Everything is ready to go for your big day. You’ve figured out your hair, dress, shoes, napkins… EVERYTHING. But have you planned ahead for your dance floor? Plenty of venues allow for you to bring in a portable dance floor, but not everyone wants that for their day. As wedding dance specialists, we at Dance FX Studios have a few tips for each type of flooring you might encounter for your reception. We’ve helped thousands of brides with their first dance and have dealt with every kind of flooring imaginable, so we know a thing or two.

Wood

Congratulations! You have the best flooring possible for your dance. Whether you’re in heels or flats, dancing Foxtrot or Salsa, you are good to go. Just be careful of rubber soles if you want to turn easily. If you’re doing something more in the realm of hip hop, you might want to switch over to sneakers. (Bonus points if your dance floor is sprung!)

Tile

Not too bad. Tile is a pretty okay dance floor, as long as it is evenly set. When looking at the venue, take note of any uneven spots so you know to avoid them come dance time. Also, be wary of your heels! You’ll want to stay on your toes and the balls of your feet during the dance so your heel doesn’t get caught in the grout.

Concrete

Generally even ground to dance on, but it can be incredibly painful if you (Heaven forbid) fall. Steer clear of sticky shoes because the concrete has enough grit to stabilize you. It isn’t impossible, but you’ll definitely have to work a little harder if you’re trying a smooth dance like Nite Club 2 Step. I might opt for something like Jitterbug so you can use the bounce of it to travel instead of anything glide-y.

Grass

Grass is the heel’s enemy. If you didn’t know this already, shame on you. Invisible heel stabilizers are out there and can add some girth to your heel while keeping you stylish, but I recommend dancing in flats or even barefoot. If you are dealing with beautiful golf course grass, your feet will be safe going barefoot. If it’s rough to the touch, invest in a pair of comfy flats that won’t fall off when you try to turn. As tempting as those flip flops are, just be aware that they are probably going to fall off mid-dance and cause a bit of a hazard.

Cobblestone

Cobblestone is beautiful and a little terrifying to dance on. Take one for the team and take the heels off… Your ankles will thank you later. It’s like taking concrete and tile and putting it together with EVEN MORE GROUT. Flats, flats, and flats. You don’t get another option. If you’re going for a Country theme and decide to dance Two Step, cowboy boots will work out just fine.

Uneven/textured/stone tile

Again, we’re getting into scary territory. As gorgeous as this flooring can be, it isn’t very conducive to a beautiful first dance. If you absolutely must dance on this type of floor, take a solid walk through and find the most even patch. Even your comfiest flats can catch on uneven tile if you aren’t on the lookout. Pick your feet up with each step, and try to pick a dance that doesn’t require any dragging steps. I’d also recommend a trial run on the floor ahead of time if the venue allows it.

Have a different flooring type and need help figuring it out? If you’re in the the greater Phoenix area, give us a call at Dance FX Studios. We offer everything from crazy, choreographed first dances, to simple, basic wedding dance lessons. You’ll receive personalized attention from a wedding dance specialist who can help you pick the right dance for your venue, song choice, and vision. Book your consultation today!

Contact us to begin your dancing journey…

Private dance lessons are available by appointment Monday-Friday from 12-8 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am-3 pm. For more information, call us today at 480.968.6177.