As a highly creative dance style bursting with energy, hip hop is becoming more popular in the dance world. As hip hop’s popularity grows, so does the demand for mobile hip hop dance floors. Not only is this dance style a great way to stay active and challenge yourself, but it’s also just plain fun.
What Is a Portable Hip Hop Dance Floor?
If you thought portable dance floors were just glorified yoga mats, think again. Portable hip hop dance floors are made from the same materials as full-size professional dance floors and provide the user with a supportive surface that can actually reduce fatigue.
They are constructed from a panel made with layers of solid wood (e.g., maple, ash, or birch) with high-density foam blocks underneath. The foam elevates the floor off the ground and gives the dance floor a little bit of spring. This lets the floor absorb the shock from your dance moves instead of leaving it up to your joints.
Can I Make My Own Portable Hip Hop Dance Floor at Home?
Although it can be tempting to just go to the hardware store and pick up some plywood, slap a vinyl mat on it, and call it a dance floor, this is not recommended and can actually be dangerous. Commercially manufactured plywood found at local hardware stores can be weak and unforgiving. Combined with the lack of supportive and resilient cushioning underneath, this diy option will not provide you with the same support that a professionally crafted, sprung portable hip hop dance floor will. This can lead to injuries that properly crafted sprung dance floors are designed to prevent.
Portable hip hop dance floors made by trusted brands will be more comfortable, supportive, and durable. When constructed from high-quality wood and foam and properly cared for, portable dance floors can last you over a decade and extend your dancing career by protecting against preventable injuries.
Benefits of Mobile Hip Hop Dance Floors
Mobile hip hop dance floors give you the freedom to take the show on the road and perform virtually anywhere. You can take them with you wherever you go or transform any room of your house into a private dance studio for you to practice in. And when you are done, they are easy to fold up or disassemble and pack away in a storage or traveling bag.
They also give your joints much-needed support and lessen the load they carry with repeated impacts. Without something to cushion the blow, certain dance moves could be doing unseen damage to your body. But the foam used in sprung portable dance floors allows the dance floor to take the brunt of the impact while also returning some of that energy to the user.
How Much Do Mobile Hip Hop Dance Floors Cost?
On average, portable hip hop dance floors cost between $500 and $1500, although you can find options above and below the average range. Factors that will determine the price of a dance floor include the type of wood, the size of the dance floor, the type and amount of foam, and the expected longevity of the floor.
Are Portable Dance Floors Only for Professionals?
Whether dancing is a hobby or a way of life for you, dancers of all skill levels can use portable dance floors. Beginners, novices, and pros alike can benefit from having a portable dance floor that allows you to sharpen your skills anywhere, anytime.
How to Install a Portable Hip Hop Dance Floor at Home
Installing your portable hip hop dance floor at home is a breeze. It’s as simple as taking it out from wherever you store it, unfolding it, and placing it wherever you want.
Some models are held together by a cable with grips on either end, but even these are simple to set up. You simply slide the boards in place and slide them out when you are done. This uncomplicated setup makes it easy to assemble your dance floor just about anywhere, including outside for performances.
What to Keep in Mind While Shopping
Two of the main things to pay attention to when choosing a portable hip hop dance floor are the size of the floor and the materials it’s made from. Don’t get carried away and buy a large floor that you don’t have room to set up. For most people, a floor that is somewhere between 2′ x 4′ and 6′ x 6′ is plenty big enough.
Some bonus features that do not affect the floor’s performance but can sweeten the overall deal include things like:
- A traveling strap
- Folding assembly
- A manufacturer’s warranty
Although it’s not 100% reliable, looking at customer reviews can be an excellent way to gauge whether a portable dance floor is worth the asking price. It’s also a good idea to research the brand itself and what kind of reputation they have.
If you’re ready to pick out a portable hip hop dance floor for yourself or a dancer in your life, head over to O’Mara Sprung Floors to check out some of the best portable dance floors on the market today. We have a mobile practice space for every dance style and dedicated dancer.
