Kick off the new semester with a theme dance. Consider using themes that involve Hollywood, casinos, Mardi Gras or beaches. Establish the theme through decorations, music selection and clothing requirements. Theme dances can be fun to attend with a group of friends, as well as a way for new students to get to know one another. Encourage attendance by offering theme-related activities throughout the event, such as slot machines or card games for a casino theme.
Organize a dance dedicated to awareness of a specific cause. Examples include Breast Cancer awareness, AIDS awareness or bullying awareness. Profits from the dance can go towards the cause.
Encourage attendees to show their support beyond a ticket purchase by dressing up in a specific color. For example, host a Pink Dress Gala for Breast Cancer awareness. Be creative and use your awareness theme to create other fun events at the dance. Contact a representative from that cause to offer input in the planning and have that persona say a few words at the event and hand out materials.
Provide learning opportunities for students on campus while supporting a local dance studio by hosting dances that are prefaced with dance lessons. Ask your local ballroom dance studio for instructors to teach the steps to particular dances, such as samba, swing or tango. After the lessons conclude, continue the night with a dance for students to mingle and continue practicing. The price of the dance ticket should include the lessons and dance, and proceeds can pay for instructors and raise funds for your organization.
Get people excited to dance all night by setting up a dance-a-thon competition. These competitions can be for individuals or couples, and can last anywhere from two to 24 hours. You can choose a specific style of dance that participants are required to perform, or let dancers decide for themselves.
Have a variety of judges lined up to eliminate participants as the night goes on. Offer prizes to winners of various categories throughout the night, such as free dance lessons, cash rewards or gift certificates. University students are always looking for free things, so this is a great way to boost involvement.