Beat the January VAT increase – last chance to place orders

In a Christmas message from British Harlequin to all friends and customers, Group Marketing Manager, Mark Rasmussen said, "thank you all for your support in 2010, wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a brilliant 2011. " 

He added, "A little reminder to our UK customers, to avoid the VAT increase, remember to get your orders in before 31st December, we’re open during the holidays between the 29th-31st. " 

Panel discuss dance injuries and health support

Dr Emma Redding (dancer and Head of Dance Science, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance) - pictured right - led a discussion between acclaimed Rambert Dance Company dancer, Angela Towler (Left), Kate Prince, Artistic Director of ZooNation, (second right) and Camilla Dallerup, TV presenter and 2008 Strictly Come Dancing champion, who talked about their experience of injury and how they were affected physically and psychologically.

To view the panel discussions click on the following links:-

• Panel discussion part 1
  
• Panel discussion part 2
  
• Panel discussion part 3
  

What the dance community are saying about Harlequin's donation to dance research

At the recent Dance UK event when British Harlequin donated £30,000 to National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science research, the Harlequin marketing team were there to interview a number of leading people within the dance community.

 

Click on links to view their interviews.

Dr Emma Redding (dancer and Head of Dance Science, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance) explains that Harlequin floors are  "researched informed products".

Nick Allen, Clinical DIrector, The Jerwood Centre, Birmingham Royal Ballet talks about dancer's health.

Former England football manager, more recently chairman of Watford FC, Graham Taylor  “was shocked to discover the lack of health facilities to look after dancers,” and called on other companies to match the Harlequin donation.

Recalling her own injury, Angela Towler, Rambert Dance Company welcomed the initiative and thanked Harlequin for supporting the programme.

Kate Prince Artistic Director of ZooNation explained how her own injury had given an insight into the current situation in health support for injured dancers. 

Healthier Dance Programme Director, Dance UK, Helen Laws picks up a big cheque from Harlequin's Mark Rasmussen and explains the National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science's aims .

... and Caroline Miller, Director, Dance UK rounds up the event.

British Harlequin a sponsor of British Troupe Championships

Once again British Harlequin was delighted to be a sponsor of the British Troupe Championships. 

The British Troupe Championships (BTC) is a group dance competition entered by hundreds of dance schools across the UK. Formed seven years ago in a small venue in the north west with only three schools competing, BTC has seen standards raised year on year and developed into a competition for the whole of Britain, with heats held throughout the country.

The competition originated from a dance teacher's frustration, when on many occasions her dance group would arrive at a festival only to find they had little or no competition. BTC has since gone from strength to strength and now sees thousands of children and young adults competing in various dance disciplines for the title of ‘British Troupe Champion of the Year.’

Organiser, Apra Ames Roberts said: “It was a fantastic day and the standard of the competitors was amazing, with an extremely deserving win for the Elspher School of Dance, based in Buckley North Wales, with their troupe dance Addiction.”

An interview with Helen Laws, Dance uk

See what Helen Laws, Healthier Dance Programme Manager, Dance UK said about the donation by British Harlequin.

Supporting research into dance injuries

Speaking at a special event before the Dance UK AGM at the Royal Institute of medicine in London, Group Marketing Manager Mark Rasmussen said, "We all appreciate the level of skill and athleticism required to dance at the top level, and we’ve heard tonight from people at this top level how injuries can potentially ruin a career. For 33 years, our company Harlequin has worked with these top dancers all over the world, to develop floors which enable them to express their art whilst doing much to protect them against spinal, ankle or leg injuries associated with dancing on solid unyielding surfaces. Whilst the installation of a proper dance floor is now increasingly recognized as a prerequisite by the dance community, this alone cannot of course guarantee the elimination of dance injuries and that’s where the National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science will come in. We wholeheartedly support their vision for “all top level dancers to have access to high quality, comprehensive, dance specific healthcare and dance science support services on a par with those enjoyed by athletes and the dancers in the very largest ballet companies" 

Mark continued, "Woven into the DNA of Harlequin, straight from our founder and chairman Bob Dagger, and continued by his son Guy, is our commitment to playing our part to give back to the dance community. We, uniquely among our competitors, continue to support research into dance injuries, provide scholarships in North America, sponsor events ranging from the Prix de Lausanne to Move IT and continue, year on year, as a major supporter of IADMS. So, when asked to support this initiative, it was obvious that this was a logical extension of that ongoing commitment we have to provide funding wherever possible. It gives me great please to announce that British Harlequin is committing £30,000 to Dance UK to support this campaign. It is our sincere hope that, at a time when funding has been reduced and there are calls from government for private philanthropy, that this serious commitment will send a strong signal to both the private sector AND to those who make decisions on where government grants are made, of the importance of this work. 

" 

Photo:

Mark Rasmussen, British Harlequin plc with Graham Taylor, ex England football national team manager. Photo by Rick Senley.

Harlequin pledge £30,000 donation at Dance UK AGM

World leaders in dance floor technology British Harlequin plc came up with a major donation towards the creation of the UK’s first National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science.

View the story - click here.

Caroline Miller of Dance UK praising the Harlequin philanthropy said, "The £30,000 generous donation from British Harlequin is another major step towards the creation of the UK’s first National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science and follows at £80,000 pledge from Jerwood Charitable Trust two years ago. The vision for the National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science is that all top level dancers will have access to the high quality, comprehensive, dance specific healthcare and dance science support services they need, on a par with those enjoyed by elite athletes and dancers in the largest ballet companies. It is envisaged that this could be achieved through shared expertise and a network of multidisciplinary hub-sites which will collectively form a National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science. This major initiative has been created by an innovative partnership of Dance UK, Trinity Laban, University of Wolverhampton and the Jerwood Centre for Prevention and Treatment of Dance Injuries at Birmingham Royal Ballet, with advice from the Olympic Medical Institute. " 

 

Photo:

Angela Towler (dancer Rambert Dance Company), Camilla Dallerup, (dancer, TV presenter and former winner of Strictly Come Dancing), Sarah Temlett (British Harlequin plc), Kate Prince (Director of ZooNation) and Dr Emma Redding. Photo by Rick Senley. 

British Harlequin contributes £30,000 to National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science research

Star dancers, a former manager of the England football team, a leading choreographer and specialists in dance medicine, lined up at a Dance UK organized event to support a call for funding towards the creation of the National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science. A call answered with a big £30,000 contribution from leading dance floor manufacturer, British Harlequin plc. 

Click to read the full story.

Photo:

Alicia Pattyson and Luka Owen dancers with C12 Dance theatre, Lottie Murphy 3rd year student at Central School of Ballet, Angela Towler (dancer Rambert), Graham Taylor (ex England football manager), Camilla Dallerup (dancer, TV presenter & winner of Strictly 2008), Jevan Howard-Jones and Benjamin Mailing, dancers from The BRIT. Photo: Rick Senley.

Joyful production scoops Harlequin dance prize at Theatre Awards night

Winner of the British Harlequin sponsored 'Achievement in Dance' category at the recent Theatrical Management Association Theatre Awards Ceremony was Brooklyn based, The Mark Morris Dance Group. Toby Beazley, Executive Director, Dance Umbrella stepped up on their behalf to collect the prize from former Royal Ballet Principal, Ivan Putrov. 

The 2010 TMA Theatre Awards Ceremony staged at London’s Lyric Hammersmith on Sunday 7th November and hosted by Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood, marked Harlequin’s debut as sponsors of the dance category. Nominees selected by the combined decision of public members and industry experts were invited to the Awards ceremony to join TMA members in celebrating achievements of the past year in Theatre, Opera and Dance. TMA membership includes repertory and producing theatres, arts centres, touring companies and venues, major national companies and independent producers, opera and dance companies and associated businesses. 

Nominations for the Harlequin sponsored Award were:- 

• Danza Contemporanea de Cuba for its vibrant performances, especially MAMBO 3XX1 by George Cespédes. Mambo 3XX1 was co-commissioned by Dance Consortium, DanceEast and Sadler’s Wells. 

• The Mark Morris Dance Group for a joyful production of L'ALLEGRO, IL PENSERO ED IL MODERATO. 

• The dancers of Scottish Ballet for their sleek and authoritative performance of William Forsythe's WORKWITHINWORK.

 

Group Marketing Manager Mark Rasmussen revealed that Harlequin had chosen to sponsor the 'Achievement in Dance' award in recognition of the importance of dance, the quality of work being created and in support of the wider dance community at all levels. "British Harlequin is delighted to encourage dance companies to strive to achieve great performances and the TMA Awards provide recognition for achievement at the highest level. "

Top picture: Toby Beazley receives the prize for the TMA Theatre Award for Achievement in Dance from Ivan Putrov.

Picture left: far left Sarah Temlett (UK Marketing Manager) with the compare for the awards, Australian dancer, choreographer, theatre director and TV Personality Craig Revel Horwood (2nd left).

Swindon Dance delight in new Harlequin dance floor

Dancers in Swindon are now enjoying the experience of dancing on a new floor. The choice of Swindon Dance was the classic double-sided Harlequin Reversible that provides the option of two colours and of course a slip resistant surface on both sides. Reversible is also easy to install as a loose-lay floor, it just rolls out and with the seams and edges taped is soon ready for the dancers to take to the floor.

 

Artistic Director Marie McCluskey MBE enthusing about their new floor, says “Swindon Dance is delighted as always with the standard of dance floors supplied by Harlequin. “ Marie continues, “In particular our latest arrival black/grey Harlequin Reversible will continue to ensure that all our dancers from tiny tots to professional performers can step on stage for our 30th birthday performance on a fabulous new Harlequin dance floor. “ 

Not only is the popular dance floor quick to roll out and suitable to lay on any hard smooth surface, such as a wooden stage, but when the show’s over it can just as quickly be rolled up for storage or to move to another venue. 

Look out for Harlequin at IADMS this week

The 20th Annual Meeting of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) convenes at the Birmingham Hippodrome 28-30 October and we can expect to hear some news of an important announcement from British Harlequin over the course of the next few days. If you are attending the conference please make sure you visit the Harlequin stand at some point.

Hip to be square for Cascade

With just one week to produce the stage flooring and backdrop for the Mark Ronson & The Business International tour, exceptionally speedy delivery of Harlequin Cascade flooring was crucial. Better known as a popular dance floor, white Harlequin Cascade was selected by Stage and Event scenery design specialists Back2front as a key element in the set designed for the tour. Jayne of Back2front picks up the story. “Using Harlequin Cascade flooring, and before scenic painting could begin, the team first mapped out the grid which proved to be a testing of mathematical wits, especially working 16th size for the backdrop!  “The end result is very striking. Quite often the simpler designs are the best ! “ 

See the set in use at the Waterfront, Belfast.

British Harlequin Liberty sprung floor for Dance UK event

British Harlequin plc, world leaders in the development and supply of floors for dance, were delighted to be able to provide a Harlequin Liberty sprung floor to Dance UK for Dancing on Parliament. 

Harlequin Liberty is a floating floor system composed of sprung floor panels and available for either permanent dance studio installation or as stage panels for touring. Choosing the correct floor for dance is important for health, safety and artistic performance. Harlequin offer a choice of sprung sub-floors plus a range of dance surfaces, developed to meet the needs of different forms of dance and have become the preferred choice of many professional dancers, dance companies and dance schools at all levels for dance training and performance. 

Tia Hassan from the organisers said, “the dancers were saying what an amazing floor.”

 

Photo captions:

1. British Harlequin take the bus. Photo: Rick Senley.

2. St Marylebone School. Photo: Rick Senley.

3. Stella Mann College dancing in front of Big Dance Bus. Photo: Rick Senley.

4. ENB dancers Ruth Brill and Jennie Harrington.Photo: Rick Senley.

5. Ed Vaizey MP at Dancing on Parliament with English National Ballet dancer Ruth Brill and Guard. Photo: Rick Senley.

Big Dance will be in step with Harlequin Liberty on Horse Guards Parade

When the Big Dance bus rolls onto Horse Guards Parade tomorrow (8th July) it will be a Harlequin Liberty sprung floor with light grey Cascade dance surface that will be brought out. More commonly associated with the precise drill steps of the military the 'Dancing on Parliament' event stage by DanceUK is a chance for Members of Parliament to witness a variety of dance steps instead.

More show pictures

Photo courtesy of etnow.com taken at PLASA Focus in Leeds.

Some of the Harlequin team on duty at ABTT Theatre Show last week in London.

Flooring demonstrations pull in the crowds to Harlequin stand at ABTT

The hourly flooring demonstration proved a popular feature on the British Harlequin stand at the ABTT Theatre Show in London today.

Photos: Andy Collier, Technical Marketing Ltd.

Arch 197 dance centre has Harlequin Fiesta floor

Arch 197 is not just an intriguing new dance venue in west London, but the realisation of an ambition for street dancer Joshua Francois. 

With a “professional dance floor, lighting and state-of-the-art sound system” Arch 197 offers an intriguing mix of professionally run dance sessions that embrace, Street Dance, Breakdance, Latin, Total Belly Dance, Ballet and Bollywood, as well as fitness sessions. Inspired by Michael Jackson, Josh, with support of friends and family set about raising funds for the venture and the challenging task of finding an affordable location. Based in a railway arch by Stamford Brook station on the District line, Arch 197 offers the opportunity “to help children and adults achieve their fullest potential.” 

On a topical note friends of Josh Ashley Gracebook and Glen Murphy dancing duo Twist and Pulse have just become runners up on “Britain’s got Talent”. 

Harlequin Fiesta is a dance floor well suited for Arch 197’s varied repertoire of dance styles, providing a realistic maple strip pattern but without the limitations of a traditional wood floor. 

At sea with Harlequin

British Harlequin has been involved with stage and dance floors for a number of cruise liners. Here we look at three of the most recent. 

Former prima ballerina and latterly ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ judge Darcey Bussell will probably feel at home aboard P & O’s latest fleet addition - the Azura - thanks to the presence of Harlequin floors. As ‘godmother’ of the brand new 115,000-ton ship, Darcey Bussell has several dance areas to choose from. Black Harlequin Cascade is on the main stage of the 750-seat theatre as well as in the Explorer Lounge and black Harlequin Marine Cascade on Deck 5. Installation by British Harlequin, commissioned by Stage Technologies, called for a team of four working for two weeks over a three-week period that included sea trials and split between Trieste and Monfalconi, Italy. 

A more challenging work environment was experienced installing black Harlequin Marine Cascade and repairing the stage sub-floor during a major re-fit of Starcruises’ Superstar Libra moored in international waters off Port Klang, Malaysia. Working in extreme heat and humidity and without the benefit of air-conditioning, the Harlequin installation team took to sleeping in deck chairs beneath the stars at night to escape the unbearable heat of their cabins. 

It was black Harlequin Cascade too for the dance floor aboard the Sun Princess, a project managed by Harlequin Australasia. 

CDET promotes Recognised School scheme

The Council for Dance Education and Training’s Recognised Schoolscheme is a national mark of recognition awarded to dance and musical theatre schools working with pupils under the age of sixteen. Launched in 2008, the RS scheme has been extremely well received in the dance world. Schools gaining the award have been able to enhance their reputation as a professional organisation, stand out from other dance schools in their area and gain exposure through the Council’s database and website. 

The Recognised Schools scheme recognises dance and musical theatre schools that follow professional practices and are committed to putting the safety of their pupils first. Schools need to meet the Nine Requirements of sound professional practice in order to be eligible. The Nine Requirements include suitable dance floors, standard practices such as holding adequate insurance, enhanced CRB checks for all staff, following a Code of Professional Conduct and employing qualified or experienced teachers, all elements which the Council believes every dance school should follow. 

The scheme is open to dance and musical theatre schools in the UK catering for pupils under sixteen years of age and costs just £100 per year. More information can be found on the Council’s website www.cdet.org.uk . 

Dance event feature stars of the Royal Ballet

Harlequin Liberty sprung floor panels were hired for a recent evening event organised by the Covent Garden Dance Company to launch the Choreographic Fund and give the local community a chance to experience classical ballet. 

Artistic Director, Matt Brady told us, “The evening was a great success attended by a diverse and enthusiastic audience who loved every minute. We had everyone here from the local postman to famous authors - the atmosphere was amazing.” 

Photo: The Royal Ballet’s Principal Laura Morera warms up on Harlequin Liberty sprung floor before guesting at a gala ‘At The Chapel’ in Bruton.

Harlequin bronze sponsor of London conference

British Harlequin plc is a bronze sponsor of the 2010 ‘Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference’ which opens in London, June 13th. British Harlequin plc has an established global reputation as leaders in advanced technology flooring solutions for dance and the performing arts. 

Harlequin’s range of floors, developed in close consultation with performers, meets a range of different needs from barefoot dance styles to the more aggressive and abrasive tap and flamenco and general purpose stage surfaces. Harlequin sprung sub floors used in conjunction with an appropriate dance surface provide ‘traction’ and ‘spring’ that allows dancers to perform with confidence and a degree of protection against the type of injuries associated with performing on hard, unyielding floors. Harlequin continues to work closely with medical research into the relationship between floor characteristics and long-term injuries. 

Harlequin also plays a leading role in the advancement of standards through the work of ESTA and other organisations while fully complying with existing standards such as DIN 18032 Part ll. The company produces a guidance document for architects and theatre planners, presenting considerations relevant to specifying floors for the performing arts. Performer requirements are prioritised and the important differences between sports and performance floors explained. Harlequin also offers RIBA core curriculum CPD seminars, specifications can be accessed via NBS Plus with more information online at our Architects’ Area. 

Michael Bublé on Harlequin Hi-Shine

If you didn't watch it, have a look at the clip of 'An Audience with Michael Bublé' and check out the black Harlequin Hi-Shine flooring!

Bob celebrates 70th birthday

Celebrating his milestone 70th birthday with colleagues from British Harlequin plc was founder and chairman Bob Dagger. A special cake after the style of a bottle of Gordon's gin was cut by Bob to help everyone commemorate the event. 

Harlequin dance floor workshop at ABTT

Silver Sponsor, British Harlequin’s stand will include a dance floor workshop when the company exhibits at the ABTT Theatre Show 2010 to be held at London’s Royal Horticultural Halls, 16th & 17th June. 

Also on show will be a wide range of examples from Harlequin’s extensive range of floors for the performing arts. Visitors will able to examine many different floor types with expert support on hand to provide guidance and advice. Although widely recognised as world leaders in floors for dance and the performing arts, Harlequin also provide special flooring for theatre stages, television studios, exhibitions and display. Harlequin manufactures a comprehensive range from portable, roll-out floors to cushioned, heavy duty permanent floors, plus permanent and touring sprung floor systems. These are complemented by a range of accessories including tapes and cleaning products, roll straps, storage bags and an extensive range of ballet barres. Immediately prior to the ABTT Theatre Show British Harlequin is a sponsor for The Theatre Engineering and Architectural Conference which takes place at Central Hall, Westminster.

Harlequin supports dance floor research project

British Harlequin has supported new research into the relationship between dance floors, performance and injury. Findings emerging from this study by Luke Hopper flag up the risk of ankle joint stress due to hard, sub-standard floors and demonstrate the ability of dancers themselves to sense changes in dance floor properties. Dance institutions are now better informed to work with dancers in ensuring dance floors are chosen that will help dancers to dance better, stronger and longer. Emerging dance scientist and biomechanics expert Luke Hopper outlines his pioneering research investigating the effects of dance floors on dancer performance and injury. Read the full story at http://www.harlequinfloors.com/uk/news.html

Harlequin visits Leeds exhibition

British Harlequin exhibited recently at PLASA Focus in Leeds.

First officially ISTD licensed dance studio in Japan has Harlequin floors

Lisa Maria Sawamura owner of the British Ballet Arts dance school in Mie-Ken, Western Japan and Japan’s first UK officially licensed ISTD studio, chose Harlequin Cascade dance flooring. 

The spacious, light and airy studios called for 2 x 25m and 1 x 15m rolls of grey Harlequin Cascade covering 130m². Double wall mounted ballet barre brackets and beech barres along the mirrored walls also featured in the new studio. The British Ballet Arts dance teaches ballet to adults and children as well as jazz, tap, national dance and Pilates and lessons can be designed to meet individuals’ level. 

Lisa Maria adds that her interest in ballet was awakened at the early age of five when her mother took her to see a performance of Swan Lake at the Royal Opera House. 

Blue Studio floor - time to order

For generations of dancers British Harlequin’s famous Studio dance floor has been black or grey, but now a new version Studio 149, is available in pale blue. 

Harlequin Studio is a special hardwearing floor covering designed for dance, studio and stage use. The hard-wearing vinyl surface, now with a pale blue option, provides a slip-resistant floor to reassure performers and offer a predictable surface to give confidence to dancers for demanding choreography and movement. The firm but lightweight foam backing helps to protect against hard sub-floors and stays firmly in place when laid on any hard, smooth surface, such as particle board, hardwood, terrazzo or concrete or affords an excellent surface for a sprung sub-floor. 

Harlequin Studio 149 pale blue is in stock now with samples available on request. For larger studios, British Harlequin can discuss the possibilities of producing customised colours.

Read Harlequin news in Dancing in the UK

Did you know that you can also keep informed about British Harlequin with Dancing in the UK - online or in the magazine.

Planning a dance studio? Get the new Harlequin planning guide.

British Harlequin has announced a new dance studio planning guide that should provide a helpful source of information to dance schools developing or expanding their facilities. 

The 16-page, A4 colour guide – ‘The Harlequin Quick Guide to Planning a Dance Studio’ – covers a wide range of issues that should be taken into account when thinking about developing a studio suitable for dance. The guide discusses dance floors in some detail, but does not over look other important studio essentials such as barres and mirrors. Other topics include storage and importantly acoustics. Poor acoustics can be a problem both for teachers and pupils, or have an impact on people nearby unless properly controlled. Accompanying the guide is a ‘Checklist for Planning a Dance Space’ that can be completed by ticking a few boxes and faxed to Harlequin for advice. It also points out other factors to think about including, lighting, heating and ventilation, seating, height of the space and disabled access requirements. 

Copies of ‘The Harlequin Quick Guide to Planning a Dance Studio’ can be requested without charge by calling British Harlequin on 01892 514888 or registering online at www.harlequinfloors.com.

Harlequin Studio floor - now also in pale blue

For generations of dancers British Harlequin’s famous Studio dance floor has been black or grey, but now a new version Studio 149, is available in pale blue. 

Harlequin Studio is a special hardwearing floor covering designed for dance, studio and stage use. The hard-wearing vinyl surface, now with a pale blue option, provides a slip-resistant floor to reassure performers and offer a predictable surface to give confidence to dancers for demanding choreography and movement. The firm but lightweight foam backing helps to protect against hard sub-floors and stays firmly in place when laid on any hard, smooth surface, such as particle board, hardwood, terrazzo or concrete or affords an excellent surface for a sprung sub-floor. 

Harlequin Studio 149 pale blue is in stock now with samples available on request. For larger studios, British Harlequin can discuss the possibilities of producing customised colours.

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New dance studios featured on TV programme

When a three-story office building came under the auctioneer’s hammer in Maidstone, Kent, it was with planning permission to convert into apartments. But winning bidder Mandy Ellen had other ideas to expand her nearby performing arts school, complete with two new dance studios. 

Mandy whose vision of converting the empty office space in central Maidstone was documented in the TV series ‘Homes Under the Hammer’ explained that the current facilities close by where tap, ballet and modern dance are taught had proved so popular over the last 15 years that more space was needed to not only teach other dance forms, but also add a singing area, student common room, dance shop, plus add those two new dance studios. In Mandy’s words, “lay down a proper Harlequin floor and away you go.” So it was not surprising that Mandy turned to British Harlequin for Cascade dance floor. 

Following its signature format the TV programme showed the deserted offices before conversion, followed the story to the auction and then returned 4 months later to view the completed project. As Mandy remarked her performing arts school was a far cry from the days when she ran her first classes in village halls. 

Set designer embodies Hi-Shine into project

The exciting glossy wet-look finish of Harlequin Hi-Shine floor has inspired designers and artists to create exciting stage sets, displays and exhibition stands. Recently takis, an experimental set, costume and installation designer used white Hi-Shine to stunning effect when engaged as set and costume designer for Kompany Malakhi’s “Rotations”. 

Described as “an innovative and compelling celebration of art and sport working towards the 2012 Cultural Olympiad” the Rotations project is set to start a UK tour in June. According to Kompany Malakhi, “Rotations began as project 360° in 2008 and currently exists as a duet between a BMX flatlander and B-Boy (breakdancer). It is now going into its next phase of development that will produce an outdoor performance and a dance on film.” 

takis was previously Designer-in-Residence for the 2008 and 2009 HighTide Festivals, which recently produced the very successful STOVEPIPE in collaboration with the National Theatre. takis is also the artistic director of his own company Artluxe, which produces installation and performance art. 

Hi-Shine rolls out instantly to a breathtaking wet-look finish provides perfect display floor for the entertainment industry and benefits from a special laminated hard polymer ultra-gloss surface, which is superior to urethane for scratch-resistance. 

Harlequin a sponsor of Designing School Theatres conference

British Harlequin are a sponsor of the Theatre Trust Conference that also takes place in Leeds 26~27th April with the theme of Designing School Theatres . The event promises to " look at the design of theatres located within secondary schools, academies and independent schools. It will consider the challenges associated with creating theatres that feel and work like theatres whilst also serving a range of educational, learning and community needs, their relationship to other theatres in their cities and towns, and the role they play in shaping the next generation of theatre activists, artists, and audiences."

Meet the Harlequin team in Leeds next month

British Harlequin plc will again be exhibiting at the PLASA Focus event to be held in two halls at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, on Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th April 2010. The Harlequin stand (RA-C16) will feature floors for dance, theatre and events. 

With more than 25 years’ experience in producing world leading floors for all types of performance, Harlequin provides sprung floors for permanent or temporary installation, roll out floors and permanent, heavy-duty or cushioned vinyl. Accessories include tapes, roll carts, bags and straps and cleaning materials, many of which can now be bought online at the Harlequinshop.com . 

According to the organizers of PLASA Focus " April 2010 will be the second time that venue owners, consultants, show designers, producers and technicians working on the North's leading events, installations and venues have a dedicated event where they can meet and find the new technologies to use in future facilities and productions. " 

New Harlequin dance mat for Hip-Hop and Tap debuts at MOVE-IT today