A dance floor is a crucial element to any dance studio. Imagine how many little feet step through that space, how many pirouettes are done, how many leaps are jumped. Having a good dance floor is necessary, so studio owners should be knowledgeable about the kind of floor they need, and how to properly maintain and clean it. Here, Dance Informa answers so many important questions as we speak with a dance floor expert: Gerriets Dance Floors.
Q: Why is it so important for dancers’ training and also the reputation of a studio to have good dance floors?
A: The floor is the foundation of every dance studio. It allows dancers to train and perform to the best of their ability. It also is extremely important for the safety of dancers. By providing the right amount of shock absorption, spring back and grip, dancers can be confident in themselves.
For studio owners, being able to confidently say you offer a high-quality, safe dance environment helps build trust with families and reassures them that the studio is a safe and supportive place for their dancers.
Q: How much does a dance floor cost?
A: Because every space is unique, floor pricing varies by type, size, and location. Contact us for a customized quote that fits your project!
Q: What is a Marley floor?
A: Marley flooring is a roll-out durable vinyl surface that gives dancers the proper amount of grip for practicing and performing. Dancers use Marley in studios and on stages to maintain a consistent surface for every performance. Each Gerriets Marley floor includes an internal fiber layer that helps prevent the vinyl from expanding or contracting with temperature changes, making it easier to roll out, roll up, and store.
Q: How do I know if my dance floor needs to be replaced or requires maintenance?
A: If your sprung floor has visible holes or soft spots, it’s essential to replace it as soon as possible. A damaged floor can no longer absorb impact, increasing the risk of injuries like sprains, stress fractures and joint pain. It also affects dancers’ confidence in what they are performing and training on, making it harder to train safely and effectively.
If your floor has a few slick spots or scuffs, you may be able to help with an extra deep clean. The VARIO DEEPCLEAN will remove the extra dirt and can help remove some scuffs. The VARIO PROTECT will add a layer of protection to your floors to help prevent future scuffs and create an even, not too slippery surface to your Marley.
After about 7-10 years, due to the natural degradation of PVC, the feel of the Marley will change, and the surface may become more glossy. When you start to feel the effects of this, you should start considering a new Marley floor.
Q: There are so many flooring options! How do I know what’s best for my studio?
A: That’s why Gerriets is here to help! We start by learning about your studio by asking questions like what styles of dance you do in the space and whether you’re looking for a permanent or semi-permanent floor. From there, we guide you toward the best sprung and Marley flooring options for your needs. We offer free samples for you to see the difference in the options, and will walk you through what is best for you and your dancers.
Q: How long does the entire process usually take – from floor selection through installation and ready for use?
A: The entire process can take anywhere from 3 days to about 6 weeks, depending on what you are looking for. Most of our Marley floors are kept in stock, ready to ship within 2-3 business days. Our sprung floors are custom made to order, meaning they can take a bit longer to make, but you will have less work to do when installing! When you give us your exact floor plans, we are able to make your sprung floor panels to your dimensions, meaning less cutting on site and easy installation! We will always do our best to meet your needs and timeline!
Q: If my studio has some rooms that are oddly shaped, or cut off by poles or corners, are dance floors able to be customized to fit any space?
A: The floors can be easily cut to fit any space. The easiest way to do it is as a big rectangle; these can typically be made with little alterations on site with accurate measurements. When you have oddly shaped rooms, some cuts need to be made on site, like when there are pillars in the middle of the room or when there are diagonal walls, but these alterations are something anyone with basic carpentry skills can do. When it comes down to it, the sprung floor is just high-quality baltic birch plywood with sprung pads attached, so they can be cut with basic power tools, like a circular saw, and extra pads can be glued on. The Marley is vinyl floor that can be cut with a utility knife and a straight edge (thicker floors will need multiple passes). Most people with basic carpentry skills should be able to make the alterations necessary to fit most studios. Remember, measure twice, cut once!
Q: How can I make my dance floors last the longest amount of time possible?
A: Making your floors last longer is where our new VARIO CARE cleaning system comes in! Upkeep is the most important part in extending the life of your dance floors. Cleaning your floors daily with our VARIO DAILYCLEAN will help prevent any slippery or sticky spots. The VARIO DEEPCLEAN and VARIO PROTECT are used every 3-6 months to give your floors an extra good cleaning, and to add a layer of protection to the surface to keep a smooth and even surface. By having a good cleaning routine, your floors will feel better for longer!
For the sprung sub floors, it starts at the beginning with proper preparation of the site before installation. Make sure the floor is level and the proper vapor barrier is down before installation. Water is not your friend with the sprung floors, and preventing any moisture beforehand will help your floors last for years!
Q: What’s the most common mistake people make with dance floors, and how can I prevent that from happening?
A: The most common damage we see on Marley floors comes from loose tap screws and sharp objects on the floor. Screws or sharp objects like props can scratch and even puncture a Marley floor. Make sure any props or furniture have the appropriate glides on their feet, and the taps are properly secured to your dancer’s shoes.
Q: How do I know if my floor is appropriately sprung or not, or if it needs maintenance?
A: A good way to see if you have a sprung floor or not is to peel up an edge of the Marley. If it is concrete underneath, you know you do not have a sprung floor. If it’s plywood, there is a chance it’s a sprung floor. If you find, after dancing for a few months on it, that you are having joint pain, it is probably not properly sprung. If you have a sprung floor and it starts having soft spots, that’s when you should look at repair or replacement.
Q: Is it possible to see some examples of flooring before purchasing?
A: We have free samples of our Marley available to send to you for all of our Marley floors! With these, you can see how the floors will feel before you receive the full rolls.
Q: If I need to compromise due to budget, what should I not compromise on? Where should I spend more – sprung floor/subfloor or surface?
A: The sprung floor and Marley act as a system, and both are extremely important. If possible, don’t compromise on the sprung floor, since that’s what absorbs impact and helps keep dancers safe over time. We offer options depending on budget, like the ERGODANCE 600, which is a more economical sprung floor with good shock absorption, and the ERGODANCE 200, which gives a better spring back.
The Marley is just as important and affects how dancers move across the floor. We have a range of Marley options at different price points, each suited to specific styles. If you’re looking for something great for all styles of dance and cost-effective, VARIO PRO is a great all-around choice.
Q: Are subfloor and sprung floor the same thing?
A: Not all subfloors are sprung floors! Sprung floors have extra give to them, and ours have a foam strip or block that are specially designed to absorb shock from the regular jumping dancers do. Standard subfloors are not suitable for dancers and can lead to injury or for dancers to fatigue quicker.
For more FAQs, check out the Gerriets website. Visit gerrietsdancefloors.com to see your dance floor options and to request a quote for your studio.
By Laura Di Orio of Dance Informa.
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