- Are you looking to make the alt contra an outreach event, or a treat for the folks who have been contra dancing for a while? (Events seem to go better if they're aimed at one or the other...from my experience dancing at several of these, trying to do both tends to alienate the beginners or bore the advanced folks.)
- Where do the folks identified in #1 get their information? Facebook, campus posters, folk society newsletter, this blog, a particular coffee shop? Be sure to concentrate your marketing and outreach efforts there.
- Where are you going to get funding? Consult your local folk society for sponsorship.
- Consider your venue. How many people can fit into the venue, and how many do you expect? Consider pre-selling tickets if selling out is a possibility.
- Are you planning to have a "livetronica" type band, or a DJ? Make sure they know your expectations for the evening (especially if they're new to the contra scene) and that they talk to the caller as far ahead of time as possible to allow for coordination. Consider "taxi music" between dances.
- Has your caller called a techno contra before? (If not, you may wish to refer them to my previous entry offering hints.) Either way, put them in touch with the music as soon as possible so they can practice.
- Ambiance is key. Michael's craft stores have glow sticks at $1 for 15 and they're an economical way to add a clublike feel. Consider what you're doing about the lighting otherwise -- many dancers are not fans of fog and strobe lights, but colored lightbulbs, strings of lights and blacklight create really awesome effects (especially if the dancers wear reactive clothing).