How to make a temporary dance floor

Build Outdoor Dance Floor on Ground

If you're wondering how to build a dance floor on uneven ground, then consider this DIY dance floor option, the quick answer is you should check into portable dance floors from Greatmats.

One of the great advantages of portable DIY dance floors is that they can be used in many different locations, so you can literally take the dance floor with you. Whether you're setting up a dance floor for a special performance or need a dance floor for a wedding or other event, you may find yourself in search of flooring for dance that can be used outdoors.

DIY Dance floors are versatile, but they aren't all versatile enough to be used on grass. Grass poses a number of different challenges. First of all, you'll need an outdoor dance floor on uneven ground that can withstand moisture without being damaged. Secondly, outdoor use means that you'll need a floor that can withstand UV rays. This article can inform how to build a outdoor dance floor on uneven ground.

Don't worry, though - at Greatmats, we understand the importance of being able to install a DIY dance floor over grass. That's why we stock a number of suitable temporary dance floor products that can give you the versatility that you're looking for. This article can inform how to build a portable outdoor dance floor on uneven ground.

Necessary Features for A DIY Dance Floor on Uneven Ground or Grass

Waterproof Flooring: Make sure that any dance floor you consider for use on top of grass is fully waterproof. Even if you plan on covering the floor with a tent, there will still be moisture in the grass which a non-waterproof floor could absorb. We offer plenty of waterproof flooring options that are suitable for outdoor use.

As an added benefit, if you're working with waterproof flooring, it's no big deal if a guest spills a drink. Cleanup is easy.

If the ground is uneven, you'll need to provide a surface to help level it out before installing a dance floor, such as a waterproof composite mat system with strong interlocks. If you are confident that the ground won't get wet, simple plywood may do the trick to create a stable subsurface.

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UV Resistant Dance Flooring on Grass

Even a temporary outdoor dance floor on grass will be exposed to UV rays, which can cause your average flooring to fade, and possibly degrade the quality of the flooring over time. Look for a dance floor that has been treated for UV protection so that it can safely be exposed to the sun.

Portable DIY Dance Flooring

When you're working with a grass area, chances are you won't have a flat floor to wheel a flooring cart over. This means you'll need to carry the dance floor, so the portability of the floor is a major factor.

Modular dance flooring tiles are an ideal solution. These tiles are conveniently sized and easy to lift and carry, so even if you're installing the floor in a large field, getting the flooring into location won't be an issue. This will make installing the portable outdoor dance flooring on uneven ground or grass, and depending on the size of your floor, it's a task that a single individual can perform; no need for a professional installation. If you're attempting to install an outdoor dance floor over uneven ground, you may want to consider first laying down a layer of plywood, ground protection mats, or composite mats to level out the surface and prevent tiles from separating.

Easy DIY Dance Floor Installation

When you're working with tiles, you'll want a flooring product that connects together easily. Most of our tiles have a snap together or tab and loop closure design. Either of these systems is easy to use, and lets you quickly connect and disconnect tiles. This means you can quickly assemble the dance floor on grass, giving you plenty of time to finish with the rest of your event preparations.

Additional Tips for Choosing the Right Portable Dance Floor on Grass

We outlined a few specifications above about what to look for in a dance floor that will be installed on grass, but there are a few other tips you should know about choosing a dance floor for any event or venue.

Consider the type of shoes dancers will be wearing - Footwear, particularly high heels, can damage some types of dance flooring. Make sure you select a product that-s appropriate for what people will be wearing.
Think about the aesthetic that you want - Are you looking for a classic floor with a wood grain finish? Or is a more generic tile suitable for your needs?
How large of a dance floor on grass will you need - How many dancers will you have, and how large does your finished floor need to be? Remember, you can always add or remove tiles to customize the size and dimensions of your floor during different events.
Think about additional accessories you'll need, like ramped edges. Many of our products are available with ramped edges for safety, and for an overall clean finish.

Dance Floor on Grass - DIY Tile Options

Portable Dance Floor Tiles: Our Portable Dance Floor Tiles are versatile enough to be used both indoors and outdoors. These tiles are UV treated, so they'll resist fading when used outdoors. The tiles fit together tightly so you don't have to worry about them pulling apart while in use, and the commercial grade vinyl top surface is durable enough to hold up to serious dancing. Ramped border edging is available to create a clean, finished edge that is both safe and attractive.

One major benefit of these tiles is in their construction. The tiles themselves are built on a raised base, so air and moisture can circulate freely beneath the tile's surface. This helps to prevent water from working its way up to the actual dancing surface, even when the tiles are used outdoors.

Sized at 12x12 inches, these portable dance floor tiles are easy to handle and transport. You can vary the size of the floor by setting up just some or all of the tiles, and can also customize the floor's dimensions according to your needs. The tiles fit together quickly and easily, and you can assemble a 10x20-foot dance floor on grass in just minutes. They can be installed over grass, but note that they're only intended for temporary outdoor installations and do still require a hard, flat surface. Significant bumps, spongy ground and/or mud in you grassy surface can cause the installation to become difficult and/or uneven.

With a choice of eight different finishes, including six eye-catching wood grain options, you can have a beautiful floor suitable for any event.

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Portable Outdoor Floor Tiles

For a highly durable option, consider our Portable Outdoor Floor Tiles. These tiles are extremely strong, and can even support the weight of vehicles. While they don't offer the traditional wood grain finish of a dance floor, they are highly versatile, making them a great investment for event facilities.

These tiles are both waterproof and UV resistant, so they can be safely used outdoors. Their unique hinge system makes installation a breeze, as it quickly locks into place for a secure fit that won't separate during use. Measuring 3/4 inch thick, these tiles are made of a polypropylene plastic that is strong enough to easily support large crowds.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of these tiles is the fact that they can be used over many different existing surfaces, including uneven terrain. There's no worrying about finding a perfectly flat space, which will save you both time and stress. You can place these tiles directly on top of grass, and the tiles can even be rolled up for easy storage and a faster installation the next time. Just keep in mind that the tiles will, to a certain degree, conform to the ground it is sitting on, so you will not have a completely level dance floor on grass if the subsurface is uneven.

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Durable Dance Flooring Tile

Want a durable dance floor on grass with the look of real wood? Our ProCourt Gym Flooring Tiles offer you both. These tiles feature a generous 20-mil wear layer that is both scuff and stain resistant, ensuring the tiles continue to look great. Please note that these tiles aren't UV treated, and should only be used outdoors temporarily.

These tiles offer a raised flooring surface which will grip and accommodate grassy surfaces. They snap together easily for a fast installation, and are designed to withstand repeated installations.

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What You Need to Know About Installing a Dance Floor On Grass

While the above products are suitable for use as a portable outdoor dance flooring on uneven ground, it's important to realize that these products are only intended for temporary use. Don't leave them in place longer than necessary, and if possible, install a tent or find another way to protect the flooring from the weather, which will prolong its life.

When deciding where to install the dance floor, look for an area that is as flat and as level as possible. Installing the flooring on an uneven surface may make it difficult to get the tiles to connect correctly, and can place unnecessary stress on the tiles. It may also make the flooring itself uneven, and an uneven dance floor on grass can be dangerous for dancers.

You'll have the best results if you install the flooring over grass that has been mowed, since it will create a firmer, flatter surface than you'll have if you're working with grass that is longer. Placing a layer of plywood under any of these tiles will definitely help create a flatter, more stable and safer dance surface as well.

When it comes time to uninstall the flooring, try to do so when the flooring is thoroughly dry. If the weather isn't cooperating, then dismantle the flooring and allow it to dry indoors before stacking it and storing it away in a closed space, like a closet.

Most of our dance flooring tiles are designed to be easy to clean, but be sure to review the specifications for the particular product that you purchase. In most cases, you can damp mop the floor with a household cleanser.

Please don't hesitate to contact our great customer service team if you have any questions as you explore our many outdoor dance floor options.

How to make a portable dance floor purchase

There are countless advantages to having a portable dance floor, and chances are once you own a portable floor, you'll find even more uses for it than you'd anticipated. Portable dance floors are essential pieces of equipment for DJs, bands, traveling dance troupes, event facilities, performance venues, and more. When it comes to buying portable dance floor kits, though, there are a few things you need to know in order to make the right purchase for your needs.

Portable Dance Floors Aren't All Alike

Start by familiarizing yourself with the different types of portable dance floors. From portable dance floor panel kit packages to portable marley dance floor kits, you'll have plenty of options to choose from.

Here's a brief overview to get you started.

Portable Marley Dance Floor Kit

Portable marley kits are highly popular among professional dancers, since these kits give you the professional finish of a marley floor but with excellent portability. Marley flooring is designed specifically for dancers, and you'll find it used in some of the top performance venues and dance facilities across the world. This professional dance flooring gives dancers just the right amount of traction and shock absorption that they need to be able to put in a top performance while also staying safe.

A portable marley dance floor kit is easy to install and remove, and the marley flooring can be secured with tape for a temporary installation. When the marley is paired with an underlayment, you'll have a top-quality dance floor that can go just about anywhere with you.

Portable Dance Floor Tile Kits

If you're looking for versatility and durability, then portable dance floor tile kits are the way to go. These kits consist of individual tiles that can be connected together to create a durable dance floor of nearly any dimension. You can add on tiles for larger events, or remove them when you need a smaller dance floor. Thanks to this feature, you won't ever be faced with the issue of a dance floor that's too large for an event that causes that dreaded empty dance floor issue.

You'll find that some portable dance floor tiles are designed for outdoor use, and many can withstand high heel traffic without incurring damage. Because the tiles are conveniently sized, they're easy to transport.

Portable Dance Floor Panel Kit

While tile kits give you the versatility to create a dance floor that's just about as small or as large as you could need, a portable dance floor panel kit provides the dance floor components in slightly larger components. This is a major benefit if you need to regularly set up a larger floor, since it saves you time. These larger panels lock together to create a beautiful dance floor, and many are commercial-grade so that they can withstand significant traffic and use.

Additional Considerations When Buying Your Portable Dance Floor

At Greatmats we offer a variety of portable dance floor kits. Which kit is right for your needs? The following points can help you to decide.

How will the dance floor be used?

When it comes to buying an interlocking portable dance floor kit, you'll have plenty of options to choose from. However, the dance floor kits aren't all intended for the same use.

If you're looking for a dance floor that can be used for weddings, parties, and other public events, then you'll need a highly durable flooring that can withstand a variety of shoe types. You'll probably also want something that's waterproof, since spilled drinks are likely.

On the other hand, if you're looking for something to be used by professional dancers for performances, then a portable vinyl dance floor kit may be a better choice. These kits offer professional dancers just the right amount of traction and rebound that they need to put in a top performance. However, they're often intended for particular types of dance, such as soft-shoe versus hard shoe. Be sure to choose the vinyl flooring that's suitable for the dance types to be performed.

What size floor will you need?

Think about the size of the floor that you'll need, too. Will the floor size stay the same from performance to performance, or are you looking for a floor with the versatility for you to alter its dimensions depending on a particular event's needs?

Where will the dance floor be used?

Your location will also partially determine the type of dance kit that you need. If you'll be using the kit outside, then look for something that's waterproof. Tiles and panels can usually be used outside, and are durable enough to be assembled, disassembled, transported, and then used again and again. Their strong interlock systems help to hold the floors together during use, even when you may not be on a perfectly even surface.

On the other hand, marley flooring options are a little more restrictive in terms of where you can use them. You'll need access to a hard, flat surface, and may need an underlayment, too.

How will the floor be stored?

Most of the portable dance floor panel kit and portable dance floor tile kits can be laid flat in storage or even stacked within carry bags. However, marley flooring needs to be stored on a roll, since folding it or leaving it lying flat on the ground can damage the flooring.

Do you need a subfloor?

Depending on the flooring that you're working with and the location where it will be installed, you may need a subfloor. Our portable dance floor subfloor kit options can provide an ideal solution. These subfloors are designed to be portable, so they give your dance floor the spring and shock absorption that you need for safe, comfortable use.

Ordering Your Portable Dance Floor

If you have any questions about which dance floor kit is right for your needs, please give our great customer service team a call. We would be happy to help you choose the dance floor kit that's right for your needs.

7 Tips for Playing the Long DJ Set : Ask.Audio

In every DJ's career, it's inevitable that at some point, someone will want to book you for a long set. If you are a newer athlete, you can use for one or two hour sets, which are common for DJs these days. While shorter time slots are the norm today, it is still traditional to have one DJ play music all night in some places. Longer sets are more complex but allow DJs to express themselves in music and play music in more than one genre and BPM range. With a little preparation, it is possible for you to play all night long.

Here are some tips on how to program music over a longer dial.

Tip 1 - Warm Up

Warming up an empty club or place is an art form indeed. It is not an easy task for anyone to start playing in an empty room and set the atmosphere when no one is there. It is your responsibility to create the atmosphere and mood for the rest of the evening. When you're choosing recordings for your workout set, you'll want to choose songs that make people feel relaxed and at ease. It's not the time of night to play the biggest and loudest tracks in your collection. Your music should welcome people to the new party setting and make them want to stay there.

Good choices for warm up genres might include Latin House, Downtempo, Soul, or anything with an upbeat groove that isn't too heavy or intimidating. No Hardwell quite yet please!

Tip 2 - on the floor

When the crowd starts to build, you want to make a transition in music that is more dance floor friendly. You can start increasing the tempo of the tracks you are playing and start encouraging the first few dancers to get out on the floor. There are several exit tracks prepared that you know will be able to "break the ice" and convince several members of the audience to come out on the floor. The first few dancers will usually be female and you will most likely have success playing songs that appeal to women. Once you have won the girls in the audience, it will be a breeze to get the men on the dance floor.

Tip 3 - main attraction

You managed to get the floor moving and finally it's time for the big compositions. It's the time you've been waiting all night: play the biggest and baddest tunes in your collection. The bulk of the set is where you really want to release and give everything to the audience. Crowds always respond well to songs or remixes they know and it's a great time for you to play those big tunes. Whether you're an EDM or a hip hop DJ, you'll want to include some of the "hits" of your chosen genre in this part of your set. You can also break up new tunes here by mixing them in with songs you know the audience will love.

The main part of the night is usually around 12 pm to 1:30 am so make sure you have enough sausages in your collection to rock the dance floor for all that time. This is not the time to play anything slow or boringthe title of the game will fill the dance floor and keep your audience moving and loving every moment of it.

Tip 4 - Maintaining Grace

If you've been DJing for more than four hours, there may be a point in the night after the main set where you ask yourself, “What should I play next? Get ready for these moments by having multiple tracks in the set, which will be your "saving grace". These types of songs are usually remixes of old songs, tunes that people may know (and may sing along to) that are remixed or re-edited. They can help you to keep people on the dance floor, get them back or just encourage them to stay longer on your set.

Tip 5 - Chilling

It's been a long night and the bartenders are getting restless to close the store. They could let you know that it's time for the final call and your music should follow suit. Late at night is a great time for you to play more underground, soulful music like deep house or techno, or if you're more into urban music maybe some classic R

Tip 6 - Last song

Every DJ needs to finish his set with a special last song. It can be your favorite song, and it doesn't even have to be in the same genre that you're playing. If you play on a regular basis, the crowd will start to recognize your latest song and become one of your themes and calling cards. My personal favorite song for closing my set is No Diggity. It just works every time and keeps the viewer wanting me to play more. Choose the last song wisely; at the end of a long night, you want to give people something to remember you.

Tip 7 - Getting Organized

Now that Djing is a digital affair, it's a good idea to create boxes that can store songs for every part of the night. You could name and name your boxes 'warm up', 'mid set' and 'cool down' and as you build your collection add more songs over time. You can also choose to organize your collection into musical genres such as "deep house", "EDM anthems" and "electro". Use whatever system works best for you. You will need to make sure that you can easily find the songs because you cannot afford to waste time during your set searching for that perfect track. You need to know what are the best tracks to play and where in your collection they can be found.

Output

It takes a lot of prep work to get ready to DJ all night; however, it is always time well invested. Keeping your music collection up to date and stocked with great tunes to play is essential to your success as a DJ, especially if you're going to be playing all night long. Once everything is ready with your music, it will be an exciting adventure to play the first (of many) long gigs. Good luck!

6 WAYS TO INTERACT WITH THE PEOPLE IN THE ROOM DURING A CONCERT

During a performance, the relationship between the audience and the performer is not just an interaction between the artist and the observer. Physically and emotionally, there is very little distance between both sides. How to charge the audience with your energy and win the maximum amount of attention?

Of course, one of the most important factors is complete confidence in yourself and your music. When you can see that the whole band enjoys their own music and exudes confidence, this feeling is transmitted to everyone in the hall. Conversely, when people on stage feel embarrassed or look uneasy, the audience feels awkward too – why should they enjoy, dance or squirm when the artists themselves don't? This negative feeling is very strongly reflected in the perception of music and begins to be associated with it.

If you don't exude boundless confidence that overwhelms everyone the moment you step into view, follow these tips:

1. USE THE MIRROR

what the people in the room need to like you. To do this, they can be given some physical clues. The ice breaks when you start doing the same movements - and here you can use the "mirror" technique.

The first and most striking example of this technique should be used just before the start of your set. All of you must have been in the hall at performances when the artists entering the stage began to applaud in your direction. And for sure you all applauded in response. Feel free to do the same: get on the stage, walk to the edge of the stage and spread your energy throughout the hall, clapping to your own audience. And watch the reaction - this technique works even in the smallest halls. Also remember to do the same when you finish your set.

2. CREATE THE ILLUSION OF DIRECT EYE CONTACT

Making eye contact in all areas of life is one of the most powerful ways to build trust and create a special connection with people. And, of course, this also applies to concerts. But if at the beginning of a song you are panic-stricken, trying to remember part of your part in a song that you just finished at the last rehearsal, then eye contact is too much of a distraction for such a state.

Remember all kinds of crime stories, descriptions of police interrogations, etc. - to create a trusting contact, the characters usually look between the eyes or at the eyebrows of the interlocutor. The same can be used from the stage. Looking directly into your eyes is a pretty powerful exchange of energy, especially when you can't pull yourself together and there are a couple of dozen questioning looks directed at you. Choose a piece of wall, a door, or any piece of furniture that is behind the backs of the audience farthest from the stage, above their very heads. And fix your gaze on it, or return to it every time you look at your instrument and hands. When the nervous breakdown passes and you play that difficult part of the song, switch to the foreheads and eyebrows of the people in the audience.

3. EVEN IF YOU DO NOT SING WITH YOUR COLLECT, LEARN THE LYRICS

For any band member, knowing the lyrics of their own songs is a tactic that works on several levels at once. It's not just that it would be nice to know the lyrics and understand their meaning. When you sing (even without a microphone) the words, you "expand" your own influence on the stage. For example, you play bass and move your lips while singing along with the vocalist - thus you become closer to the audience and let them know how good your lyrics are, that you want to repeat them.

People listen to music, but when they live the moments of a live performance, they look at you with the same attention they listen to. If you enjoy what your vocalist sings, you are signaling your audience to do the same. Well, if you're a vocalist... It's also good to know the lyrics 

4. TAKE NOTES ABOUT WHAT YOU NEED TO SAY BETWEEN SONGS

As we said, the audience feels the confidence and uncertainty coming from the stage. And these states are transmitted not only during the songs, but also in the moments between them. If you repeat the same short phrases, including only "thank you" - it's annoying. If you read out long speeches as if according to the script, this also looks unnatural.

Before each show, try to make yourself a cheat sheet disguised as a set list that says something like: “thank the previous band”, “chat about the upcoming album”, “mention your website or merch”. This will help you not to repeat yourself and not to forget what was not said. You don't need to write a whole speech for yourself, just insert one word between the songs on the list that reminds you of what you wanted to say, but also does not prevent your speech from looking spontaneous.

5. SHARE STORIES, NOT "TELL THE TALES"

Legendary British radio presenter Tim Robinson spoke in one of his interviews about the best way to let the audience feel the theme of a song: the story needs to be shared, and when you introduce the song to people in the room, it's best to ask them about their experiences rather than talk about your own.

Instead of starting with words such as "... you know, I once had a girlfriend who took sooo long to get together, and we constantly fought because of this", it is better to ask the public a question: "have you ever met with someone who was going for a very long time, and waiting for which was simply unbearable? Start your story with the premise "Did it happen to you?" rather than "Once I...". Thus, you will share your own story, involving the public in it from the very first second. Do not forget that people listen to music, watch movies, read books in search of finding themselves, for self-identification, any person needs to find his reflection, pieces of himself in the characters that appear in art. Give them this chance and the audience will thank you.

6. BE THE DIRECTOR OF THIS ROOM

This method is the most difficult and should only be started when you have successfully mastered the five previous ones.

Of course, an ideal concert looks something like this: a whole crowd in the hall, flushed people rage in the middle of the dance floor and right in front of the stage, forgetting all the rules of decency. But the reality is that more often we find ourselves on stage, watching a few friends in a dark corner of the hall or near a bar, and a lonely moving beam of a spotlight across an empty cold dance floor. The next hint will help you learn how to distribute energy and light a fire in the middle of a seemingly motionless hall. You all probably already know that the phrases “Why is no one dancing?” or "Guys, it's time to have fun" never work, and in most cases only offend the audience, pointing out their slowness. So what should be done?

Start by praising those who respond well to your music - for example, one girl, paying no attention to the others, comes out and starts dancing in the middle of the dance floor. Don't leave her unattended. Talk about and applaud these people (see point 1) - praise their energy, talk about how cool they are and how much you appreciate them. Give them confidence and encourage them to keep going. Dedicate the next song only to them (by looking into their eyes or imitating their dances). When the song is over, leave them alone for a while and switch their attention to another part of the hall, because it's time for them to move to the dance floor.

When one part is already heated up, it is already possible to call on the rest with words - like “hey guys, look how hot it is”, etc. If you have a member who dances lightly with his instrument, have him come down to the audience and strum along with them. The “musician in the crowd” position always works very well and attracts attention.