Get them Dancing

Regardless of the kind of gathering you hold, the universal appeal of music can add to everyone's enjoyment. Select music that is appropriate.

Example? Play classical music for a formal dinner party attended by a limited number of couples. Does your gathering have a rustic theme? Play country music.

You can extend the entertainment value of music by clearing the family room, rolling back the rug or renting a dance floor for dancing.

A good disc jockey — someone you've hired or a friend with a great CD collection — can play tunes that give everyone a chance to get on the floor — from rock and Hip Hop to disco and swing.

How do you get people dancing? These tactics can get them on the floor:

• Divide into two groups — everyone born in the first six months of the year and everyone born in the second six months. Tell everyone in the first group (men and women) to find a dance partner in the second group.

• Have the disc jockey announce a "Children's Choice," where the children ask adults to dance. Imagine small children dancing with grandparents and other hilarious mismatches — a good time for all!

• When half the crowd is dancing, have the disc jockey stop the music and tell all dancers to dance with someone who isn't already dancing. This will get the entire group on the floor.

• Ask the disc jockey to interrupt the music and yell, "Switch dance partners!" every few minutes. In addition to loosening up the group, this will encourage people who don't know one another to interact.

• If you have enough dancers for two or three squares, try square dancing. You'll need appropriate music and a caller, who can teach the moves for each song.