Your child’s first encounter with dance will probably be inside a studio with a teacher, classmates, and a wall of mirrors. However, when they wish to improve their technique or exercise their passion, they may need a space to do so right at home. This way, they can continue to master their craft without asking you for a ride to the dance studio or waiting for their next class. If you’re interested in fashioning a practice space in your house, the following guide can get you started.

3 Tips for Creating a Dance Practice Space at Home

1. Cushion the Floors

If you don’t have an extra room to set aside for dancing, just clear a space of at least eight-by-eight feet in your living room, den, or basement. Then, you’ll know how much dance studio flooring to account for. To make it easier for your child to slide and spin—and safer for them to jump—you’ll want to invest in some sort of smooth, cushioned flooring, like rubber or vinyl. For a quick solution, you could opt for soft interlocking tiles made of cork or foam.

2. Add Some Mirrors

Next, you’ll need to ensure your young dancer can see their reflection while they practice, so they can make adjustments to their form and realize when they’ve met their goals. Installing floor-to-ceiling mirrored panels flush with the wall will create a studio-grade setup. For a more temporary or affordable practice area, simply lean a couple of full-length mirrors against the wall. Avoid using a wall directly opposite a window, as the glare might prevent a clear view during the daytime.

3. Set Up a Sound System

Music is an integral part of the art of dance, so you’ll want your child to immerse themselves in the sounds of their choice when they’re practicing. Instead of relying on your smartphone or a single Bluetooth^® speaker, consider a surround-sound stereo with multiple speakers throughout the room. You could even mount the speakers to the wall, focusing on different corners of the room.

If your son or daughter is getting serious about their dance skills, turn to Performing Dance Center of Salt Lake City, UT, to keep them challenged and motivated. This dance studio has trained young dancers since 2009, starting as early as two years old. Whether your child is interested in ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, or jazz, their dedicated teachers will encourage and guide them to greatness. Visit the website to learn more about their class offerings, or call the dance studio at (801) 463-4684 to schedule a tour.