In Singapore, most companies host a Dinner and Dance (DnD) every year. It is the night when people stop talking about deadlines and start talking about who wins Best Dressed. Everyone shows up to celebrate the year together.
Where did Dinner and Dance come from?
DnD started as formal appreciation dinners in Britain after the war. When Singapore’s economy grew in the 60s and 70s, companies adopted the tradition and made it livelier.
Singapore added:
- Lucky draws
- Fun performances
- Themes that encourage dressing up
By the 80s and 90s, DnD became part of company culture.
Who usually plans DnD?
Traditionally, the Human Resources (HR) teams, office managers or a special events committee or volunteer commitee takes charge of planning the DnD. They’re responsible for everything from choosing a theme to coordinating entertainment, décor, and the lucky draw prizes.
Today, many companies prefer full-service event venues in Singapore that handle food, setup, sound system and support. Less stress. Better experience.
Why companies still host DnD
The Dinner and Dance is more than a company party or dinner. It brings people together. Here’s why it continues to matter:
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Recognition and Appreciation
It’s a moment for leaders to say “thank you” and acknowledge the people behind the results. -
Team Bonding
When people laugh, dance, and play together, they connect beyond job titles and departments. -
Company Culture in Action
The theme, activities, and energy of the night show what kind of organisation you are. -
A Fresh Start
It’s a shared celebration that resets motivation and brings everyone into the new year with good energy.
How DnD has changed
While the spirit of DnD remains the same, its style has transformed over the years.
In the past:
- Often ballroom sit-down dinners
- Entertainment included staff skits, lucky draws, and guest performances.
- Themes were simpler: “Masquerade Night,” “Retro,” “Black & Gold”
Today:
- more interactive experiences:
- photo walls, game zones, live bands and more
- creative venues that offer flexibility, intimacy, and unique aesthetics
- event into a part of the brand’s identity
- populae themes include: Gatsby Glamour, Tropical Paradise, Crazy Rich Night, Retro Rewind
Why the venue matters
The venue sets the mood for the night. A good venue should help people feel relaxed, social and excited.
Many companies are choosing creative event venues in Singapore instead of hotels. They want a space that is more personal and fun.
At HUONE Singapore, teams can
- host their DnD in one of nine uniquely themed rooms
- enjoy private balcony overlooking Clarke Quay
- utilise different areas for photo booths, games or performances
- organise DnD hassle-free, with its all-inclusive themed packages
HUONE is not a typical function room in Singapore. The rooms are designed to bring people together.
The Future of DnDs in Singapore
As work culture evolves, so will the DnD. But it’s unlikely to disappear. DnDs will become more intimate, themed, and experiential, focusing less on formality and more on emotion. We’ll also likely see more sustainability-focused celebrations and more customised programs that speak to each company’s unique culture.
At its heart, though, the DnD will always be about the same thing: celebrating people.
Planning a DnD?
If you want a celebration that feels different this year, check out HUONE Singapore’s Dinner & Dance packages.
They include everything you need for the evening:
- Buffet dinner
- Free-flow drinks
- Themed spaces
- Additional Programs such as photo booth, game room, live music
- Personal Event coordination
- On-site 5 star service