55 Crowd-Pleasing Dance Themes To Kick-Start Your Party Plan

Getting jiggy with it? Don’t mind if I do! But before you can get down at the event, we need to decide what to name the dance. If you are planning to host a dance whether it’s for pre-teens at a middle school 8th grade dance, a prom dance, a class reunion, or even a senior center dance, I’ve got a mega list of inspiration for you with my favorite dance themes.

1.Fun Dance Themes:

From classic to out-of-the-box, this first set of dance theme ideas will be sure to make you smile.

Under the Sea

Especially for my Back to the Future fans out there, “Under the Sea” can be a real winner. I love the soft nautical colors mixed with bubbles of balloons to enchant the evening. Placing marine-themed items along the walls with netting or tulle will look magical.

Space Theme

Make your next dance theme “out of this world” fun with a trip to space. There are several ways to accomplish this theme, whether it be more of a “blue galaxy and pink nebulas” feel, with the vast black vacuum of space as the backdrop, or a classic “stars and moon” with gold and black. 

Rainforest Theme

“Welcome to the Jungle; we’ve got fun and games!” Enjoy an evening of dancing with this wild theme. You can do so much with a jungle-themed dance party. Lush tropical flowers and palm leaves make for a beautiful background and provide a full spectrum of colors to choose from. 

Block Party

While a block party theme may not seem like an elegant theme for a dance, it would make for a fun themed get-together dance. Make the area look like a street party, include fun extras like a cotton candy stand, fake street barricades, and flashing cones, and festival pendants. Making it feel like a neighborhood street party give your dance theme a different twist. 

Carnival or Circus

The colors, bright lights, acrobatics, and even animals all come together to make this theme exciting and fun. Create a circus tent look with layers of craft paper in stripes. I always love the “freak show” illustrated banners in the old photographs. Remaking these with your own twist could be a lot of fun.

Hollywood Theme

A Hollywood themed party is probably the easiest to accomplish when it comes to the available decorations. I like this one mainly because of the awards (knock-o[ff]scars) that you can give out for fun. Plus, who doesn’t want to walk down a red carpet?

Neon/Glow Party

I love a party that involves black-lights. There is something so fun and mesmerizing to our eyes when colors glow and light up the night. Have a fun neon glow party at your next contemporary dance theme event. Even a small area with a few lights can make a significant impact.

Alien Theme

Be EXTRA! Extraterrestrial, that is! Having a fun alien-themed dance party can open the door for lots of creativity. Decided if you want to make this party feel like the cantina in Star Wars, a spaceship crew like that out of Star Trek, or simply the classic grey-with-huge-eyes alien.

Night Under the Stars Theme

Stars are a STELLAR theme. I love the elegance that these heavenly bodies can bring into a party. Hanging from the ceiling and your tables, incorporate twinkle lights and small fairy lights to create a beautiful night sky to enchant the evening. 

Pirate Theme

If you want a plundering good time, then consider a pirate dance theme for your next event. This inspired theme allows you to bring in several different elements. I like that you can include tropical island items like flora and fauna. Pulling in the nautical and mythical elements from pirate lore will also add to the layers of the theme. 

Disco Ball Theme

Seventies glam is glorious to emulate and even better to theme your dance around. The reflections of mirrors balls twirling above your head, lighting up the walls and people as they boogie to the music makes me want to jump in a time machine and head back to that groovy era.

Toga Theme

The ancient Romans and Greeks definitely knew how to have a good time. Their parties are legendary, and we still love to replicate that excitement. A toga themed party can be a lot of fun for everyone and helps to alleviate the worry of what you need to wear to the event. Decorate with grape leaves and faux columns and enjoy your bacchanalian bash.  

Train Station

Taking the train has always been a very romanticized activity. Whether you are rushing to love or coming home to it, this theme can be so whimsical. Create a classic turn-of-the-century train station like that in old films with a steam engine cut-out and waiting-bench photo booth area.

City Nights

A classic theme is having a beautiful and iconic city skyline behind you. You can choose your city, of course, but you could also select a major city. In picking a major city, like that of New York City, you can add to the mix other “city-specific” things (i.e., Broadway, Time Square, and Lady Liberty) to layer the theme. 

City Lights

The traditional streetlights of the 1900s enchant me. The flicker of the gas-lit flames down a sidewalk with tiny fenced grass areas seems downright Mary Poppins. Love the magical nature of this theme. If the classic city lights are not your cup of tea, you can always choose the light-up signs similar to the ones you’d see in Las Vegas made of bulbs or neon tubes. 

Hip Hop

Create a colorful and exciting dance theme by incorporating a 90s hip-hop theme. To help bolster this idea, companies make fantastic backdrops and props. Take a look at all the great hip-hop artists that you can draw inspiration from- Missy Elliott, Beastie Boys, Nikki Minaj, and Salt n’ Pepa are all iconic for this theme.

Cruise Ship

Sail away on this tropical theme. We can’t all go on a cruise, and especially in the winter when we want it most, so this would be an excellent theme for your next event. Decorate with island and tropical items to bring warmth to the party. You can even decorate with lounging chairs and a shuffleboard area.

Mythical Creatures

If you love the idea of a centaur or pegasus showing up to your party, then this is your dance theme. Enjoy an evening surrounded by your favorite mythical creatures. You can set this theme in a garden, the clouds, or even ancient times. This etherial night will be one to remember.

Egyptian

Is the desert night calling to you? An evening next to the Nile, decorated with lush vegetation, hieroglyphics, and the towering pyramids, can set the mood. Enjoy the beauty that an Egyptian night can bring to your dance theme.

Masquerade Ball

I love coming up with a mask for these events. I have seen so many fantastic masquerades over the years, which is why this one is probably my favorite. Set a timeline for everyone to wear their masks throughout the night, then have a big reveal ceremony.

Marti-Gras

It doesn’t have to be Fat Tuesday in February for you to celebrate with this decadent theme. The purples, greens, and golds make for a stunning color pallet. The possibilities are endless, with all the available decorations.

Spooky Halloween

Have a fun graveyard Halloween themed dance. We love to do these just in October, but I know plenty of people who would be happy with a great spooky theme any ole time of the year. Get your favorite spooky decorations out and enjoy this kookie dance theme.

Beach Theme

Fun in the sun is a desire of mine, year-round. Make sure your guests get what they need with this warm dance theme. Beach fun can come in all styles. You can do a cute boardwalk look or a sand and surf feeling. With all the summertime decorations out there, you’ll have so much to choose from.

Luau

I love the tiki-themed parties that we go to year-round. The best part about Hawaii is that it’s always tropic-time. Enjoy using palm leaves, coconuts, and beautiful flowers to decorate this dance. You should incorporate a limbo competition, too!

Phantom of the Opera

When I think of romantic themes, the Phantom of the Opera is my go-to decoration idea. I love the dramatic colors and heavy fabrics that make this theme pop. Covering tables in velvets and laces with candelabras is so sensual.

Cantina Theme

I love the bright colors of the southwest and Latin areas. Catinas always make for lovely places to hang out and visit. If you want to bring in the vivacious nature of the region, pick pieces that celebrate the feeling. You will notice a lot of vintage signs and decor are used with the traditional styles too.

2.Dance Themes: Decade Based 

Big Band

The era of Big Band is anywhere from 1910-1940 but consists of a large grouping of instruments playing jazz style music. This era spans 30 years, which means it could be perfect for theming a dance around.

 Roaring 20’s

The movie and book “The Great Gatsby” has made its way into our hearts and party themes. Bringing you the Charleston dance move, this great era is perfect for almost any age dance.

50’s- Rock Around the Clock

Get ready for a-rockin’ good time with this sock-hop style dance theme. The Fifties were known for their crazy upbeat dance moves. It makes sense that it should be the theme of your next dance!

80’s Bash

I know how to throw the perfect 80s themed party. If you want any tips, tricks, or ideas, I’ve got you covered for this fantastic decade!

90’s Party

A decade that surprised us all was the 90s. We thought that the hair-metal of the 80s would prepare us for the grunge of the 90s. Alas, we were so wrong. I have some great ideas for a 90s theme dance.

60’s Far Out

The sixties was famous for its hippie vibes. Throwing this specific decade dance will allow you to incorporate bright colors and some of the best music ever!

70’s Disco and Warhol

If you know of the fantastic pop art and design to come out of Studio 54 in New York, then you can see how a 70’s themed dance could be inspiring. The disco dance clubs that became huge during this era can provide lots of creativity for your next dance theme.

Renaissance

Think of the illustrious balls of the renaissance era. They were all pomp and frill. With its romantic nature, it could make for the perfect ball theme at your next event.

3.Dance Themes: Color Schemes

Pick a color palette that fits your desired look. Draw inspiration from nature, interests, or even holidays.

Red, White & Blue– these colors work year-round in America, but could also work throughout the world. The patriotic scheme is a classic combination that can be done in varying shades to make it more unique.

“White Party” Theme- Have your guests wear only white. No colors are allowed; of course, you can change the rules to make it fit your theme. If you were doing a breast cancer benefit dance, it could be all white with a dash of pink, for example.

Black & Red- The combination of these colors can be elegant and formal. You can create a very impactful event with black and red. Your guests will look fantastic too!

Single color event– pick a color to represent your idea of your theme. Make that one color wash over everything. This style of design can be beautiful and different.

4. Dance Themes Inspired from Movies:

If you are thinking of gaining inspiration from your favorite “movie prom night”, this is a great list to remind you of some of your favorites:

1.  “Yule Ball” from Harry Potter- Iconic winter-time dance
2. Grease Prom- This sock-hop became the touchstone for 50s prom
3. Napoleon Dynamite- “Forever Young” Prom- If your heart didn’t melt in this scene, did you ever even have one?
4. Disney Movie Theme- pick any classic Disney movie. In any one of them, a fantastic ball or dance scene is begging for us to replicate it!

5. Dance Themes Inspired by Holidays

You may be trying to decide when is the best time to throw a dance. There are many holidays to choose from throughout the year. Here are my favorite holidays to celebrate with a dance theme. Pick one that fits your desire:

• Christmas/Yule/Winter Solstice
• New Year’s Eve
• Valentine’s Day
• Marti-Gras
• St. Patrick’s
• April Fool’s
• Spring Equinox
• Mother’s Day
• Father’s Day
• Fourth of July
• Back to School
• End of Summer
• Fall/Harvest/Autumn
• Halloween
• Thanksgiving

If you are planning a dance theme in the year or years ahead I hope this post gave you the kickoff point or starter idea for what you will do to throw your own epic dance theme wherever you are.

Before you go, be sure you check out my thrifty fun, teen party planner printable!