Choosing Entertainment for your Homecoming Dance

For many schools, Homecoming centers around a night full of dancing, dance floor games, and loud music. For others, music plays a background to other more formal festivities. No matter what mood you choose, music will certainly play a definitive part in the evening.

Before you hire the person who will set this mood, take time to decide exactly what you are looking for.

First of all, decide if you are looking for a DJ or a live band. The differences are obvious, a DJ will play all the most popular songs you want, along with classic dance-alongs. Depending on his/her style, he/she may sit back and just play the songs you request, or become an active part of the entertainment.

Live bands are generally more specific in style, and although they may play some popular hits, they may not sound exactly the same. However, if you are creating a more formal setting, with classical or jazz music, this is certainly the way to go.

Once you decide what you are looking for, there are only a few basic guidelines:

Options:

Band
DJ
Student-run CD system
Here are a few places to start looking for a band/D.J.:

Phone book (look under Disc Jockey in the yellow pages)
Entertainment agencies
Call other schools for references
Friends or relatives (ask them for people who have played at any local weddings and parties)
Bands that you’ve heard in the past
Search the web
When interviewing, start with a few basic questions:

Agent/contact name
Type of music
Number of band members
Rate per hour
Rate for overtime
Type of dress
References you can call (preferably dances)
A few key points to remember:

Start early
Request demo tapes
Call references (people who have used them previously)
Stop by a performance to hear them live
Ask about travel charges to and from your site
Check out their song list. Don’t assume they will play what you want. Many times bands cannot play your theme song.
Ask about breaks: How many breaks and how long? Long breaks can kill the mood.

Rock Around the Clock with a Fifties Dance

Twist and shout with a Fifties theme Homecoming Dance! Our line of decorations will have your school rockin’ around the clock.

Let the good times roll with our Fifties Homecoming kits. They come full of all the sweet things you need make your event a smashing success!

• Setting Ideas
• Soda Shop
• Drive-in
• Sock Hop

Invitations

Give students a sneak preview of the fun and let them know that this is a “not to be missed” Homecoming event by sending out unique invitations. Visit old second-hand record stores and buy old 45’s. Cover the label with the details of the event – where, when, RSVP, etc. Use these as invitations. Or, if you can’t find the real thing, cut records from black poster board and had your own label!

Decorations

We carry lots of great props, centerpieces, tableware, favors and more in the Fifties section. Here are a few extra tips for pulling your tropical look together for the biggest impact.

• A soda shop or drive-in are great settings for your Homecoming dance!
• Transport guests back to the 1950’s with our fun Jukebox Entrance!
• A Jukebox playing Fifties music is a vital part of any Fifties party. Rent a real jukebox or use our jukebox for looks and spin the records on a stereo.
• Create a focal point, entrance, and photo setting in your dance room with one of our Fifties Decorating Kits. They are guaranteed to add instant flair to your event!
• Dangle Records from balloon arches. Use white and pink Balloons for a Fifties look.
• Some great cars were introduced in the Fifties. Try to get a real 57′ Chevy for your event or simply use our Chevy Mural!
• Hang giant records on the wall with your favorite artist from the Fifties.
• Create pretend soda shop billboards and place your actual menu for the dance on it.

Tableware

• Red and white gingham checked tablecloths are a great start to a Fifties table.
• Simple sock hop record centerpieces, complete with titles from the oldies, are good additions.
• Don’t forget sprinkles of Rock ‘n Roll confetti.

Food

Below are some great snack ideas that have a Fifties flair!

Use Soda Shop-inspired food like hotdogs, a basket of fries and onion rings.
You will also want to have floats, shakes, and malts of some kind. Don’t forget the cherries!

Entertainment

For some authentic Fifties-style activities try some of these suggestions:

• A dance contest is always good for lots of laughs. Start with easy dance steps and encourage everyone to try.
• Play “Name That Tune” using old Fifties songs – extra points are given to the team that can name the title and the artist/group.

Favors

Give students small favors they can use during the dance . . . this will add color and fun!

Place a pair of Sunglasses at each setting – tuck a napkin in the fold of the glasses and have them act as a napkin ring.

Imprint Cola Glasses and use them throughout the party and send them home with each guest.
Inflatable or fake instruments like guitars are also great favors and fun to play with during the party.