Having the right lighting on a dance floor can help draw attention to it and encourage more students to dance. Using creative lighting options, rather than simple overhead lights, makes the space more appealing. For example, hang paper lanterns in bright colors and in varying sizes over the dance floor to capture a whimsical feel. Line the borders of the dance floor with strands of Christmas lights to highlight the space and set clear perimeters of where the dance floor begins and ends. Hang a large, sparking disco ball over the center of the dance floor for a fun touch that can cast flecks of sparkling light in all directions.
Paint the dance floor itself in bright colors to make the space more warm and inviting. Section the floor into a grid and paint the squares a variety of bright colors. You can also opt to paint the squares black and white for a classic and vintage sock hop feel. Paint numbered shoe prints onto the floor that represent how to perform basic step combinations when followed, such as classic steps from dance persona Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers. Students can be enticed onto the dance floor by the idea of trying out the steps by following the footprints.
The space surrounding the dance floor can be just as important as the dance floor itself when it comes to creating an inviting dance space. Hang a screen over one wall and use a projector to play dance videos and photos of students dancing. Hang posters on the walls that reflect popular dance movies, such as "Dirty Dancing," "Save the Last Dance" and "Step Up."
Making the room feel separate and different from the rest of the school can be critical to encouraging students to dance. Accessories and extra decorations can help transform the space surrounding the dance floor into a dance haven far away from the classrooms and cafeteria. Place clusters of balloons throughout the room in a variety of bright colors. Hang beads to cover the doorways so students must walk through them to enter or exit the room. Twist and wind streamers across the ceiling to add decorations that draw the eyes up and around the room.