While dancing equipment may include a range of apparel and accessories, the most important elements to be trained to use are the dance floor and dance shoes. The dancer's safety is of the utmost concern when planning and implementing dance floors and fitting dance shoes, so dancers and dance educators should be well trained in these areas.

A dance or dance education degree is also useful in training to utilize ballet equipment and other studio equipment used for all types of dance instruction. College courses in dance education may be more inclusive of specific training in how to use dance studio equipment than general dance courses.

To begin your dance equipment education and training, consider the following options:

1. Learn how to install dance floors for safe use.
2. Educate yourself in fitting dance shoes, the most basic of dance supplies.
3. Consider higher education for comprehensive dance equipment education and training.
   

Action Steps
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Get training for the safe installation and use of dancing equipment

Buying dance equipment online is easy and cost effective, but requires that you become trained in basic installation and maintenance of items like floors, mirrors and rails. Floors are the most basic piece of dance studio equipment, and typically involve a segmented installation.

I recommend: SnapLock provides training to install their modular dance floors with online instructions. Alvas, another supplier of dancing equipment, provides online training to install their tape-down floors in your dance studio.

Cover the basics for ballet equipment with proper shoe fitting techniques

The most importance piece of ballet gear to be trained to use is the ballet shoe, and the same is true for other specific types of dance shoe. Every dance shoe requires specific training on how to fit and wear the shoe comfortably and to properly support rather than damage the foot.

I recommend: Capezio, a seller of all types of ballet dance supplies, offers online training on how to fit pointe shoes, some of the most challenging shoes in dance. Gotta Dance! also provides extensive shoe buying tips and instructions for educating yourself about the characteristics and purposes of many different types of dance shoes.

Learn about dancing supplies through dance coursework

Using ballroom dance equipment, Latin dance apparel, hip-hop dancing props and other kinds of dancing supplies is also a part of a higher education dance curriculum. For the most comprehensive education and training available in supplying and running a dance studio, consider a degree in dance or dance education.

I recommend: The University of the Arts offers a BFA in Dance Education, which includes training on using studio supplies in each type of dance you encounter. Kilgore College also has an associate's degree in dance or dance education for learning the basics in dancing equipment.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A variety of dancing supplies are available to use with different types of dance, including special costumes or apparel, as well as props and musical instruments. Instructions are typically available from the seller of the product, so you can always learn about the proper use of specific items and their safety concerns before incorporating them into a dance routine.

Dancing has long been a popular activity that requires passion, athleticism, discipline—and the proper dance equipment. If you are opening a dance school, a retail store that stocks dance equipment, or just looking for the proper dance gear for individuals or groups, you will need to find durable, comfortable and appealing dancing supplies at a good price.

There are many types of dance: jazz, ballet, ballroom and tap are a few of the most popular forms taught to children and adults. Each type of dance requires specific dance equipment. For example, to study ballet, dancers will need ballet shoes and tights or tutus. Tap dancers need tap dance equipment, like shoes. Ballroom dancers wear flamboyant costumes that dramatize their moves and appeal to judges of ballroom dancing competitions.

Dancing is a demanding activity, and dancers will demand high quality and high-performance dance equipment. Make sure you offer a great selection of styles, brands and sizes to fit the needs of every dancer.

For your business to be successful, you will have to:

1. Be knowledgeable about brands, styles, new technology and fit
2. Offer a wide range of dance equipment, particularly shoes and apparel
3. Cultivate productive and valuable relationships with dance professionals, dance companies and dance schools in order to stay abreast of latest fashion trends in dance equipment

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

When buying dance equipment, know that shoes are essential dancing gear

There are different shoes for jazz, street, ballroom, ballet and tap dancing. Be sure to offer a broad selection of sizes, styles, brands and fit for men, women and children.

I recommend: Sansha carries a variety of different dancing shoes and dancing supplies for all types of dance. Trimfoot offers comfortable and breathable ballet shoes, as well as jazz, tap and ballroom dance equipment for the feet. Capezio is a top manufacturer of jazz dance equipment, particularly shoes. A leading supplier of ballet equipment, Grishko, carries an impressive selection of pointe shoes. They also offer ballet boots, ballroom shoes and folk shoes.

Comfortable dance apparel can improve a dancer's performance and is a unique part of ballet gear

Dancing equipment must be appropriate. Ballet dancers wear leotards and tutus; ballroom dancers wear flashy and colorful costumes; Irish steppers need special shoes and tend to prefer glitzy apparel. Offer a selection of dance equipment to appeal to different types of dancers.

I recommend: Mirella carries leotards in many styles and colors for men, women and children. Tutu Couture is a manufacturer and wholesale distributor of upscale tutus for girls and young women. Body Wrappers offers a variety of dance apparel, including leotards, dresses, skirts, tutus, sweaters, shrugs, tights and practice wear. They also carry adult apparel for jazz, modern, hip-hop and team dancing. Danskin makes stylish modern and classical silhouettes for every discipline.

Stylish and colorful ballroom dancing equipment is a must for ballroom dancing competitors

Ballroom dancers wear flamboyant, unique outfits that help to accentuate their smooth moves on the dance floor. It is all about the spectacle with this form of dancing, so be sure to provide the dramatic costumes ballroom dancers demand.

I recommend: DanceSport Ballgowns designs custom gowns to fit a dancer’s specification and measurements. They also have a selection of gowns, men’s shirts and pants and other dance apparel. Casandra And Company designs modern, elegant ballroom dresses. Aida Dancewear offers ballroom apparel for men and women appropriate for practice and competition. They also carry shoes and other ballroom dance equipment.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Fitting dance shoes properly is imperative when selling dancing equipment. Shoes must be snug, yet comfortable. One mistake people make with ballet shoes is they get them too small. Uncomfortable shoes can cause serious problems for dancers, so make sure to take the time to provide a great fit. Your customers will appreciate the care you take!
• •  Depending on your business, you may want to consider stocking dance studio equipment. Ballet barres, dance floors, and wall-to-wall mirrors are important to any dance studio. To be a one-stop supply store for dancers and dance studios, you will need to carry a variety of dance and dance studio equipment.

Dance equipment is important for instructors and students learning dance. The most basic piece of equipment for any dancer is the proper type of shoes. Whether it's jazz, ballet or tap, a dancer will need to be fitted for dance shoes so dancing is comfortable and safe. Dance equipment also extends to the room where dance is begin practiced. All dance studios must have proper flooring and accessories to accommodate practice.

Action Steps
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Leotard

The leotard is common dance wear. This outfit is flexible and allows for the dancer to move how he or she pleases. Leotards are made in a variety of cuts for different purposes, especially when it comes to where the leg cut falls.

I recommend: Hot Exercise offers an explanation of the leotard and basic care instructions.

Ballet shoes

Ballet shoes are flexible and have soft soles. This allows a ballet dancer's foot to move and flex without the shoes restricting any movement. Ballet shoes can be made from satin, canvas or leather.

I recommend: Zan Dance offers a lot of information on ballet shoes, how the shoes should fit and why there is a variety of material choices.

Tap shoes

Tap shoes are a type of dance shoe that has a thin metal tap attached to the toe and heels. This allows a dancer to create a variety of clicking sounds with the taps against the floor while dancing.

I recommend: The National Tap Ensemble provides a tap shoe policy for its events and programs to make sure dancers have the proper footwear for comfort and to prevent damage to the dance floor.

Ballet barre

A ballet barre is a handrail attached to the wall where dancers can hold on during practice. The ballet barre is also often used for dancers to stretch their legs before and after practice.

I recommend: Dance Class offers instructions on how to properly use a ballet barre.

Dance floor

The best types of dance floors are permanently installed in a dance studio with a flexible subfloor called a sprung floor, but portable dance floors are also available. Dance floors can be made from a combination of vinyl and linoleum or can be made from wood. Wood is least popular, because it needs refinishing twice a year.

I recommend: Entertainment Flooring Systems offers purchasing, installation and maintenance advice for dance floors.

Wall mirror, dance mirror

A dance mirror is an important part in learning how to dance. The mirror is used in most dance studios to allow the dancers to see the movement of their bodies.

I recommend: Love To Know offers the do's and don'ts of buying and installing dance studio mirrors.