What you need for an open dance class

An open dance class needs more than music and a clear floor. Plan supplies for changing, dancing, drinking water, refreshments and reliable sound, with quantities based on your expected attendance. Provide one reusable cup per participant, plus extra cups for instructors and volunteers. Check every cable, adapter and power outlet before the day, and prepare name badges and towels before doors open so registration does not delay the first class.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 80
Dressing room racksqty 4
Clothes hangersqty 80
Bollardsqty 6

Equipment

Active speakersqty 2
Mixer
Laptop
Microphoneqty 2
Speaker standsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Audio cablesqty 4

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 4
Mood lightingqty 2

Sports equipment

Dance matsqty 20
Towelsqty 40
Water cratesqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 100
Forksqty 100
Knivesqty 100
Spoonsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 80

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving bowlsqty 6
Serving traysqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3

Registration

Registration desk
Name badge holdersqty 100
Clipboard boardsqty 4
Pensqty 20
Printer paper

Decorations

Directional signsqty 8
Program postersqty 6
Tableclothsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broomqty 2
Mop setsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2

Safety

First aid kit
Non-slip matsqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Ice tea - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea bags - 2 boxes
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Honey - 1 jar
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Cinnamon - 1 jar
- Mini wraps - 100 pieces
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Herb cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Smoked chicken breast - 2 packages
- Cheese slices - 3 packages
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Arugula - 4 bags
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salsa - 4 jars
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack
- Cleaning spray - 2 bottles
- Microfiber cloths - 10 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 packs

Tips

Plan at least one reusable cup per registered participant, plus 10% extra for instructors, volunteers and replacements. Prepare enough water crates for the full program rather than relying on a single refill point.
Allow one chair for every person who may need to wait or change, and provide tables for registration, refreshments and personal items. Keep the dance floor completely clear of furniture during class.
Bring two spare audio cables and at least one extra extension cord. Test the laptop, mixer, active speakers, microphone and saved offline music together at the venue before participants arrive.
Prepare one name badge for every attendee, instructor and volunteer, plus 10% spares. Set out dressing room racks and one clothes hanger per expected changing participant if people are changing on site.
If you serve coffee or snacks, plan enough coffee cups, plates, forks, knives and spoons for one serving per guest, with 10% extra. Put serving bowls, trays and cutting boards out before the first break.

Frequently asked questions

How many cups and water bottles do I need for an open dance class?: Provide at least one reusable cup per participant and add 10% extra. For a class of 40 people, prepare 44 cups and enough water crates for the entire session, including instructors and volunteers.
What sound equipment is needed for an open dance class?: Use active speakers, a mixer, laptop, microphone, speaker stands, audio cables, extension cords and power strips. Test the complete setup at least 60 minutes before the class and keep two spare audio cables available.
How many chairs and tables should I prepare?: Prepare one chair per person who may wait, change or take a break, then add about 10% spare seating. Set up separate tables for registration and refreshments, keeping all tables outside the dance area before class starts.
When should I prepare name badges and dance mats?: Prepare name badges and check the dance mats at least one day before the event. Bring them to the venue during setup and place the badges at registration before doors open, so the first class can start on time.

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