Building a Tap Dance Floor?

Question

I'm trying to build a small, maybe 3ft by 3ft section of floor for my girlfriend to tap dance on. I've heard that a hard wood like oak makes for good sound, but I've heard that a soft wood will be better on her legs? Overall, I'm in the dark. Anyone have any suggestions, websites, comments? Thanks.

Answer 1

Hey Nicklebob,

Here is some information for you.

1 - A TOP LAYER MADE OF HARD WOOD. Oak, maple or other hard woods are fine. Pine, beech, birch or other softer woods are acceptable for the occasional use but will not sustain extended tapping (more than a few hours) without possibly irreparable damage (note that plywood or masonite are NOT "real wood," whether soft or hard!) The wood should NOT be painted, varnished (most polyurethanes are OK though) or waxed.

More at the site below.

Answer 2

Go for 4' x 4'.

You can do several things. The simplest is just plywood on carpet.

Legs need some cushion and dancers need a little spring or push back for their efforts. The current state-of-the-art in dance flooring is plywood with hard rubber squares glued to the bottom. The squares are probably three inches by three inches and an inch thick. This rubber will give some of the energy back and some lift.

I would image you'd only need seven squares spaced on your piece. Shouldn't be solid. But, why not go for 4' x 6' and let her travel a little?

I'd suggest a visit to www.alvas.com for info on the kits they sell for do-it-yourself floors.

I am no expert, but I wrote a page on flooring about eight years ago, this might be helpful ...the link below.

Answer 3

Find out what your son really wants. Tell him it is okay if he doesn't want to dance. Do not push or even prod him in any direction. Find other ways for him to learn team work. It is an important skill. There is nothing wrong with boys dancing. My 5-year old son is social some times, but is not comfortable with contact sports. He wants to do gymnastics, and since there are no other physical activities he really enjoys, Dad is supporting him because of the health benefits-building strength and coordination, and weight control, as well as learning self-discipline. Your husband needs to understand that there are great benefits to dance and it sure beats addiction to TV and video games. Dancing will NOT turn him into a sissy. It will give an outlet. Hope all goes well for your son.

Answer 4

sprung floors are good, they give a little, so the dancer doesn't hurt their kneesor ankles. definately best not to varnish, i'm a tap dancer, and it's a pain in the bum to tap on slippery floors especially if you're more advanced and doing tap turns.
yes soft wood will be better. since it's only for practice the sound it makes won't make much diffference. Good luck!
I'm a tap dancer, i didn't just ramble on with no idea what i'm talking about.

Answer 5

tap dance floor yes