How to Choose the Right Dance Floor
By Gabriella Graham
Performance Flooring & Projects Lead, Le Mark Group
Last updated: 11th July 2024
Choosing the right floor can complement your studio and give you a performance surface that lasts for many years. Furthermore, a highly versatile dance floor can maximise the use of your available space and open the door to new opportunities. In contrast, choosing the wrong floor can be costly and potentially restrict the use of your studio.
Consider your dance style(s)
The first step in choosing a dance floor is deciding whether to focus on one dance style or be more versatile with a multi-purpose dance floor. Different dance styles have very different needs; the right floor can complement a dance style and bring out the best in a performer. However, many studios now practice a range of dance styles, but not everyone has the opportunity to install multiple dance-specific floors.
Thankfully, there are several all-in-one dance floors available. For example, Nocturne™ can accommodate all popular dance styles, from Tap to Ballet and everything in between. In contrast, if you do specialise in a particular dance style, a dance-specific floor can bring out the best in that focused area. A ballerina, for example, could benefit from the shock absorbency of a modern sprung floor, combined with the confident grip of Sonata™ Ballet. You’ll find some links below which will direct you to our most popular dance-specific floors.
A good flooring provider, like Le Mark, will educate you on the floors available and help you find the right one. Many will even send samples so you can get a physical feel of what’s available.
Could you benefit from a sprung floor?
A sprung floor is a floor that absorbs shocks; it has a firm but slightly bouncy feel. They’re very popular in professional dance studios as they help to cushion leaps and jumps. As a result, a sprung floor can potentially offer long-term benefits for dancers. Furthermore, a hardwood finish like Oak or Canadian Maple, for example, can add a premium feel to a studio.
A sprung floor is most commonly associated with Ballet, but it can offer benefits to all dance styles. However, for percussive dance, like tap, an additional vinyl floor covering is recommended to help protect the surface from shoe taps and give a confident grip.
If you’ve never danced on a sprung floor, it’s worth asking a flooring provider for a demonstration. Some companies, including Le Mark, have fully fitted demo studios that you can visit and test their floors. Trying out a dance floor is like test-driving a car; it gives you a hands-on feel of how it performs (before you buy it!) and is something I recommend wherever possible.
Think about the future
Have you thought about how long you plan to be in your current venue? If your lease is coming to an end, it may be beneficial, for now at least, to choose a low-cost vinyl dance floor. In contrast, if you’ve just signed a long-term contract and plan to remain in place for many years, this could be the perfect time for a fully-fitted sprung floor.
Portability is also a feature for some floors. Many vinyl dance floors can be rolled out on-demand and easily stored when not in use, making them ideal for shared spaced. Furthermore, sprung floors like Meadow™ can be removed and reinstalled, should you re-locate.
Embrace the use of colour
The colour of your dance floor has a substantial impact on how your room will look overall. Wood-effect and natural wood dance floors can bring a beautifully fresh look and feel. On the other hand, a black dance floor can help hide the inevitable scuff marks and a grey floor can make a room feel more open. Many companies offer floor samples which can give you an idea of how things could look.
Summary
It’s important to think about how you intend to use your dance floor and how long you plan to be in your current venue. Think about the dance styles you offer (or could offer in the future), and also consider how colour can effect your studio space. Ultimately, you may need help finding the right dance floor. A good flooring provider will educate you on the floors available and help you find the right one.
Key takeaways
- Find a company that’s happy to talk to you and answer all your questions
- Ask for samples – it’s a great way to get a feel of what’s available.
- Some companies offer on-site visits, some even have demonstration rooms where you can try out a floor properly
- Consider your dance style(s)
- Visual how the colour of a floor can impact your studio
- Think about the future and how long you plan to be in your current venue
- Consider the benefits of a sprung floor
All references in this article relate to Le Mark’s dance floor range. Other manufacturers may have different recommendations and advice.
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