Basics in dance facilities for year 1–8
If year 1–8 schools can provide a separate space suitable for dance, it will need the specifications and features described below. Dance specialists suggest that a room of the size described below is suitable for students up to about 10 years of age – beyond that a larger specialist dance space is needed.
Note that this section does not describe a specialist dance studio. What is outlined here is a space suitable for dance that will probably also be used for other activities such as drama, music, small assemblies, and performances. It is almost a matter of what dance spaces should not have in them. Drama and music requirements should be organised so that they do not impinge on the open and safe space required for dance.
Separate dance space features
If you can provide a separate space suitable for dance at years 1–8, preferred features are:
- floor area of at least two standard classrooms is suggested
- high ceiling of at least 3 metres – standard classrooms with open roof spaces are fine, but not if there are ceiling beams crossing the room at normal ceiling height
- lights should be recessed or close to the roof, not hanging.
- clear walls with no protrusions – it is best if windows are higher than about 2 metres
- wooden floor (preferably sprung) that is in good condition, kept clean, not highly polished (but not carpeted either, since carpet causes friction burns and creates a false sense of security)
- secure foyer area with racks for shoes (which will be removed for dance) and other student belongings – no personal gear should be allowed to clutter the dance space
- changing rooms are needed if this space is to be used by year 7–8 students (since the nature of dance at this level and fashion-consciousness of students this age means they will probably need to change for dance sessions)
- location should take into account the need for privacy (no unofficial audience to put off dancers) and to avoid dance noise and music disturbing other classes
- furniture should be kept to a bare minimum, preferably stacked off the main floor – the ideal is a room that is empty and ready for dance
- sound system with good quality speakers mounted in all four corners of the space (so that all dancers hear the same sound), and with CD/tape players housed off the floor so they are not affected by impact vibrations – best solution is to keep them in a lockable cupboard recessed into a wall
- ventilation should be effective but quiet – natural cross ventilation between high opening windows can be effective and low cost
- heating needs to be controlled from within the room – students doing dance need to be able to work in a warm but not hot environment
- storage cupboard dedicated to dance resources.
Equipment and fittings
In addition, users of the room should have convenient access to the following equipment:
- an overhead projector and/or computer for data projection
- video/DVD playing equipment
- access to drinking water
- first aid equipment
- cleaning equipment – brooms and floor mops.
The dance space also needs the following fittings of a general classroom:
- whiteboard fixed to a wall
- screen or wall area suitable for projection, fixed well above the floor
- display boards, probably higher on walls than in general classrooms.
Note that a desk is not required for the teacher in the dance space.