Make your next dance party genuinely unforgettable with a unique theme. Communicate the chosen theme in your invites and tie all aspects of the event to it – from costumes to music and decorations.
For instance, a decade-themed dance transports guests back in time with their costumes (poodle skirts, denim, and slicked-back hair) and music from artists like Elvis or Buddy Holly. Alternatively, a city-themed dance could involve a cardboard skyline backdrop and a popular urban hit playlist.
Retro
Many adults are nostalgic for the classic dance themes they used to love at school. These themes are easy to incorporate into decorations and costumes. For example, a disco theme can be a simple idea for a fantastic party atmosphere. You can use colorful lights, projectors, and other party gimmicks to turn any room into an old-school nightclub. For a fun playlist, you can also play classic hits from the 1920s and 1960s.
Consider something like the Addams family for your dance party if you want a more creative theme. Decorate the space in black and white and serve food that fits the mood. Having a photo booth with spooky props and costume contests are great ways to keep the energy high and your guests excited about dancing.
Other popular options are a decades dance, a tribute night for one prolific artist (Britney or Beyonce), or even classic dance movies like Step Up, Dirty Dancing, and Saturday Night Fever. You can also go global with an Around the World in a Night dance theme. For this, decorate different corners of the room to represent countries and monuments and include some cultural dance music on your playlist.
Mythical
Mythical themes make for fun dance party ideas for adults. Guests can enjoy a night in the clouds or ancient Egypt with decorations like flowers, hieroglyphics, and towering pyramids. Alternatively, a mythical centaur or pegasus theme can be fun for everyone to dress up and dance the night away.
Music can also add to a theme-based dance party. Classic rock music or a hippie-inspired vibe can be fun to recreate with costumes and a playlist. Ear pods are an excellent way for everyone to listen to their playlist while dancing.
Black and white is another easy theme to incorporate into a dance party. Decorate with black balloons and streamers, and serve food items like eyeball cake pops or spaghetti and meatballs to bring the theme to life. A zombie-themed dance is also a popular choice, especially with the recent popularity of TikTok’s ‘You’re Dead’ routine. Costumes and props like severed heads or fake blood can add to the night’s ambiance.
Masquerade
Incorporate opulent decor, like darkly-coloured drapes or rich floral patterns, and display masks throughout the venue to set the scene. Add a touch of magic with soft, dimmed lighting and candles to enhance the atmosphere and make your masquerade theme shine.
Provide costume inspiration by offering various themes, eras, and fantasies for guests to choose from. Popular options include Venetian-inspired attire, Victorian ball gowns, or mythical creatures. Costumes can be further embellished with ornate jewelry, feathered headpieces, and elegant gloves. In addition, a mask-making station allows guests to express creativity and design their eye-catching creations. These can be used as party favors for an extra unique evening souvenir.
Hire a live band or DJ to create a playlist that resonates with the masquerade theme, featuring a mix of classic ballroom tunes and more contemporary dance hits. This will help build an exciting, engaging atmosphere and get your guests to the dance floor.
Egyptian
An evening surrounded by mythical creatures can be a fun party theme. You can set it in the jungle or make it look like a block party with peace and love signs, festival pendants, and lava lamps. Costumes don’t have to be elaborate; a simple white bed sheet fits easily into a toga, and you can add a grapevine headpiece.
If you choose an Egyptian theme, make decorations by painting pyramids on poster board or light-colored cloth and putting up pictures of the sphynx, hieroglyphics, and other iconic Egyptian features. You can also use a black and gold color scheme with black balloons and gold partyware. Costume ideas include Pharaoh, Cleopatra, or a mummy. Add to the fun with archeologist games, such as an excavation (fill a kiddie pool with sand and hide some tiny treasures), pin the head on the sphinx, or crawl through a tomb. Give guests explorer-type party favors, such as binoculars or Indiana Jones-style hats. Make tie-dye shirts as another fun activity and take-home party favors. They’re easy to make with plain white tees, rubber bands, and colored dyes.
Disco Party
If you want your gang to get their groove on, a disco party is a surefire way to ensure everyone’s having fun. This popular theme works well for a birthday, New Year’s Eve celebration, or a hen’s or bachelorette party.
A bright and bold ambiance will be critical to the success of your disco party. Hang a glowing disco ball from your ceiling and display posters of popular icons from the era.
Add to the vibe by accenting your space with lights. String lighting, a strobe light, or colored LEDs will all help to recreate the disco feel and set the mood for your dance party.