In this episode of Dance Studio 411, Jill Tirone chats with Bill Brown from Gerriets, a global leader in dance flooring solutions for over 75 years. They cover everything from choosing the right Marley floor to preventing injuries, cleaning and maintenance tips, and the latest innovations from Gerriets. Bill’s technical theater background and passion for helping studios shine make this a must-listen for any studio owner.

 

Episode Timestamps

• [00:28] – Meet Bill Brown from Gerriets Dance Floors
• [01:36] – Bill’s background in technical theater and his journey with Gerriets
• [03:52] – History of Gerriets: From curtains to Marley dance floors
• [06:00] – Why flooring matters: Cushioning, subfloors, and injury prevention
• [08:09] – Challenges of multi-use floors: Tap vs. ballet needs
• [09:36] – The Vario Beat floor: Balancing slickness and grip
• [09:58] – Overview of other popular Gerriets products like Vario Pro
• [12:19] – Common mistakes studio owners make when installing floors
• [15:45] – Cleaning tips and Gerriets new Vario Care product line
• [18:16] – Gerriets new dedicated dance floor website
• [19:22] – Rapid-fire Q&A: Mistakes, installation tips, and favorite projects
• [24:13] – Bill’s favorite part about working in dance flooring
• [24:55] – Coolest venues Gerriet’s has worked with
• [26:25] – Final thoughts and how to connect with Gerriets

 

Key Takeaways

• Subflooring is critical – Concrete floors can cause long-term joint issues without proper cushioning.

• Marley floors vary by dance style – Ballet, tap, and multi-use studios require different traction levels.

• The Vario Beat floor balances slickness for tap with grip for ballet thanks to its innovative embossing.

• Proper cleaning is essential – Use pH-neutral, non-abrasive cleaners to maintain Marley’s surface.

• Gerriets Vario Care line includes daily and deep-clean products plus a protective finish to extend floor life.

• Ask questions before installing – Delivery logistics, subfloor prep, and correct flooring choice are key.

• Gerriets new website specifically for dance floors https://gerrietsdancefloors.com/ makes it easier for studio owners to find flooring solutions and request quotes.

• Bill’s philosophy: The right floor supports dancers’ health and enhances performance while lasting for years.

 

Links Mentioned in This Episode

Gerriets Dance Floors: https://gerrietsdancefloors.com/

Energize Conference and Expo: https://www.energizeconference.com/

Dance Studio Owner: https://www.dancestudioowner.com/public/joinnow.cfm

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