I am converting an older building to a dance studio and will be refinishing the wood floors. What is the best finish for the floor? I had read that no coating is best just sand the wood but that will not stand up to the use. What can I use to seal the floor and still provide the proper friction for ballroom dancing? The wood appears to be pine. Any other tips would be appreciated

I would never choose to lay pine for a dance floor, as it is a soft wood, easily marked, and subject to significant knots, which may bleed resin or even come loose.

However, if you already have a servicable pine floor (smooth, or at least capable of being smooth after sanding) and level (you may need to fill gaps), and with any nails used in securing the boards punched well below the surface, then it might serve.

If the floor has been newly stripped and sanded, and left as bare wood, then I would use only natural sealants and finishes. My suggestion would be to clean the floor to rid it of all dust from the sanding, and then to seal the grain with shellac before applying beeswax thinly, which should be well buffed before use. If the surface starts to show signs of wear, then reapplication of further wax should be all that is required to keep the floor in good condition as long as it is kept clean and free of grit and dirt.

Ken, before you do any thing you need to use "tack cloths". This is used to pick up dust from sanding of wood which will not be picked up by sweeping or vacuuming. Can get at hardware stores. Drape over a long broom and then sweep. If you have any of the sawdust left, keep it as you can mix it with a filler or wood glue for cracks and nail holes This way the color of the floor will match easily and fill large holes and cracked and will not shrink. For more advise you can go to Ask.com to inquire about dance floors OH, really thin ladies heels are really bad making dents in soft wood which will splinter over time. Good luck