How to Plan an Old-fashioned Dance Party
Old-fashioned dance parties are not as popular today as they were decades ago. With the popularity of clubs and hip places to hang out, the social scene may have forgotten about good old-fashioned dance parties. Now dance and ballroom may be seeing a revival. Old-fashioned doesn't mean outdated. It just means good old, social dancing reminiscent of the time when "dancing" was synonymous to sophisticated skill and glamor. The key to a great party is good organization, collective planning and lots of creative ideas. Hosting a dance party might seem complicated and exhausting, but with the right planning, you can beat the stress to enjoy your own hosted party! Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Plan weeks or months in advance. Estimate the number of guests you would like to invite. Decide if this is going to be an intimate party with close friends and family, or if it is going to be a reunion where relatives from all over the country are to be expected.
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Schedule the party during weekends and off-season. Hosting a party around major events like fourth of July or Christmas time can lead to low turnout since your guests may be hosting parties of their own.
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Plan a theme. Popular themes include ballroom, big band jazz and Latin social. When you have a theme, it's easier to coordinate the decor, music, menu and outfits, as opposed to a non-themed party where any thing can go. Also, it helps your guests have an idea of what to wear and to practice their dance steps before hand. You wouldn't want someone showing up with a gown when the party's theme is swing.
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Plan a theme. Popular themes include ballroom, big band jazz, and Latin social. When you have a theme, it's easier to coordinate the decor, music, menu and outfits, as opposed to a non-themed party where any thing can go. Also, it helps your guests have an idea of what to wear and to practice their dance steps before hand. You wouldn't want someone showing up with a gown when the party's theme is swing.
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Get crafty and make invitations. After booking the reception hall, make invitations or contact a boutique design shop to make custom-made invitations according to the theme of the party. Include the venue, date and time, and also an RSVP phone number. Don't forget to tell your friends that it's going to be a dance party so they can wear appropriate dancing shoes.
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Plan a menu. Decide whether you want buffet-style or multiple courses. There are reception halls that include a dinner package with the booking of the space, so be sure to ask if you'd like them to cater the food or if you want to provide the food yourself.
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Contact a local dance instructor. Dance instructors are great to have at parties because everyone wants---and everyone can---dance with them. From the seasoned dance expert in your group, to those wanting to learn the basic steps--- they can utilize the services of the dance teacher so that everyone can have fun. There are websites such as Party Pop that have listings of instructors nationwide. Also, seek listings on the yellow pages for a more extensive, local listings of dance instructors.
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Tips & Warnings
Add little touches to your decor like selecting table napkins and flowers that match the motif.
Plan various themes with friends, such as 50's or 70's night and hold more parties together!
Don't pressure people to dance if they would rather observe. You can encourage them, but get the message if they refuse.
