Longboard dancing was created during the 1950s by Hawaiian surfers and is a highly technical style of longboarding that also happens to be one of the most fun.
To a passerby, longboard dancing might seem easy. However, all it takes is one conversation with a skilled longboarder to learn just how much skill and expertise is needed to successfully perform different tricks and moves, as well as the importance of the perfect longboard to help you do it!
When you dance on a longboard, you have to move your weight around on your longboard in such a way that allows you to ‘dance’, all the while being able to keep your board moving under you through a carving motion that is effortlessly blended into the rhythm of the music.
As it’s so technical, you’ll need a longboard designed especially for dancing.
If you’re not sure where to begin, don’t worry, we've got you covered. In this article, not only will you be able to discover the top 5 available on the market right now, but you’ll learn what sets a dancing longboard apart from the rest.
Ready to wow everyone with your moves? Let’s begin.
In a hurry? Pull off your favorite tricks with our top pick:
If you’re pressed for time, put your confidence in our top pick, the Magento Mini Cruiser Skateboard.
Designed to be fun to ride, this portable pick features a strong and wide deck that will give you plenty of room to perform different movements, while the gravity cast trucks will help you to learn and turn without losing control, regardless of whether you’re a beginner dancer or you do it competitively.
Here are some standout features that make it our top choice for longboard dancing:
- The double kick tails really take the board to the next level of fun and performance
- It has been specially designed to put the fun into longboard dancing and is suitable for all ages and abilities
- For those that like to longboard on the go, the Mini Cruiser is portable to carry around and will fit into your backpack for impromptu dancing sessions whenever you want
- Both the wheels and bushing are cast in high-quality SHR polyurethane to deliver the highest amount of durability (there are no plastic parts)
- The asymmetric front will help you to move with precision and without missing a beat of the music you’re moving to
Not only is it a popular choice for dancing, but this mini cruiser skateboard has been specially created with the everyday skater in mind, so it’s a fantastic all-rounder that can be used for various longboard styles, not to mention its reasonable price.
You can’t go wrong with this longboard.
OUR TOP PICK
If you’re a beginner to longboard dancing, we recommend the Magento Mini Cruiser Skateboard.
The Magento Mini Cruiser features a ‘surf’ styled nose and kicktail, which allows for better maneuverability when performing different moves and tricks.
Ideal for the everyday skater, the Magento Mini measures in at 27.5 inches, with a wheelbase of 18.5 inches, making it the perfect size for securing just behind your rucksack when not in use or traveling from skating location to skating location.
On the bottom of the deck, there are risers which will help you to perform wheel bite-free turns.
Plus, thanks to its slight concave, you’ll have ultimate comfort and control under your feet that will allow you to perform flip tricks, different dance moves, and general tick-tackling without feeling unstable upon the board.
Plus, offering plenty of room for movement, the back kick tails, and the asymmetrical front will offer enough stability to pull off more technical dancing tricks as you gain confidence.
The deck itself is made of Canadian maple which gives it an attractive finish and is available in multiple color options.
Its sand grit finish on the top of the deck allows for better carving, while the trucks are made of cast aluminum and provide a good grip. There are also no plastic parts on this board, so it’s built to last.
Pros
- A suitable choice for beginners
- Features no metal parts in the build, so it is able to offer a long service life
- It can be used over uneven terrains and surfaces
- Weight limit of 275lbs
Cons
- Compact size may not be for everyone
EDITORS CHOICE
If you’re a versatile skater and would like a longboard that can be used for dancing, as well as giving you the option of cruising, freestyling, or simply commuting from place to place, the DINBIN Drop Through 8 Ply Maple Longboard is worthy of your consideration.
Suitable for all ages and levels of experience, the wheels are made of PU and are soft to help achieve a smooth ride.
They can handle multiple terrains so, whether you plan to have a dancing session on a smooth carpark or uneven park area, this longboard will be able to handle varying surfaces with ease.
It can even handle the additional crack, pebble or rock!
Thanks to the slight concave deck, it feels firm underfoot and will help to give you a good idea where your foot is on the deck without having to actually look down and potentially lose balance.
Due to this subtle concave, this DINBIN Maple Longboard is perfect for cruising, dancing, and even for long-distance rides, so it’s a great all-rounder choice.
Offering complete adjustability, you can customize this board in accordance with your dancing style.
If you wanted to be able to lean to the right or left in order to make turns while executing different moves, you can adjust the flex.
However, if you’re a beginner longboard dancer and don’t want your board to feel as sensitive, you have the option of tightening the truck which will allow you to feel more stable and in control.
The board itself comes fully assembled, has 6 colorways to choose from, and is made of a high-density 8 ply flex hardwood which allows for a maximum weight of 330 lbs, making it ideal for taller longboarders.
Pros
- Durable and strong deck
- Lightweight and easy to control
- Is suitable to be used on different terrains/surfaces
Cons
- Some have noticed that the trucks can squeak while the board is in use
BEST VALUE
If you’d like a tougher-than-average longboard that will be able to handle multiple terrains with ease, you and the Hana 42 Inch Longboard will be a match made in heaven!
A standout quality is the ruggedness of this sturdy longboard. You’ll be able to dance with it over different surfaces and bumpy terrains without damaging it.
Plus, ideal for all levels, its larger deck size will give you plenty of room to balance and move with your feet, giving you the confidence to pull off different dancing tricks as your experience builds.
Further, many longboard dancers are put off by making sharp turns while dancing as they are worried about wheel biting from occurring.
However, with this board, you’ll be able to make technical, tight turns at high speeds without breaking the rhythm you’ve already established or causing you to lose your balance.
The Hana Longboard features a drop-through design which is especially ideal for dancing.
It has a lowered center of gravity which ensures great stability for riders, while the trucks will allow you to move the board easily and with little effort, all the while remaining in total control of the wheels.
Dancing on this longboard will not only provide the stability needed to instill confidence, but it also provides enough flexibility to attempt different dance moves, the fluidity it provides is incredible.
Pros
- Ideal for use over uneven terrain and bumpy surfaces
- The sand grit finish delivers great grip to your feet
- The cutout shape design helps to eliminate any wheel biting during even the sharpest carves
Cons
- Expensive
RUNNER UP
If stability is what you need, look to the Playshion Drop Through Longboard. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced longboard dancer, there’s plenty of benefits to selecting this particular board.
It features a very strong, flexible deck that is made of eight-ply maple. When in use, this deck will grant the user total control and the freedom to move without feeling as though the board is going to move from underneath them.
It has a weight limit of 250lbs and can be used by both children and adults.
Suitable for use over uneven surfaces or terrains, the Drop Through Longboard contains soft PU wheels combined with ABEC-9 bearings for a smooth ride, while the aluminum trucks come equipped with soft bushings and grant the board a hefty amount of stability, allowing the user to perform different tricks and dance moves with confidence.
Pros
- The drop-through mounting technology means that this board is lower to the ground, which is ideal for beginners
- The eight-ply maple deck can hold up to 250lbs
- The soft, PU wheels ensure for a smooth ride across different terrains so that you can remain in tune with the rhythm of the music
Cons
- More advanced riders may find this board to be a little slow and harder to carve with
RUNNER UP
If you’re an intermediate-advanced rider who’s looking to upgrade their existing dancing longboard for one that is going to allow you to pull off more technical moves, the ENKEEO Drop Through Longboard won’t disappoint.
The ABEC-11 engineering ensures that this longboard is not only able to handle technical tricks with ease, but also able to withstand high rotation speed, which will allow you to pull off moves that are more consistent and polished.
The highly responsive trucks are 7 inches long and made of aluminum in order to provide maximum strength and a good amount of stability when carving or moving in time with the beat of the music.
The addition of 2 rubber rings act as shock absorbers and guarantee excellent maneuverability while carving and performing different dance moves.
The PU wheels are soft, have a lot of traction, and can even be used for downhill riding, making this board suitable for crushing and freestyling, too.
All in all, if you’re an advanced rider and have enough experience to be able to handle the sensitivity and speed, this longboard will no doubt take your dancing style to the next level.
Pros
- Affordable and has an aesthetically pleasing design
- Ideal for more experienced longboard dancers
- It comes fully assembled and is ready to be used straight out of the box!
- The high-quality trucks offer strength and stability
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners
RUNNER UP
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This might be my favorite design. It’s both understated and bold. I think it’s the combination of the basic top deck and the delightfully bright lower deck. Whatever it is, I love it.
The board has 46 inches in length which are plenty of room for your fancy footwork! This length is ideal for most riders. Those with shorter legs might want to go for a few inches shorter, but in general, this is the perfect length.
The board is made of 7-ply maple wood. This means that the board has less flex than others on this list. This is ideal for heavier riders who might be concerned about wheel bite and over flexing.
The wheels are 85a durometer. This makes them nice and bouncy for all those fancy moves but also gives you a smooth cruising experience/
Like other boards, this one has two kicktails. These will help you gain full control of your board during flips, spins, and other tricks.
The kicktails are, again, on the wide side which means that you aren’t totally free of wheel bite. This is going to be annoying for those who like to put a lot of carving into their dance routines.
Overall, this is a solid board. It has a lot of wonderful features that lend themselves to longboard dancing. Could you do better? Probably. But for this price? It’ll be difficult.
Pros
- 46-inch length.
- Awesome overall design.
- Slight concave deck.
- Double kicktail design.
Cons
- Not immune to wheel bite.
- Limited design options.
RUNNER UP
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This is a beautiful board. It has a whimsical lower deck with a functional upper deck. The design on the deck is extraordinary. It has the positive energy associated with dancing longboards and gentle carving.
The board is a lovely 46-inches long. This gives you plenty of room for footwork and transitions. If you are on the shorter side you might want to look for a slightly shorter board. For average height and tall riders, this will be more than long enough.
The board is made from laminated maple and has a slight concave to it. This helps with clean foot placement and easy movements during your dance. The concave is less than other boards. We would have liked to have seen a slightly bigger convex on a dancing board.
The shape of the board features a double kicktail. This is great for all different kinds of moves and flips. Again, this board is, unfortunately, not quite free from the dreaded wheel bite. We would have liked to have seen a few inches shaved off the kicktails.
You have a delightfully vibrant choice of graphics for the lower deck. The graphics are designed by artists from both sides of the Atlantic. There really is a design to suit every kind of rider.
The wheels and bearing are surprisingly good quality for stock wheels and bearings. Honestly, you don’t even need to change them to get a buttery smooth ride with enough kickback for tricks.
From the customer feedback, it would seem like the trucks and bushings are the weakest parts of this board. If you’re an experienced rider, you might want to replace these to get your own custom fit.
Pros
- Double kicktail design.
- Great wheels and bearings.
- Plenty of foot space.
- Awesome lower deck designs.
Cons
- Sub-par bushings and trucks.
RUNNER UP
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If you want an earthy, natural-looking board, this one's for you! The Magento Bamboo Dancing Longboard is a breath of fresh air. It’s clean and simple but professional grade.
There is a lot to love about this board apart from the aesthetics. First and foremost the sheer size of this thing. At 46-inches, you have an incredible amount of foot room for all your tricks and spins.
The board has dual kicktails that give you unparalleled control over the board during shove-its, manuals, and flips. We like the fact that both kicktails are equal in size. Often you get a narrower board which can be harder to manage.
One issue with the kicktails is the fact that they still hang over the wheels. They’re not quite narrow enough to avoid the dreaded wheel bite. It’s not a deal-breaker, just something to be aware of.
There is something missing from this board and that is the grip tape. To keep the natural wooden look of the board, Magento has opted for sand grip which is a clear anti-slip aggregate.
Initially, we were concerned about how the sand grip would stand up, however, customers rave about it. They find it to be at least as grippy as grip tape and better in many cases. One of the great things about this sand grip coating is that it isn’t as abrasive as traditional grip tape. Thus, it doesn’t do quite so much damage to your clothes or shoes.
Pros
- 46 inches of deck space.
- Beautiful bamboo construction.
- Mirrored kicktails.
- Sand grip top coating.
Cons
- Standard bearings aren’t great.
Best Dancing Longboards Buyer’s Guide
Longboards that are created with dancers in mind are given special features that set them apart from other longboards to ensure smooth execution of dance moves and maximum control.
So, here are some of the most important to keep in mind:
The Deck
Dancing involves a lot of movement, so you need a longboard with a roomy deck that is going to allow you to move.
When it comes to picking the right deck for you, it is important to not only select one that gives you enough freedom to perform all of your favorite tricks but is also stable enough to make sure that you always feel in control.
So, with that being said, longer boards are going to be better for taller people, with shorter ones being a better choice for short riders.
In addition to this, many dancers like longboards that are closer to the ground as they are a little easier to carry out dance tricks on.
All in all, though, it all comes down to you and your personal preference. Every longboard has a different ‘feel’ to them, but if you ensure that you have a roomy deck to work with, you can be sure that you'll be able to dance to your heart's content, regardless of whether you’re a beginner or expert!
Shape
The shape of the longboard is also another important feature that sets dancing longboards apart from the rest.
Dancing longboards should have a mild concave, as this ensures that you won’t lose your footing when performing different tricks and exciting moves.
Boards with a subtle concave will allow you to hop, spin, and land comfortably without missing a beat or losing your balance.
The Wheels
When it comes to wheels, we first recommend thinking about the terrain that you'll most likely be longboarding in. Believe it or not, softer wheels are going to be better suited to uneven terrains, while hard wheels are better for gliding over smooth, flat surfaces
The size of the wheels is also important! In general, the bigger the wheels, the faster the longboard.
Speed isn’t always a good thing, especially when it comes to longboard dancing because you want to keep it steady so that you can remain in control, so we suggest selecting smaller wheels.
Best Dancing Longboards FAQ's
What type of deck is best for longboard dancing?
When it comes to dancing, ideally, you should aim to select a dancing longboard deck from a brand that has a good reputation, such as the brands that we have mentioned above.
These brands have been in the business for a long time, offer high-quality products, and also provide exceptional customer service!
When it comes to experience, if you’re a beginner you should aim to get the 10inch wide decks, as this will give you plenty of room to be able to stand on.
On the other hand, if you’re an intermediate to advanced longboard dancer, you may prefer to try a narrower deck.
Longboards with a narrow deck turn quicker, which allows you to carry out more advanced tricks for dancing.
However, due to this, beginners may find them harder to control. If you want to freestyle, a deck that is above 9.5inches in width is an ideal choice because you aren’t doing as much footwork, so you do not need to have as much control.
What flex is best for longboard dancing?
When it comes to selecting a flex, it all comes down to your personal preference. Many dancers do prefer to select a softer (or more flexible, flex).
This is because, when a board is flexible, it will allow you to carry out deeper carves and stand in the center of your board or lean to one side without any loss of control.
Thanks to this, you’ll be able to carry out plenty of footwork without feeling as though the board is getting away from you or moving underneath you.
A softer flex also makes cross-stepping, peter-panning, and all other footwork tricks a lot easier to do, making this flex ideal for beginners.
On the other hand, freestyle riders tend to select stiffer boards. Stiffer boards don’t bounce as much when in use and, when you land a trick, they aren’t likely to throw you off balance, so they offer a little bit more control when carrying out more technical tricks than a softer flex.
The only downside to a stiffer flex is that the comfort and ability to carry out elegant carves are reduced significantly.
Therefore, if you want to dance and freestyle, we recommend selecting a flex that falls in between the two most common types.
In addition, it is also worth noting that stiffer boards are a better selection for heavier or taller riders as they are much more durable and able to withstand weight better than softer, flexible boards.
Are trucks important for dancing on a longboard?
Trucks are very important when it comes to dancing on your longboard. If you’re not sure what they are, longboard trucks are the metal pieces that are attached to the underside of the longboard deck and to the wheels, and every longboard is built with two trucks.
So, when it comes to dancing, the trucks will determine how well your longboard will be able to lean, turn, and respond to your movements.
If the trucks aren’t made of a high standard, they will make your board feel uncontrollable and almost impossible to dance on. Turning will feel harder to carry out, not to mention different tricks and moves that should otherwise be pretty simple to do!
Not only is the size and angle of the truck important, but the bushings and pivot are equally so. Some of the cheaper longboards on the market tend to be made of plastic, and bushings made of cheaper materials.
Though they are more affordable to buy, they make it harder to turn and carry out different tricks, so we do recommend making an investment in a higher quality longboard.
They come with premium standard bushings that allow for a consistently smooth skating experience that will allow you to dance and try out different tricks with ease.
How do I care for the nose and tail of my dancing longboard?
Depending on the model that you buy, you may be able to actually purchase some nose and tail guards, however, they’re pretty expensive, and not many brands offer them.
Instead, many people improvise by carefully wrapping duct tape around these areas to keep them protected from any damage, especially if you plan on longboarding outdoors or across rough terrains.