Country dancing requires a bit of room. Ensure the venue has adequate room for the number of people expecting to attend. Allow a minimum dancing space of at least 4 square metres (2m x 2m) for every 8 people. Placing the Band on a stage or a raised platform, although not absolutely essential, does work best. It is easier for the “Caller” if he can see across the heads of the dancers. If the Band is not to be on a stage then consideration should be given to where they are to be located with special regard to the non obstruction of fire exits, accessibility of a 13amp power supply and sufficient space to allow the musicians to play, for their equipment, and not to mention clearance from the dancers (we have known of over enthusiastic dancers to plough into the musicians occasionally!)

What to call the event: 
We often asked what the dance should be described as. For guidance here are our very liberal interpretations: 

Barn Dance: General middle of the road dances, consisting of the full spectrum of formations, levels of complexity and country of origin. 
Ceilidh: (pronounced Kay-lee) Events with more of an inclination towards Scottish or Irish folk dances. Often the Band will play for a period simply for listening pleasure, or the organisers may employ additional folk artists to entertain.
Hoe Down: Dances with a North American or Anglo-American flavour.
Square Dance: Similar to a Hoe Down although the dance formations will be be predominately "Square Sets"
Burn's Evening: Celebration of Robbie Burns (events usually on or around his birthday, 25th January). Scottish tunes and dances taking precedence. There is a time honoured format to the evening of; Chairpersons welcome, the Selkirk Grace; Piping in the Haggis, an immortal memory speech; Toast to the Lasses; Poem and songs. 
Country Dance: Similar to the Barn Dance although the dances tend to be more complex, often drawing from "Playford", the dances of the "Fallibroome collection", "Shaw" and the like. 

Whatever you wish to call the event, the "Splendid Shilling" will adapt the dances to ensure every-one has a great time.