Bernie, these are all good tips, but there are a couple of other things I have found - through MY experience - that you should be aware of ...
1)Unless your congregation is different, people who attend church dinner/dances are not usually out for the same type of 'good time' as would be a group going to a dance club, or even some other type of function, i.e. a wedding or social club dance... I have found church groups to be much more reserved, especially if the Pastor or whomever is in attendance. Even after dinner, when the lights have been lowered to create more of an atmosphere, and the 'dance' music is playing, people may shy away from the dance floor ...
EXAMPLE: I played solo at a wedding for a young couple from our church and a good number of the congregation was there ... they danced all night and had a great time ... At the annual church dance, I played the same music, and most of those same people only got up once or twice to dance to a slow song.

2) I have had more success playing 'dances' when I've had at least one more musician with me - generally a sax player ... I guess to some people it seems more like a band than one guy behind a KB ...
But, as Donny said, along with what YOU play, you should be prepared with some mp3s of the more popular dance songs ...

Best of luck, and let us know how you make out ...

PS Next Friday I am playing our church's annual dance with a sax player ... looking forward to it, but I've played it for the past 5 years and I pretty much know what to expect ...

“Not even after a polka” Bernie yes!
Something like moonlight serenade.

John C.

You have always been right there willing to help, and I appreciate it. Unfortunately, I don't have time to find any dances, but this is a small gathering of fellow churchgoers, and there is no pressure. I will, however, have some good MP3 music in my arsenal. Thank you.