1. Locate a venue that is the right size for your group. Plan several months in advance to make sure that the hall or other location will be available when you need it. School gyms are perfect!

2. Send invitations or put up fliers. The more colorful, the better! Use graphics such as a juke box, 45 rpm record, saddle shoes, and people dancing in poodle skirts and 'Grease-' type costumes. Fifties colors might include hot pink, aqua, and black. Include suggestions of what to wear: poodle skirts poofed up with crinolines, cateye glasses, scarves, cinch belts, bobbie socks, saddle shoes for the gals; white tees and black tight straight leg jeans for the guys.

3.  Ask in advance for volunteers to assist with the planing, set up and clean up.

4. If it's a large event, enlist the help of local businesses to become a 'sponsor' by donating or supplying food, props, entertainment, etc. free or at a reduced cost in exchange for mentioning them in fliers and event signs.

5. Decorate for the dance! Party stores usually carry Fifties decorations, or make your own! An old juke box is the perfect prop... or make one from a large box, as well as an old record player and 45rpm records, balloons and/or a balloon arch, fifties movie posters, life-size props of Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, etc.

6. Don't forget the food! Guests will work up quite an appetite with all of the dancing! Keep it simple -- hot dogs, hamburgers, and fries were standard party fare back then. People weren't as knowledgeable about 'healthy' eating, but maybe you can come up with some healthy alternatives or low-fat versions of the favorites. Don't forget soda, punch, condiments, napkins, paper plates, utensils, plastic bags for garbage/clean up, etc.

7. Plan for games and activities. A door prize is always fun! Dance contest, hula hoop contests, musical chairs and prizes for the 'best costume' are always popular.

8. Don't forget to decorate the tables if you're including any type of sit-down meal. A centerpiece could include inflatable props or instruments, balloons, etc. Confetti on the tables always adds a festive flare.

9. Music, music, music! Original music of the era, or the soundtrack from "Grease" will do the trick. Add a few slow numbers for the love birds.

10. Take lots of photos to share with everyone including family, friends, and those that couldn't attend. Put together a 'scrap book' of the event for future memories!

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