How to Choose Ballet Dance Flooring? The Best Floors for Ballet

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
26 min read

Ballet dancers understand the physical demands of the sport and the importance of maintaining a fit body. Ballet dancing flooring is critical because of this.

When selecting ballet dance flooring, it is important to ensure that the floor is slip-resistant. Traction on traditional ballet floors is precisely calibrated to allow for multiple triple pirouettes while preventing you from sliding to the ground after landing your grand jete.

A slip-control rolled vinyl floor, the Marley ballet floor is commonly used in many areas. If the floor is properly sprung, hardwood dance flooring is an excellent alternative.

There’s no need to panic if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the possibilities. Find the right pirouette floor using this advice. It works for studios as well as schools and businesses.

How to Choose Ballet Dance Flooring

There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for the best ballet flooring for you:

  • Ballet demands a lot of practice, and that implies a lot of wear on your dance floor. You need a product that will stand the test of time.
  • Ballet requires you to be able to spin freely, but without letting go of your balance. Slip and grip must be balanced in order to achieve this. The good news is that this dance style works perfectly on practically any type of vinyl Marley roll or hardwood floor.
  • It’s important to consider whether you’re setting up a practice space at your house or a professional studio. If that’s the case, hardwood or a more durable Marley would do the trick. If you’re going on a road trip, opt for a Marley roll that’s a little lighter to make it easy to carry.

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The Best Floors for Ballet

For ballet, marley or hardwood dance floors are the most prevalent options, and the ideal choice relies on your personal preferences and your goals. For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of the best ballet dance floors around. Our comprehensive Marley flooring guide can be found here if you’d want to learn more.

Hardwood Dance Flooring

Hardwood dance floors are the only way to go if you want actual professional-quality ballet flooring. It’s not only beautiful to look at but also high performance and durable.

You must ensure that the subfloor properly sprung in order to decrease the risk of harm when using hardwood. That’s all you have to worry about, and you can appreciate the beauty and durability of the material. Hardwood dance studio flooring is engineered to last the longest of all flooring options.

In addition, there is nothing like the comfort and security of a wooden dancing floor. Besides studios, it can be used in a variety of different settings. For competition dance places, dance halls, wedding venues, and event spaces, choose it.

Hardwood Flooring Installation Options:

  • Permanent

ProStep Dance Floor

Ballet students of all levels will benefit from these Marley rolls, which can be used at home or in the classroom. With a 3-year warranty and a moderate price, it’s an excellent choice for a reversible floor.

It is possible to utilize ProStep Dance Floor Rolls as a dance tour flooring because they are both lightweight and sturdy. Additionally, their adaptability allows them to be used in a variety of different kinds of dancing.

Controlled slide matte surface treatment ensures the safety of dancers. To make installation even simpler, you can have this roll cut to the exact length you need.

Installation Options

  • Semi-permanent
  • Temporary

VersaStep Dance Rolls

Ballet is one of the most popular forms of dance, and VersaStep Dance Rolls can be used for both. A long-lasting and durable surface is made possible by the controlled slip surface.

VersaStep rolls have a 5-year warranty and are built to last. They’re ideal for both professional dancing studios and private homes.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly flooring option, this one is ideal for both personal usage and bigger studios. The best part is that you may customize the length to meet your room.

Installation Options

  • Permanent
  • Semi-permanent
  • Temporary

Rosco Dance Floor Rolls

Ballet dancers around the world rely on Rosco Dance Floor Rolls as their primary dance surface. A medium-fast pace is provided by the perfect balance of slide and grip. The floor’s elasticity is just right for dancers of all levels, especially those who are on pointe.

Touring performers will appreciate our Rosco Dance Rolls, which are lightweight and easy to transport. However, if you want to keep them in your studio permanently, you can do so.

Our dance floor rolls can also be used for jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and other styles of dancing.

Installation Options

  • Semi-permanent
  • Temporary

Adagio

In terms of dance floor options, the Adagio roll is the most popular and adaptable. If you currently have a Marley floor, I’d bet it’s the Adagio model.

The Adagio is the best dance flooring solution for ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and more. Medium-fast rolls of Adagio dance flooring provide enough slip-resistance to keep you safe without obstructing your ability to do your turns.

Installation Options

  • Permanent
  • Semi-permanent
  • Temporary

Adagio Tour

The same as our Adagio floor, but lighter and easier to move around. “Tour” is the crucial word here. Companies on the road will love these rolls.

The Adagio Tour rolls, despite their small weight, are strong enough to withstand hours of ballet practice. Compared to the original Adagio Rolls, these are simpler, easier to manipulate, and even better for tap. With a shared space, they could be ideal.

However, if you’re planning on doing a permanent installation in a ballet-only studio, I’d recommend taking the step up to the regular Adagio rolls.

Installation Options

  • For a long-term installation in a ballet-only studio, I’d recommend going with the conventional Adagio rolls rather than the shorter Adagio rolls.

Impact Rolls – Wood Series

These wood-look dance flooring rolls are the most gorgeous, convincing, and long-lasting on the market. The thick and long-lasting Impact Rolls can withstand a variety of uses, from dance floors to gym floors and more.

It’s as if you were to use our impact rolls as the underlayment for a 5mm rubber Marley roll. If you don’t have a sprung subfloor*, these can be extremely beneficial. Jazz, contemporary, and hip hop musicians can all use these rolls.

Impact Rolls Installation Options

  • Permanent
  • Semi-permanent

A sprung subfloor cannot be used in place of these. In comparison, they are less able to withstand impact. Even if you don’t have the ability to install a sprung subfloor, they’re still better than Marley alone.

Floors for Dance Studios – Floors for ballet - Indoor sports flooring – Tarkett

Eco-Wood Dance Mats

Foam is used on the back of this dance roll to help keep your legs healthy and injury-free. The’slip’ provided by the robust vinyl top layer is ideal for pirouettes.

As an alternative to expensive hardwood floors, you can use this roll of dance flooring instead. Additionally, our Eco-Wood mats are available in a variety of smaller sizes, making them ideal for studios with limited space or even at-home studios.

Eco-Wood Dance Mats Installation Options

  • Permanent
  • Semi-permanent
  • Temporary

Ballet Dance Subfloors

The subfloor of your dance floor is an important consideration that should not be overlooked. A sprung floor subfloor or a home dance subfloor is required for a secure set-up.

Injured dancers are a terrible thing for any dancing studio, school, or professional group. Start with a dancing subfloor if you want to minimize injury.

There is less chance of damage due to subfloor absorption and distribution of dancer weight because of this.

Flat Top Dance Tiles

For ballet, our Flat Top Dance Subfloor Tiles are the best option available. While still being springy, they’re firm enough for pointe work while also absorbing impact from jumps and turns.

These tiles are made from a single piece of molded plastic and are extremely durable. They’re ideal for both home practice and studio use.

Tap dancers can utilize Flat Top Dance Tiles under their Marley flooring or on their own to develop their technique.

Premium Home Dance Subfloor Kit

Home dance subfloors that are firm enough for pointe work are available through this company. Durable and firm athletic plastic tiles provide a solid surface finish for our Premium Home Dance Subfloor’s cushioned subfloor tiles.

Without the need of adhesive, this mechanism interlocks within each layer. This dance floor can be installed, uninstalled, and relocated in a matter of minutes.

Also, it isn’t only for the house! This is a terrific choice for studios on the road, too. With its shock-absorbing and resilient floor, it is suitable for all levels of dancers.

How to Install Ballet Flooring

Dance floor installation procedures differ according to the type of flooring selected. Compared to hardwood dance floors, dance flooring rolls are easier to install, but hardwood floors will endure longer.

No matter what you decide, we’ll show you exactly how to set up your floor so you can start dancing right away.

How To Install a Marley Floor

Temporary flooring may be needed if the flooring is being installed at home because you may not wish to keep it permanently. That’s why you’ll first learn how to apply double-sided tape to Marley dance floor rolls. It has a strong grip, yet it’s not difficult to get rid of.

  1. Allow the vinyl dance floor to rest for 1-2 days so it may relax and lay flat. Unroll the vinyl dance floor. Install the shiny side down, the matte side up.. Calendaring, a term used to describe the minor texture of the performance floor (top), gives the illusion of small goosebumps.
  2. Make any cuts to the rolls using a straight edge and a utility knife. Temperature fluctuations can cause the rolls to expand and compress, so leave a 1/4-inch gap around them.
  3. Each roll’s perimeter should be taped with double-sided carpet tape, ensuring that there are no ripples in the tape.
  4. Use Mat Tape to create a tapered installation if you’re placing over foam subfloor tiles and there’s extra around the perimeter. Mat Tape can be used to secure the perimeter of the roll to the subfloor tiles if you’re placing over foam tiles and there’s no extra around the edges.
  5. Mat tape or dance floor tape can be used to bind the seams of many rolls together on top of the flooring.

Consider using glue for a more lasting installation, depending on the product. Please check the product’s instructions to be sure.

How to Install Hardwood Dance Flooring

Please be aware that while these steps work with our hardwood dancing planks, they may not. Why? Because we’ve made our hardwood flooring DIY-friendly.

It’s best to refer to manufacturer’s instructions for all the information you need.

  1. A level, clean, and dry subfloor is a good place to begin your flooring project. Install a vapor barrier over concrete if the area is at or below the ground’s surface level.
  2. In many cases, an underlayment that provides support is recommended by the manufacturer. A foam support layer should be rolled out perpendicular to the desired path and taped together.
  3. Starting at one end of the room, place a few planks face-down on the foam. The provided clamps should be hammered into the planks’ bottom holes. Each plank will have a set of clips that link to the planks next to it.
  4. The tongue and groove head joints of each plank should be glued together with adhesive. Leave at least 18 inches of space between each junction on 6 foot planks and 30 inches of gap on 12 foot planks when staggered the plank head joints.
  5. Use spacers around the room’s perimeter to ensure that there is enough room for future growth. For every ten feet of breadth, the expansion gap should be increased by one-fourth of an inch on each side.
  6. On both ends, attach the final row of planks to the one immediately preceding it, using wood glue. Along the length, no more rows should be adhered together.
  7. Install the trim and transition strips after removing the spacers from the floor’s edges.

Ballet Flooring Maintenance

It’s easy to keep your ballet floor clean. Just use a damp mop and a mild cleaning solution to remove any dust or debris.

If you want the greatest results, use this dance floor cleaner on a daily basis and perform a deeper clean with this heavy-duty dance floor cleaner once or twice a year or as needed.

Scratches can be repaired with a more thorough scrubbing. But, in general, it’s simply like cleaning any other floor in your house. The only thing that you need to remember is to clean up any spills soon away.

What are the Best Types of Floor for Dance Studio?

IncStores 12″ x 12″ Practice Dance Tiles

Dancers of all ages can benefit from using Practice Dance Tiles as a practice floor. Tiles can be purchased one at a time, allowing you to customize the size of your dance floor to your exact specifications.

It is possible to utilize our Practice Dance Floor Tiles as event flooring where many people will be standing or dancing at the same time. With these sturdy tiles, you can quickly and easily create a dance floor for any event, no matter how large or small it may be.

Each of these Practice Dance Tiles can be used to learn a variety of different dance forms such as tap and ballet. It is easy to set up and take down these modular tiles, making them portable and ideal for use as temporary dance flooring for events such as weddings and celebrations.

Soozier Portable Dance Floor Tiles

For the price, Soozier’s portable dance floor is undoubtedly among the best available on the market. It’s built for all levels and styles of dance, from tap to ballet, and is ideal for use as a lightweight and portable flooring surface for dancing and more. A water-resistant and wear-resistant surface makes Soozier’s floor tiles easy to clean and maintain for years to come.

The tiles of the Soozier portable dance floor are quick to install, slip- and scuff-resistant, and easy to clean, all while supporting a great amount of weight. Soozier’s portable dance floor has a number of advantages, including the following:

  • Four interlocking mats and edge are included in the complete 3.5′ x 3.5′ set
  • The lightweight and portable design weighs just 20 pounds…
  • Clean and durable surface that’s easy to keep clean
  • Without the use of any tools, the interlocking tiles simply snap into place.
  • For tap and ballet performances and trade shows, these are ideal.

SnapFloors 3X3DKOAKFLOOR Modular Dance Floor

Anyone who plans to create a dancing studio should have a look at SnapFloors 3X3DKOAKFLOOR Modular Dance Floor. Tap dancers need a portable dance surface to rehearse their steps and provide the essential “sound.”

No tools are needed to assemble your SnapFloors dance floor. There are no tools necessary to clean or install SnapFloors 3X3DKOAKFLOOR Modular Dance Floor. Panels snap into place and are completely waterproof, making them ideal for use both indoors and out.

Dot2dance, Genuine Brand, Authentic Marley Portable Dance Floor

In addition to being made in the United States, the GENUINE BRAND dot2dance Portable Dance Floor is meticulously constructed to increase user safety while also safeguarding any surfaces that it is placed on.

Dot2dance is available in four different sizes and two different colors, and it’s designed to be lightweight and portable so you can take it with you everywhere you go. If you’re looking to isolate yourself from your friends or loved ones, Dot2dance is the right tool.

VEVOR Dance Floor

VEVOR Dance Floor is another top-rated dance studio floor option. An excellent dance floor roll is made of PVC that is both wearproof and non-slip, ensuring the safety of dancers.

With this 6.6 x 49.2 ft roll, you’ll get 324.7 square feet of practice space. Cleaning and maintaining the dance floor is simple. If you’re looking to practice ballet, jazz, hip hop, or modern dancing on this floor, you’ll be happy to know it’s ideal.

SnapFloors 3X3 Modular Dance Floor

Yet another excellent dance studio floor, the SnapFloors 3X3 Modular Dance Floor deserves your consideration. When it comes to honing your dance moves, nothing beats this portable dance floor. No tools are needed to assemble your SnapFloors dance floor.

SnapFloors 3X3 Modular Dance Floor is a good choice because it’s portable and light. Three feet by three feet dance floor panels weigh only 18 pounds. No tools are necessary to clean or install this product. Panels snap into place and are completely waterproof, making them ideal for use both indoors and out.

Artan Balance Dance Floor

Consider the Artan Balance Dance Floor if you’re seeking for one of the greatest balance dance floors for your studio. You may practice your ballet, jazz, or tap routines on this 6′ by 3′ 1.3mm thick dance floor anyplace.

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Supports all forms of movement on a flat, smooth vinyl surface. Quick events like professional troupes, theater performances, travelling dance companies, or even a wedding dance floor can be set up with Artan Balance ballet dance floors.

This dance floor can be rolled out to cover up to 18 square feet, making it easier to use in small spaces. For temporary or semi-permanent use, you may simply tape it down, or you can join many parts together to create a bigger dance floor surface.

Adagio Greatmats Rosco Marley Studio Dance Floor

Adagio Greatmats Rosco Marley Studio Dance Floor is another option worth considering for studio dance floors. Using a manufacturing procedure that produces a broader, more durable floor that will not delaminate, this dance studio flooring may be installed in any space.

For tap, ballet, modern, jazz, Irish, and Flamenco dancing, the Adagio Greatmats Rosco Marley Studio Dance Floor is the best available. Vinyl flooring that can be used for a variety of purposes is an excellent value. Installing Adagio Marley dance floor is easy and can be done on any type of hardwood floor if you choose to use glue.

With its non-absorbing, non-skid surface, the Adagio Greatmats Rosco Marley Studio Dance Floor is ideal for tap and ballet performers.

SnapLock Cedar 3′ x 3′ Portable Dance and Event Floor

The Cedar Style Dance Floor is a timeless portable dance floor with a continuous wood pattern and an easy to maintain, industrial grade top. This floor is suitable for heavy traffic indoors and outdoors. The 3’ x 3’ tiles can easily be attached to each other using the same ‘snap’ together technology that attaches the edging, allowing you to create any size floor you need. The Cedar Style Dance Floor is great for personal practice dance floors as well as professional performance floors.

With its classic wood design and easy-to-maintain industrial quality surface, the Cedar Style Dance Floor is a versatile and timeless option for any dance floor installation or event. For indoor and outdoor use, this floor can withstand heavy traffic. 3’x3′ tiles can be snapped together in any configuration you like by attaching to each other using the same “snap-together” technology that connects the edge. The Cedar Style Dance Floor is an excellent choice for both home practice and public performances.

A cedar vinyl sheet is affixed to the polypropylene foundation and provides the necessary support for the dancers’ bodies. This dance floor has been used for a variety of reasons, including an outdoor dance floor, an aerobic floor, a Zumba floor, and a portable party dance floor.

Swisstrax Interlocking Dance Floor

No doubt, Swisstrax Interlocking Dance Floor is the greatest dance floor for studio use. Swisstrax Interlocking Dance Floor is ideal for a variety of occasions, including weddings, special celebrations, and business gatherings. Create an eye-catching display for a trade show booth with this easy-to-use tool! Although the tiles will interlock on nearly any flat, non-cushioned surface, we strongly advise against doing so for optimal performance.

Vinyltrax’s patterns and colors, on the other hand, can be used to suit virtually any taste or aesthetic requirement. This interlocking vinyl solution is unlike any other product on the market because it offers a variety of “Hardwood” grains, sections, pads, and kits.

FAQs

What flooring is best for ballet?

It’s best to choose hardwood dancing flooring for the best results. It’s not only visually appealing, but it’s also highly functional and long-lasting. You must ensure that the subfloor properly sprung in order to decrease the risk of harm when using hardwood. That’s all you have to worry about, and you can appreciate the beauty and durability of the material.

What floor is best for pointe shoes?

Dance studios prefer wood flooring, whether it’s hardwood or laminate. It’s both functional and visually appealing, making it an excellent choice. Tiles can be beautiful, but they must be extremely smooth and non-slippery at the same time. It is critical that dancers, whether they are barefoot, wearing ballet slippers, or on pointe, feel comfortable and confident.

What floors are used in dance studios?

In almost every dancing studio, you’ll discover a hard wood floor. If you’re looking for a classic studio vibe, hardwood flooring is the way to go. If you’re serious about your business, you should invest in a hardwood studio.

Is Tarkett’s Dancefloor the preferred dance surface for any major arts centers?

The Australian Ballet has been using Tarkett’s Dancefloor for nearly four decades. After American choreographer Glen Tetley tasked Production Director Bill Akers with improving the Australian Ballet’s Marley floor, the two struck up a working relationship that has lasted more than 40 years today. Dancefloor was developed in conjunction with Tarkett, the world leader in robust vinyl surfaces, in order to fulfill both the performance and studio needs. For the time being, the Australian Ballet will perform on the floor, which can be found in most major Australian cultural institutions, including the Sydney Opera House.

Are the characteristics of dance floors fundamental to creating art?

They are, without a doubt. Shock absorption on the dance floor helps to keep the floor from bouncing excessively. There are no surprises for dancers because of its consistent qualities. In mind, Tarkett created its Dancefloor robust vinyl to provide the optimal amount of friction for dancers.

Is Tarkett’s Dancefloor affordable?

Tarkett thinks that the price of a high-performance sprung floor should not be a barrier for any studio or business. For every dancer, a surface that is equally committed to greatness is required.

Conclusion

It doesn’t have to be a difficult ordeal to locate the ideal ballet dancing flooring. Your practice and performance will be supported by the flooring you choose following this guide’s recommendations.

The time has finally come.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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