Dance schools usually have a smooth wooden dance floor. If the floor is too smooth (intensive use), there is some wax powder sprinkled on so you do not slip. Paraffin gives the floor a suitable smooth and skid resistance: it slides (you can ‘lubricate’ a wooden tray with it), but not too much (you do not slide off). It sticks together with dust and dirt on the soles, so they may be too smooth again. Some dance schools have a ‘trample spot', a corner where some extra wax is spread, and where you may trample a bit with your shoes to get the soles into the desired shape.

On a smooth floor it helps (temporarily) if you rub the soles with a rod shaving soap.