A dance-a-thon is a classic fundraising strategy that fits in especially well with a dance program. Have dancers and members of the community take pledges on how long they can dance during a 24-hour block. Hire a DJ (or find one who will volunteer his services for free) and provide food and drinks for the dancers. Encourage community members to come by and watch the event as a way to raise awareness of the program.
Hold an auction, raffle or both as a way to raise money for your dance team. The auction can be held in conjunction with another even such as a dance-a-thon or as a stand-alone fundraiser. Auction or raffle off a variety of dance-related prizes such as free dance lessons, tickets to upcoming dance performances and dance videos. Include other non-dance related prizes such as movie tickets, restaurant gift certificates, gym memberships and other swag.
Encourage your friends and family to get into the action by organizing a community dance-off. Allow anyone (except dance team members) enter the competition for an admission fee and let everyone else watch for a modest ticket fee. Have everyone compete in a series of tournaments until a single champion is declared. Alternately, organize the group into divisions based on gender or age and declare a champion in each group. Give cash prizes and trophies to the champions and keep the rest of the money to fund your group.
Raise some money for your dance group by showing the community what you can do. Put on a dance expo featuring a variety of dances showcasing the skills of different members. Include a group lesson or game for audience participation, a chance to meet and mingle with the dancers and a program giving audience members info about the dancers. Take donations or charge a modest fee at the door.