[UPDATED in 2025]
Your choice of flooring for your dance studio is among one of the many important decisions you will have to make when creating your facility. Whether it’s ballet, hip hop, or ballroom, dance flooring needs to be incredibly durable and look fantastic. When it comes to the choice of material, the majority of people tend to opt for sprung wood or vinyl flooring. Let’s break down the difference between the two and talk about the basics of dance flooring.
In this article:
- 2 Things to Know Before Choosing Your Dance Flooring
- Area Elastic vs Point Elastic Dance Flooring
- 2 Dance Flooring Options: Wood & Vinyl
2 Things to Know Before Choosing Your Dance Flooring
With so many choices, companies, and recommendations to consider, it can feel overwhelming to make the right choice. But the best decision is the one that suits your needs and demands. You have the finish to consider such as wood or vinyl, but you also need to factor in the installation process and the type of flooring that is best suited for the way your body is moving. For example, some vinyl flooring comes with a cushioned back while others come with fibre glass linings. The truth is that the solution to your dance flooring may be a little more complex than you initially thought.
Do You Rent or Own the Dance Studio
Depending on your current situation, you may need something you can remove easily. If you’re renting a studio space, you will need a semi-permanent or even temporary flooring solution. This will mean you can remove the flooring without leaving any marks in the facility. However, if you own the dance studio facility, you have more freedom in what you choose and can install permanent flooring. Dance flooring is also suitable for events and temporary facilities like dance competitions.
The Type of Dance You Will Be Doing the Most
Think about the level of traffic at your studio and the type of dance you will be doing the most. The more abrasive the dance style, the more resilient the flooring needs to be. Because of the way the body moves during dance, flooring needs to be resilient yet soft. It should be robust but still have a ‘give’ to it to support the movement.
For example, with tap dancing, you want each movement to produce a crisp sound. Whereas, with other styles of dancing, you may not want to hear any noise at all. As there are such wide variances within dance, it’s important to consider different factors when finding the best solution.
Although a surface can look great, it needs to have the right characteristics for dancing. Laminate flooring, for example, can mimic authentic wood but in reality it is too thin for a dance studio and would wear prematurely.
Let’s take a look at the different options:
Area Elastic vs Point Elastic Dance Flooring
When it comes to dance studio flooring, you will likely come across area elastic or point elastic flooring. The same applies to sports flooring and other specialist floor solutions. These types of sports flooring feature different characteristics and properties that make them more suitable for a specific activity. In particular, they focus on reducing the risk of injury and improving performance both of which are integral for a range of sports. The key elements for each type of flooring are:
- Area elastic - this type of flooring deflects impact over a wider surface area. This means there is a high level of shock absorption and comfort. The aim is to reduce fatigue and enhance performance.
- Point elastic - this type of flooring typically uses a foam-backed vinyl. The floor deflects at the point the dancer makes contact with the floor.
Depending on which type of elasticity suits you more, you can choose the elasticity you want with a finish to suit your style. If you’re looking for a solution that is more multifunctional and plan on performing different styles of dance, then an area elastic system may be more suitable for you.
Benefits of Area Elastic Systems
2 Dance Flooring Options
Sprung dance studio flooring is an essential feature for performance and training spaces, providing dancers with the necessary support, shock absorption, and durability to practice safely and effectively. This specialized flooring system is designed to reduce the risk of injury, enhance performance, and ensure long-term usability.
Two primary types of sprung flooring systems are commonly used in dance studios:
Sprung Wood Flooring
Sprung wood flooring (area-elastic system) is a popular choice for studios due to its resilience and traditional aesthetic. A prominent example is the Boen Actiflex Stadium System, which features a multi-layered design using foam underneath the wood surface to create a responsive and supportive base. This foam layer acts as a cushioning element, distributing impact across the floor and minimizing stress on the body.
Such systems provide excellent shock absorption while maintaining the uniform elasticity required for a wide range of dance styles. Additionally, the wooden surface is durable and offers a high level of grip, making it suitable for professional performances and rehearsals alike.
Dancer's Insight:
"Proper sprung wood flooring is much more versatile for all types of dance, in my opinion. It is much more resilient and is kinder on the joints than softer dance systems"
Vinyl Sprung Flooring
Vinyl sprung flooring is another highly versatile option, especially favoured in spaces that require a durable yet adaptable surface. Unlike wood systems, vinyl sprung flooring operates on a point-elastic system. This type of flooring typically comes in varying thicknesses and finishes, allowing studio designers to choose the best option for their needs. Vinyl finishes are particularly advantageous for styles that demand smooth transitions and controlled movements, offering consistent grip and a soft underfoot feel. Furthermore, the customizable finishes make it a practical choice for multi-use studios catering to diverse dance disciplines.
Both wood and vinyl sprung flooring systems are excellent options for dance studios, each bringing unique benefits. The choice between the two often depends on the specific requirements of the studio, such as the type of dance, aesthetic preferences, and budget considerations.
In Summary
There are plenty of factors to consider when choosing your dance flooring. Although the options may seem overwhelming at first, you can make the best choice by considering all the elements of your dance studio. Your flooring solution should be suitable for the type of dance you plan on doing and create the right amount of bounce and energy return that dancers need to perform optimally.
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