Dance Studio Lighting
Posted by STARS AND STRIPES LIGHTING
Virtually every location has its own unique needs when it comes to finding the right lighting solution. When looking to implement the most appropriate dance studio lighting, there are a few factors worth considering. Below we will discuss a few types of fixtures or solutions worth considering for dance studio lighting to achieve the best results.
Each type of bulb available has their own drawbacks and benefits for dance studio lighting. Even though halogens are long lasting, the downside is they can create more heat in a space that needs to stay on the comfortable and cool side. Incandescent bulbs on the other hand aren't as long lasting, however they offer lower temperatures and soft light that is easy on the eyes.
When looking for the most appropriate lamp type, LED should be at the top of the list for this location. There are several reasons to make LED the go-to choice for a dance studio. For one, LED offers the best in lumen output to wattages consumed, which will save on utility costs every month. LED is also long-lasting, so you won't be wasting time or money on replacement lamps, Due to LEDs efficiency at providing illumination, it doesn't have heat loss during operation, which is especially important in a dance studio to ensure the comfort of your dancers. LED is also available in a wide range of specifications including color rendering index, color temperature, and lumen output, providing you with the right solution for the needs and size of the space.
When it comes down to what type of fixture is most suitable for dance studio lighting, there are essentially three mounting options available on the market. Surface mount lighting, which is placed flush against the ceiling. Suspended mount is a light fixture that is suspended on a chain, cable, or cord. Recessed mount is a lighting fixture placed inside the ceiling, which creates a flattering outcome. Selecting the type of fixture for your location will depend on the height of the ceiling, with the most popular being recessed. Recessed lighting will give you a clean look, while allowing for more head space for dancers to practice, whereas a suspended fixture could lead to safety concerns depending on the size of the studio. Recessed lights are also easier to keep clean and maintain, since very little of the fixture is actually exposed. It is also worth noting that recessed requires holes in the ceiling, so if you're looking for an option that doesn't require much change to the ceiling but still stays out of the way for the most part, surface mounted lighting is an ideal choice.
Natural light can be a great asset for a dance studio. So, if the space has large windows that face away from potential distractions, it can be a great resource. However, if the building faces distractions, windows should be installed higher up to negate any issues from occurring.
Even with a variety of fixture types available, directional track lighting continues to be a mainstay in studios since it offers adequate illumination without being too overpowering. Track lighting can also can be directed easily to achieve the desired directional beam output. For example, if the studio has wall to ceiling mirrors, as most dances tend to have, the direction can be aimed so that it falls just above the mirrors to avoid the creation of glare.
You should also consider the height of the ceiling when choosing dance studio lighting. While many dance studios are small, there are some with high, extravagant ceilings. It is important to take this into consideration when looking at lighting solutions for this unique space. Low bay fixtures are designed to accommodate ceilings that are lower than 18-feet, while high bay fixtures are suitable for ceilings that exceed that mark. If this factor is not taken into consideration, you could end up with a lighting solution that doesn't properly disperse the illumination, or one that is too powerful for a smaller space.
Another option that is commonly used for dance studio lighting is sconce lighting. This style of fixture is ideal since it uses uplight for the most part. Even though there are other sconces available that offer more downlight than uplight, or even equal amounts of both directional outputs, uplights work well because they deliver soft illumination that won't interfere with the dancer's visibility. However, sconces should not be the only source of light for the dance studio. Instead, sconces should be an additional light source and not the main source of illumination.
If you're looking to implement the best lighting plan for studios, you should have a variety of light fixtures appropriate for the space and natural light for the best mix. So, we recommend that the lighting should be varied throughout the different areas of the studio. For example, the lobby area should be nice and bright for filing out any paperwork, while the dance space should be softer to avoid distractions.
