Dance studio

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Dancing lesson at College, Cambridge

A dance studio is a space in which dancers learn or rehearse. The term is typically used to describe a space that has been purpose built or equipt for the purpose.

A dance studio will normally consist of a non-slip floor covering or hardwood floorboards if required for tap dancing. In most cases the floor will be 'sprung', meaning the construction of the floor will allow for a degree of flexibility, to absorb the impact of intensive dance exercise, such as jumping. This is considered vital to promote good health and safety.

Other common features of a dance studio include a barre or rail, which is fixed to the wall at approximately waist height and is used as a means of support. As music is an integral part of dance, nearly all dance studios will have a permanent sound system for the playing of CDs and a Piano is still commonly used for accompanying Ballet or Tap Dance. In purpose built dance studios, it is usual for at least one wall to be filled with floor to ceiling mirrors, which are used by dancers to see their body position and alignment.

In America, the term dance studio is also used to describe a place which is established to teach dance. Commonly referred to as dance schools in Europe, they are often based locally and offer classes to interested students who live nearby. Depending on the studio, a variety of styles of dance may be offered, or only one.

Some styles may include: Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Modern, Lyrical, Contemporary, Breakdance, Ballroom, Latin, Irish Step-Dance, Folk Dance.