So, you’re taking your love of dancing to the next level by planning on building your own studio. That’s great! However, you need to be ready for all the work it entails. Starting a dance studio requires time, energy, dance prowess, and, of course, money. “How much does it cost to build a dance studio?” you may ask. In this article, we will answer that question, as well as provide tips on other factors.
Constructing the dance floor
If you are building your own floor, you should consider birch plywood or Marley-type PVC floor covering. This will offer a level of control on slipping (i.e. “controlled slip”). A concrete subfloor is not ideal, but a sprung/floating subfloor is viable. If there are limits to your options, you can at the very least soften the floor with a layer of rubber.
A floating subfloor with a Marley-type floor covering (the best texture for ballet) allows dancers to slide. A Marley-type PVC vinyl floor is perfect for ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, and tap, among other dance types. Remember that PVC floor rolls can go on top of concrete, but will fail to provide shock absorbency. In fact, it will only function as a surface texture. A single grain of sand will be visible, so clean it before laying it out.
Building or renovating your own floor will mean taking the costs per square foot into account. To learn more about this particular topic, check out our article Retail Renovation Cost Per Square Foot. While it focuses on retail, it will give you an idea on what the costs will likely be.
Installing reflective mirrors
Reflective mirrors are the most essential parts of dance studios after the floors. Also referred to as “activity mirrors,” these are usually large mirrors that are over 70 inches wide. Most studios have 2-3 large mirrors; some even have a dozen.
Activity mirrors consist of different materials and have varying price points. The average activity mirror costs roughly $200-$300. However, a dance studio needs at least a few of them if they want to cover the entire space. Consequently, the average price rises to $1000 per studio.
Dance students should be able to see themselves dance to get feedback from different angles. Gyms have activity mirrors, too, but they are not as important for exercises as they are for dancers. These mirrors are an item you should splurge on because large mirrors have an assortment of safety risks. Additionally, with low-quality mirrors, students could experience issues with their performances.
Ballet barres
The ballet barre is a wooden or metal piece – typically attached to the mirror or floor – that helps students practice ballet and other movements. Generally speaking, the barre is the cheapest part of dance studio furniture. It also experiences the most usage. If the barre is portable, students can move it from one section of the studio to another. Portable barres are very convenient for ballet classes because students can practice in various locations. It can be next to the mirror or in the center of the studio.
A barre normally weighs 10-15 lbs., though it ultimately depends on the length. They can extend to 50 inches long and have adjustable height options. A majority of studios combine numerous units to offer students extra practice space.
The barre’s purpose is to reinforce the students’ balance and improve their stability regarding movement. They can cost as low as $50 apiece or, for premium options, $100. Owners can also staple it to the floor or attach it to the mirror if they want to. Alternatively, they can buy a portable variant.
Sound system
The cost to build a dance studio also includes the way in which music plays. While the physical space of the studio is crucial, the sound system is the cherry on top.
Dance studio sound systems need to be reliable and easy to operate. For the most part, dance studios are echoing chambers with sound reflecting from the hard walls, floors, and mirrors. The room is an extension of the sound system thus should be treated with sound absorption material.
Nowadays, we have wireless speakers, so installing a new sound system may not require such great lengths. Some argue that it is easy to hear the difference. Moreover, wireless speakers cannot achieve what speakers that connect with a sturdy assortment of cables can. In the end, it’s up to you.
The cost to build a dance studio is worth it
Building the studio of your dreams takes a lot of time and energy. For that matter, you may encounter challenges that typically occur when building any type of fitness space. Nevertheless, it will all be rewarding in the end. If you want a quote for your project, don’t hesitate to contact our Mississauga construction location.