The world of tap dancing is often one of mystery. Dancers are frequently seen on television and in stage shows, but the instrument they use to make those sounds is often not widely known. Despite this, it’s not really the case that a dancer must have this one specific instrument to make the art form work. Instead, the best tap dancing equipment is a combination of a variety of different items to suit the needs of a particular dancer.
To help you find the right gear for you, we’ve rounded up the best tap dancing equipment currently on the market.
Read on to find the right one for you.
Our Editor’s Best Tap Dancing Equipment Reviews
- USA Handcrafted with authentic Marley Dance and Stage Flooring that produces a Safe controlled slip. Multiuse with a non-slip gym mat back that helps the user stay Safe and Protects your floors at home. Use both sides! Petite Size 24 inches, weighing 7.6 pounds.
- Sturdy Marley Dance Floor that is a Stable Surface. Not just a flimsy piece of rolled out Marley. Can be used Safely and remains Stable on carpet or any other floor. Creates Stability and helps with Balance. Quickly and Easily turn any room into a Home Dance Studio. 4 sizes to select from.
- Lightweight and Portable for easy Travel to Dance Competitions and Ballerina Conventions. Improve your performance and reduce chances of injury by warming up safely on an actual Marley dance floor before hitting the competition stage. It's your very own Mobile Dance Studio Floor! Travel backpack available.
- Safety feature engineered low, only 3/8ths off the ground with a Tapered Edge increasing stability while training. Can be used with all Dance, sports and training shoes including Ballet, Tapdance Shoes, En Pointe, and Pointe Shoes. Attached safe and tuck-able carrying handle creates the safest training environment and makes moving it around easy and travel convenient.
- Ideal for all ages and all skill levels. Perfect for Dancers, Ballerinas, Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnasts, Figure Skaters, Contortionists, Ballet, Pilates, Tap Dance, Irish Dance, Jazz, Contemporary Dancing, En Pointe, Modern Dancers, Roller Skaters, Roller Dance, Ice Skaters, Ball Room, Cheerleaders, Pep Squad, Circus Performers, Drill Team, Photo Shoots, and Baton Twirlers. Endless possibilities and uses for dot2dance.
- 💃【Dance Anywhere, Anytime】: Unleash your passion for tap dancing with our Portable Tap Dance Board. This dance floor is a game-changer, enabling you to practice and perform whether you're at home or outdoor. Create your dance studio wherever you go and let your rhythm flow without limitations.
- 💃【Suitable for Any Surface】: Designed with versatility in mind, our dance flooring provides a solid, stable platform on any surface. May it be grass, sand, or concrete, our tap board for tap dancing ensures a reliable, flat surface for your performances.
- 💃【Impact Resistant and Anti-Slip】: Safety is our priority. That's why our portable stage platform is made to be impact resistant and anti-slip, providing you with a secure tap dance floor to perform your steps with confidence. Enjoy the sturdy feel beneath your feet as you dance your heart out.
- 💃【Portable with Smooth Handle】: Don't worry about the logistics. Our tap floor for dancers' home is designed with a smooth handle, making it super easy to carry and transport. Its lightweight yet sturdy construction assures convenience without compromising quality.
- 💃【Comfortable Dance Experience】: With our dance floor tiles, dancing becomes a comfort-affair. The excellent absorption reduces stress on your joints, providing a soft landing for each tap and allowing you to dance longer without fatigue. Enjoy a studio-grade dance experience right in the comfort of your space.
- Versatile and Portable Size: this portable dance floor is approximately 33 inches/ 84 cm in size; Its round figure with a thickness of 1.6 millimeters offers ample space for training; It ensures that dancers can fully showcase their skills and movements without hindrance, offering a good dance experience every time
- Convenient Design: our smooth flooring offers the good solution for dancers; It features a roll out design that makes it convenient and easy to pack up and store; This design ensures that the mat can withstand the demands of regular training and performances, making it a necessary accessory for every dancer
- Slip Resistant Surface: the ballet floor features a semi matte surface with anti slip design; This surface can absorb vibration and sound, while its cotton layer can absorb impact and sweat; Whether you're wearing soft shoes or dancing barefoot, this surface provides a safe space for dancing without compromising on the quality of your moves
- Convenient Travel Companion: the dance floor mat ensures you can set up a dance studio wherever you go; It can be unfolded within seconds and secured with tape for temporary installation; It includes a travel bag, making it easy to carry and suitable to use on any flat and smooth hard surface like hardwood, tiles, laminates, or vinyl
- Material for Dancing: made from quality PVC vinyl, our portable dance floor mat ensures reliable stability for dancers whilst also offering appropriate rotation and speed; This material makes the mat sturdy and resilient so that it can accommodate vigorous dance routines, ensuring an optimal dancing environment each time
- 【Premium Tap Dancing Platform】Outshine the competition with our extra-large tap dancing board, designed to provide a stable and spacious surface that supports flawless routines. Perfect for any setting—grass, concrete, carpet, or tile—this board ensures precision, smooth movement, and unmatched versatility.
- 【Larger Than the Competition】Measuring an impressive 28x48 inches, our tap board is larger than most options on the market, offering more room for dancers to move freely. Whether you're a beginner perfecting basic steps or a seasoned professional mastering complex footwork, this oversized surface provides the space you need to express yourself fully and confidently.
- 【Exceptional Durability & Craftsmanship】Crafted from premium wood, this tap board boasts a wear-resistant, waterproof coating for long-lasting performance. The elegant natural wood grain enhances its aesthetic appeal, while the anti-slip EVA foam padding underneath absorbs sound and protects your floors—offering worry-free practice wherever you are.
- 【Enhanced Sound & Stylish Design】Engineered to amplify tap sound resonance, this board delivers clear, crisp tones that elevate your routines. Its sleek appearance and robust construction not only stand out from ordinary practice boards but also provide a professional, performance-ready platform for dancers seeking the best.
- 【Portable Design】Featuring a built-in handle, our tap board is easy to transport, so you can take your passion for dance anywhere. Whether at home, in the studio, or outdoors, this versatile board ensures you're always ready to perform without limitations.
- 【DANCE ANYWHERE YOU LIKE】Transform any surface into a dance floor with the tap dancing board! Its durable wood construction and cushioning layer provide the perfect balance of stability and sound on any surface. Dance on carpets, concrete, grass, tiles, and many more!
- 【PROTECT YOUR FLOORS AND EQUIPMENT】A cushioning layer is added to the bottom of the tap board to make dancing easier on your joints and your dancing equipment. Say goodbye to tired feet and injury and hello to endless hours of effortless dancing!
- 【DANCE WITH EASE】Step up your dance game! The tap dance board is versatile and perfect for tap, flamenco, Irish step dance, and body percussion. Let your body move and unleash your inner rhythm!
- 【PORTABLE SOLUTION】Whether you're a dance teacher, vocational student, or beginner, the tap dance floor mat is the perfect tool for practicing your dancing skills at home or on the go. Its built-in handle makes it easy to transport and set up in any room or outdoor space.
- 【QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST】We are dedicated to providing the best product and service to all our customers. If you are not happy with our product for any reason at all, please get in contact with us, and we will happily refund your order – no questions asked.
- Portable & Lightweight: This rollable and foldable tap dance floor weighs only 5lbs, making it the perfect solution for tap dancers on the go. Practice anywhere, anytime without worrying about scratching your floors.
- Sustainable Bamboo Construction: Made from sustainably sourced bamboo, one of the world’s strongest and most eco-friendly materials. This tap floor is not only durable but also helps reduce environmental impact.
- Non-Slip Fabric Backing: Safety is key! Our floor is designed with a non-slip fabric backing, ensuring a stable surface for dancers. Whether you're using it as a dance floor for outdoor parties or home practice, it provides a secure base.
- Superior Sound Quality: Designed to amplify the tap sound, this tap dance board gives you the rich, crisp sound professionals seek. Ideal for schools, tap classes, and even tap dancing practice at home.
- Perfect for Any Surface: Whether on hardwood, tile, or plush carpet, the bamboo flooring can bend without breaking, providing a sturdy and reliable surface for tap dancing anywhere, including outdoor spaces like grass.
- Perfect Portable Dance Floor: This compact portable dance floor is designed for easy portability, allowing you to tap dance confidently anytime, anywhere. Whether practicing privately indoors or performing publicly outdoors, you can effortlessly showcase your skills.
- Spacious Large Size Design: With its unique 46.4*29.5-inch large size design, this Tap Board provides ample space for your dance movements, accommodating every inspiration and creative expression.
- Premium Craftsmanship: Tap Board For Tap Dancing crafted from high-quality multi-layer solid wood panels, it delivers authentic foot feel and superior cushioning. A durable wear-resistant and waterproof layer enhances longevity, while a bottom silent rubber pad enhances cushioning, protecting your floors and providing quiet support for a comfortable dancing experience.
- Convenient Handle Design: Featuring a sleek handle design, it's easy to carry and transport. Whether tucked away in a home dance corner or taken on travels, dance floor for party moves effortlessly with you.
- Small dance floor with big dreams: Whether practicing privately indoors or performing publicly outdoors, you can effortlessly showcase your skills.
- Durable and High-Quality Material:Crafted from premium material, our portable dance floor ensures long-lasting durability and excellent performance for all types of dance practice
- Perfect Size for Versatile Use:With a 31-inch diameter, this round dance floor provides ample space for practicing ballet, tap dance, pirouettes, and even figure skating moves, making it ideal for dancers of all levels
- Easy to Transport and Set Up:Lightweight and portable, this dance floor can be easily rolled up and transported, allowing you to set up a practice area anywhere, whether at home, in the studio, or on the go
- Safe and Non-Slip Surface:The non-slip surface ensures safety during practice sessions, reducing the risk of slips and falls. This feature is especially important for rigorous routines and fast-paced movements
- Eco-Friendly and Non-Toxic:Made with eco-friendly and non-toxic materials, this dance floor is safe for all users and environmentally conscious, contributing to a healthier planet
- Create Your Perfect Dance Space: Transform any room into your personal stage with our versatile 6 x 3ft dance floor mat. The smooth, professional-grade vinyl surface supports every move, perfect for mastering ballet, jazz, tap, and more
- Dance Anytime, Anywhere: This Lightweight and portable, marley floor is easy to set up for impromptu practices or outdoor performances, letting you bring your passion wherever you go
- Safe and Stable Dancing: Dance with confidence on a textured, slip-resistant dance flooring surface that minimizes the risk of slips and injuries, keeping you focused on perfecting your technique
- Ample Space for Movement: Enjoy the freedom to move with our generously sized 18 sq. ft. dance mats for dancers. Easily tape it down for stability or connect multiple sections for a larger performance area
- Professional Dance Experience: Trusted by dancers worldwide, this ballet floor delivers a professional-grade surface that enhances your practice at home, in the studio, or outdoors, helping you reach new heights
- COMPLETE PRACTICE DANCE FLOOR KIT: Includes 9 12”x12” interlocking tiles and 12 edge pieces that create a 3’x3’ (9 sq ft) dance panel. Combine multiple kits to create any size dance floor!
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE: Weighing only 18 lbs, this easy to assemble and disassemble dance kit is simple to transport and travel with.
- DURABLE AND SIMPLE TO INSTALL: Big Floors dance floors are engineered with 840 support structures per sq ft making them tough enough to stand up to continued use. No tools required to put this kit together, the tiles simply “snap” together.
- 100% WATERPROOF AND EASY TO CLEAN: Engineered for indoor and outdoor use so it won’t get ruined if you’re caught in the rain. Plus, the vinyl surface makes it easy to clean after outdoor use, simply wipe down with a soft cloth.
- MADE IN THE USA: This product is proudly made in the USA and is compatible with all Big Floors dance flooring products.
Best Tap Dancing Equipment Buying Guide
Before choosing the best tap dancing equipment you should consider following options:
1. Tap Shoes: Before you buy tap shoes, you should consider the type of taps you want. If you plan to do a lot of intricate dancing, you may want a heavy-soled pair.
If you want to stick to a simple sound, you can get a pair of light-soled taps. Many dancers prefer leather-soled taps as they provide more traction and are more durable.
You can also get a pair of split-soled taps, which will allow you to do both loud and soft taps.
2. Number of Taps: You should also consider how many taps you want when you dance. A pair with one tap is known as a solo tap and is often used by beginners.
A pair with two taps is known as a duet tap and is often used in jazz. When you dance a trio tap, you have three taps, which is most common.
A quartet tap has four taps, and a quintet tap has five. You also have a sextet tap, which has six taps.
What else you should know about tap dancing equipment
1. What type of shoes do tap dancers wear?
Tap dancers wear shoes with metal plates on the bottom that create a loud noise when they hit the ground.
2. What is the difference between a hard and a soft shoe?
A hard shoe is made of plastic or leather and is used for tap or Irish dancing. A soft shoe is made of fabric and is used for ballet or modern dancing.
3. What kind of floor is best for tap dancing?
A smooth floor is best for tap dancing.
4. How do I make my own tap shoes?
There is no definitive answer to this question as there are many ways to make tap shoes, depending on the materials and tools available. However, some tips on how to make tap shoes may include using an old pair of shoes as a base, or using a shoe last to create a custom fit. Once the basic shape of the shoe is created, the next step would be to add the taps. This can be done by screwing or gluing them onto the sole of the shoe. Finally, the shoe would need to be finished by adding a strap or laces, and then breaking them in by wearing them around the house.
5. What kind of music do tap dancers use?
Tap dancers use music with a strong beat. This can be any type of music, but jazz and blues are particularly popular.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best tap dancing equipment. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best tap dancing equipment will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.