Have you been thinking of getting a dance turn board to expand your exercise routine and allow yourself to practice a wide range of moves with ease? A board can definitely be the answer to this problem, but how do you know which board to choose?
Dance turn boards are a superb tool for dancers and ice skaters who need to work on their spins. The best dance turn boards include the Wendywu board, the Swirl ; Twirl board, and the TTolbi board. These will help you perfect your dance moves.
We’re going to use this article to understand what dance turn boards are, how they can help you exercise, and most importantly, which board you should buy to ensure you can exercise as effectively as possible!
Dance turn boards are tools that many dancers use when they are training. The board reduces the amount of friction between your foot and the floor, making it easier to perform moves like a pirouette. They were initially developed for ice skaters, however they are used by many individuals who are learning ice skating, ballet, and other forms of dance
They have a convex base that creates one small connection point with the floor, and allows the majority of the board to balance off the floor. This means that there will be minimal friction when the dancer spins, allowing them to practice their turns much more easily than with their feet on the floor.
What Makes Turn Boards Different To A Turn Disc?
It’s worth noting that while dance turn boards and turning discs are very similar, there are a few significant differences. The most obvious is that dance turn boards are rectangular, and turn discs (as the name suggests) are circular. This is the easiest way to distinguish between the two.
However, they are also used in slightly different ways. A dance turn board allows the dancer to be “flat footed,” which some teachers frown on. Dance moves are not performed flat footed, and some people think that training this way is a bad idea.
However, others find it beneficial for learning how the movements should feel, and practicing the sensation of doing multiple turns in an easier setting. You can work on finding your center of rotation more effectively. It can also make it simpler to spot mistakes, because you can turn more quickly, and mistakes are therefore magnified.
By contrast, a turn disc encourages dancers to practice their moves in Releve (a movement in which the dancer rises on the tips of their toes), because they are working in a very limited space (usually less than 6 inches). This more closely mimics the actual dance environment, forcing the user to spin on the balls of their feet so that their feet don’t touch the floor. You can’t remain flat footed on a turn disc.
Turn discs are more compact, but can be harder to master. Some people prefer them, while others prefer turn boards.
Do Dance Turn Boards Help?
There is some debate over whether dance turn boards help or not. They do have certain advantages, such as allowing you to get used to the feeling of turning multiple times very quickly, without losing your balance or your spotting (a technique dancers use to not feel dizzy).
They will allow you to train your core so that your abdominal muscles keep you stable whilst turning.
Because they reduce friction, they also let you focus on other parts of learning different techniques, and they can make it easier to practice on various floor types.
However, some people argue that dance turn boards are problematic because they let dancers practice in a flat footed position. This isn’t how you will perform the moves in an actual dance, which means you may have to re-learn the techniques when you start trying to use them in a real context.
This can therefore be inefficient and some instructors therefore argue against the use of turn boards. There are others who allow them, and who think that they provide benefits as a training tool.
Are Dance Turn Boards Safe?
When they are used correctly, dance turn boards are generally considered safe. However, a turn board decreases the resistance with the floor so it does pose some dangers because it allows you to spin quickly without friction.
With less friction, while spinning fast, there is the risk that you could spin without control and fall. This risk is elevated because you are turning on a foreign surface (eg the turn board) and you are elevated off the floor.
Overall, dance turn boards are considered relatively safe provided that they are used correctly. You need to make sure you have some core and leg strength to remain safe on the board.
You should also make sure you start turning slowly than you think you need to, as many dancers are taken aback by how much faster they move when they are on a turn board. A good tip is to go slowly until you have got a feel for how the tool lets you move.
What Are The Best Dance Turn Boards For Dancers?
Our team reviewed the best dance boards, so let’s look at some of the top options available.
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Overview:
The Swirl And Twirl Ballet Board comes in a number of different colors, and you can buy it with or without felt. The surface is padded to absorb sweat and reduce the risk of slipping, as well as to make the board more comfortable to stand and spin on.
It measures 11.5 x 3.07 x 0.83 inches, and some users dislike its thinness, worrying that it may snap. It weighs 0.17 kg, so you aren’t gaining much of a weight advantage for the decreased thickness. Overall, however, it’s still a great board, and only costs $15.49.
Key Features:
- Padded with a licenced foam which absorbs moisture
- Measures 11.5 x 3.07 x 0.83 inches
- Weighs 0.17 kg
Price (USD):
- 15.49
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Overview:
A TTolbi Turning Board is a great option, and it can be purchased in pink, purple, or blue. It utilizes EVA foam for a comfortable, non-slip surface underfoot, and the board is made of nylon, so it should spin easily and readily on most types of hard flooring. The manufacturers claim it can also spin on thin carpet.
The board measures 11.22 x 3.15 x 0.67 inches, and weighs 0.19 kg. It is a little more expensive at $20.95, but it is a great board.
Key Features:
- Utilizes EVA foam for a comfortable, non-slip surface
- Manufacturers claim it can spin on thin carpet
- Measures 11.22 x 3.15 x 0.67 inches
- Weighs 0.19 kg
Price (USD):
- 20.95
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Overview:
This turn board has a neoprene rubber foot pad to make it comfortable to stand on so you can train for longer. It measures 11.8 x 3.2 x 1.3 inches, so it’s reasonably compact for storage, and it’s only 0.16 kg, making it easy to transport if you need to train in different places.
It only costs $14.99, making it an affordable option for dancers everywhere!
Key Features:
- Made from composite resin plastic with a neoprene rubber foot pad
- Measures 11.8 x 3.2 x 1.3 inches
- Weighs 0.16 kg
Price (USD):
- 14.99
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Overview:
Available in multiple colors, this turn board also has a rubber pad to make it comfortable against your feet. It measures 12.4 x 3.45 x 1.3 inches, so it’s similar to the Wendywu, but a little more generously sized. It is also a little heavier, but still only 0.18 kg, so it’s easy to carry around when you need to.
It does tend to move around on the floor because the friction is so low, but this is part of its appeal; it will let the dancer turn with ease!
It costs $19.95, which is more expensive, but still generally an affordable tool for dancers.
Key Features:
- The Official TurnBoard will not flatten out over time like many of the ‘bargain brands.’
- Measures 12.4 x 3.45 x 1.3 inches
- Weighs 0.18 kg
- Available in 5 different colors: Blue, Pink, Purple, Violet Glitz and the signature edition Kenzie Ziegler TurnBoard
Price (USD):
- 19.95
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Overview:
Available in pink or purple, the Cosmos Turning Board has an EVA foam pad to reduce the risk of slipping and to make the board comfortable underfoot. The board itself is made of thickened plastic so whilst durable it is perhaps more likely to scratch flooring than some of the other options.
Its dimensions are 11.4 x 2.9 x 0.5 inches, so it’s significantly thinner than the other turn boards listed here. However, it still weighs around 0.17 kg, meaning it’s not lighter for transporting or carrying from room to room. It’s on the small side of turning boards.
The price makes for a fantastic budget board, as it only costs $11.99.
Key Features:
- Made of high quality plastic and EVA foam pad
- Measures 11.4 x 2.9 x 0.5 inches
- Weighs 0.17 kg
Price (USD):
- 11.99
Who Should Use Dance Turn Boards?
Beginners can use dance turn boards, but in general, they are a tool that’s best reserved for dancers who have already have a medium to strong turning technique and who simply need to work on their center of balance and spotting.
Bear in mind that the turn board allows you to turn flat footed, so using this before you have mastered the right position for your foot may confuse your muscle memory and make it harder to turn properly later. On the whole, it’s better for beginners to avoid turn boards until they have mastered the correct foot position.
Intermediate and advanced dancers can benefit from the use of dance turn boards. They are likely to have already mastered the foot position, and are less likely to be confused by moving with a flat foot. They can therefore just work on improving their turns by using the board to reduce friction. This can be very useful for advanced dancers.
How To Use A Dance Turn Board
Using a turn board is reasonably straightforward, but you do want to make sure you are being careful and using it effectively.
It’s a good idea to warm up before you use the board, paying particular attention to exercising your core so that the muscles are ready to support your weight and keep you balanced as you are turning. You will also need to stretch your calves, ready for bearing your weight during the turn.
To perform a basic exercises on a turn board, you will
- Step onto the board with one foot, making sure the board is lengthways under your foot. You want your foot in the center.
- Center your body weight. Take your other foot off the ground and balance in the pirouette position.
- Get comfortable, and then perform a single pirouette by giving yourself a gentle push in the direction you want to spin. Make sure it’s gentle, as it’s easy to lose control.
- Perform one turn, and then put your foot back down.
You can watch more in Ashi Ross’s Turnboard Tutorial.
Bear in mind that using a dance turn board involves having your foot flat on the board, not in Releve – as you would if you were using a turn disc. Your foot should be in full contact with the board throughout the exercises.
Most turn boards state that they should be used on hard flooring, not on carpets, so that they can spin reliably and safely.
How Much Space Do You Need To Use A Dance Turn Board?
You should generally have a minimum of 8 feet by 8 feet to safely use a turn board, but the more space you have, the better. You don’t want to be bumping into furniture if your board slips off balance or you fall. Clear as much space as possible before you start your turns.
What Size Dance Turn Board Do You Need?
Most dance turn boards are one-size-fits-all. As you can see from those listed above, there are some variations, but in general, you’ll be able to use any dance turn board, regardless of your size.
Related Questions:
Q: What material are dance turn boards made of?
A: Usually, dance turn boards are made of nylon and foam so that they can spin well and they are comfortable to stand on.
Q: Can you make a DIY dance turn board?
A: If you don’t want to buy a dance turn board, you can create your own makeshift version. In this tutorial, the creator utilizes cardboard, pretty paper, and tape to make a budget turn board. This will not last as well as a commercial version, but can work in a pinch.
Q: Do dance turn boards scratch floors?
Because they hold body weight and come into contact with floors whilst turning, some turn boards unfortunately do scratch floors. You should use a pad under your turn board to protect your floor and reduce the risk of scratches.
Conclusion
As you can see, dance turn boards have much to offer to people who are learning ballet, ice skating, ballroom, or indeed any activity which utilizes spins. However, it’s important to bear in mind that they won’t teach you proper footing and you should use them in conjunction with a professional class and expert training to ensure good technique is maintained.
For further reading you may enjoy our article on the Best Pointe Shoes: Backed by a 20-year ballet dancer which pairs well with the above article if you are looking to turn en pointe.