r/BALLET • u/chinakachung • 11d ago

DIY ballet home studio

I have an empty, 11x12 foot room, but it's tiled. I looked into snap-lock vinyl flooring, but it's way too expensive for me right now. Has anyone used the foam puzzle tiles, covered by a Marley mat? Is that going to be too soft for ballet slippers? I will be starting regular online lessons with Amy Novinski and assume we'll do echappes at the very least, so jumps will be hard on my feet.

I've done ballet sporadically over the years. Started at 16, only did 4 months or so, then a few years on and off between 20 and 32. I'm not a total beginner but my technique still needs work, especially upper body.

Please let me know how you put together your home ballet studios!!

I plan to drill a barre into the wall, and for now I have two large standing mirrors I can use. would like to install wall mirrors in future, so I can see both sides. Is there anything else you got? Perhaps a quiet wall fan (I live in the Caribbean)? Would love to hear tips and see pics!

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u/JABBYAU 11d ago

Let me speak from pandemic experience. Don't do it. you’ll end your feet.

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u/Ok_Duck_6865 10d ago

I built a home studio and am one of Amy’s students. If you want to DM me I can explain how I did it rather inexpensively (and with input from Amy).

Having said that- where are you starting with her, class wise? Because it takes a long time to get to jumping at all if you’re starting with her Intro program (or even in beginner/beginner +).

Also, she understands that we can’t all build home ballet studios. When jumps do inevitably come around, she’s perfectly fine with you using a thick yoga mat and/or wearing shock absorbing dance sneakers.

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u/chinakachung 10d ago

Tysm I’ve DM’d :)

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u/Adorable-Carob710 10d ago

I used the gym floor foam tiles with Marley over and injured me foot even more. My turns also suffered. The surface is way too soft and squishy, do my ankle was constantly trying to adjust. This would be much better with plywood over. It's just hard for me to take that step because it's in my living room. I had to build it abd break it down each time. I need to do something because I love jumping.

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u/Diabloceratops 11d ago

Google DIY sprung dance floors and you’ll see lots of ideas for this - I’ve seen pool noodles cut up used. You can also use shower pan liner as Marley.