 4

Decorations

Backdrop cloth
Hip-hop postersqty 12
Welcome sign
Red carpet
Directional signsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Stage drapesqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4

Cleaning

Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Cleaning glovesqty 12
Toilet brushesqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Still water - 18 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Ice cubes - 12 bags
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Bananas - 6 kilograms
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Mandarins - 5 kilograms
- Baby carrots - 3 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 3 kilograms
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Rice cakes - 6 packs
- Mixed nuts - 3 kilograms
- Popcorn - 4 bags
- Mini sandwiches - 220 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- White rolls - 8 bags
- Sliced cheese - 3 kilogram
- Turkey breast - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Cream cheese - 2 kilograms
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Vegan mini sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Vegan cookies - 6 packs
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Brownies - 180 pieces
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 36 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 3 bottles
- Garbage bags for glass - 20 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Coffee filters - 2 boxes
- Teaspoons - 40 pieces
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Toothpicks - 2 boxes
- Ice packs - 20 pieces
- Labels - 2 rolls
- Highlighters - 6 pieces

Tips

Prepare two music playback options: the main music laptop and a backup music player, with every performance file copied to both at least 24 hours before doors open.
Allow one chair per audience member you expect to seat, then add a small reserve if space permits. Use separate changing-room benches and clothes racks so costumes and personal items do not end up beside the stage.
Count the audio chain before collection: active speakers, subwoofers, mixer, DI boxes, XLR cables, microphone stands and wireless microphones must match the technical setup, not just the programme.
Bring extension cords, power strips and gaffer tape in quantities for every powered audio and lighting position. Tape down cable runs before the audience enters and keep a few metres of spare cable available.
For refreshments, plan reusable cups, water glasses, coffee cups, plates, pastry forks, serving spoons and serving trays for the expected number of guests, plus waste bins near the serving area and exit.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a hip-hop dance performance?: You need a sound system with active speakers, subwoofers and a mixer, plus a music laptop and backup music player. Add DI boxes, XLR cables, wireless microphones, microphone stands, extension cords, power strips and gaffer tape. The exact quantity depends on the venue and stage layout.
How many speakers do I need for a dance performance?: Start with the venue’s technical requirements and audience size rather than the number of dance groups. A small room may use two active speakers, while a larger venue may also require subwoofers and additional stage monitoring. Confirm the setup with the sound technician at least one week before the performance.
What do dancers need backstage?: Provide clothes racks for costumes and changing-room benches for sitting and changing. Keep backstage space separate from the audience area and prepare the costumes and props at least one day before the event so missing items can be replaced in time.
How much serving equipment do I need for the audience?: Plan one cup or glass per guest for the initial service, with extras for volunteers and replacements. Match plates and pastry forks to the expected number of portions, and provide serving spoons, serving trays and waste bins at the refreshment point. Finalise quantities after ticket sales close.

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