Why are true “Sprung” Marley dance floors important?

 

True “sprung” dance floors have the right amount of “give” to them.  Dancing on concrete or even “floating” joists laid directly on concrete results in the body absorbing the energy of that impact.  A true sprung dance floor means that every point on the dance surface is separated from the sub-floor by air.  Whether that is accomplished by actual springs, a basket-weave design, or closed-cell Neoprene or other polymeric material is inconsequential.

According to Perry Silvey, the production stage manager of the New York City Ballet, this flooring is injury free and predictable.  Rather than slipping, the Marley enables the dancers to concentrate solely on performing well.  Concrete floors can create many physical problems for they allow no "give".  A properly sprung floor absorbs energy, preventing overuse injuries. The added protection from the Marley floor provides consistency and cushioning for the dancer.

 

 

 

Why is this important?

 

The impact force with which the foot strikes the ground will rebound off the surface and vibrate up through the body as an energy shockwave.  This shockwave affects muscles, tendons and leads to joint trauma at the ankle, knee, hip, and lower back.  According to Sports Medicine experts, the body feels three times its weight in pressure with each foot-fall while running and up to seven times its weight when it jumps.  Jumping on a non-sprung floor can result in shin splints, sprains or worse.

 

You will find a lot of studios skip this important step as these floors are very expensive to install.

 

So before you sign up for classes at any dance studio, ask if they have true sprung floors!

 

Dance Contempra utilizes professionally installed true sprung, Marley covered dance floors in all three of our spacious studios.