When flooring takes centre stage

Floors for the performing arts must often fulfil a wide range of functions from stage floors designed for heavy traffic, a sprung floor that meets the needs of dancers or simply a floor for a ‘one off’ exhibition event. But with floors becoming more than just a neutral functional element, what options do set designers have to give their flooring that exciting ‘wow’ factor? 

In the entertainment industry, set design plays a significant part in an audiences’ enjoyment and floors have become an additional creative element that can add to their understanding of a production’s setting and mood. After all, the success of many prime time talent shows is as much down to the set as the format of the show. 

Offering the perfect display for set designers, Harlequin Hi-Shine from the world leaders in advanced technology flooring for dance and the performing arts, gives flooring the wet-look finish and is integral to the visual effect. 

Used on leading prime time talent shows, pop concerts, commercials, fashion launches and exhibitions, these smooth shiny temporary floors roll out easily and provide a breathtaking and highly reflective glossy finish – ideal for spectacular lighting effects. 

Suitable for loose lay or semi-permanent installation, Harlequin Hi-Shine is fast and easy to install making it extremely adaptable. The floor’s special laminated hard polymer ultra-gloss surface is superior to urethane for scratch-resistance and adds lustre to any event. 

Harlequin Hi-Shine is also requested for award dinners and celebrity performances which require a quick set-up and breakdown. It is also a quick, simple and very economical answer for photo shoots where you need a smooth, shiny floor which requires speed of installation. 

For nearly 30 years, Harlequin has developed its own portable and permanent sprung floor systems and produced a world-renowned range for all types of performance for stage, studio and display use. 

Portable, double-sided roll-out floors and permanent, heavy-duty cushioned vinyl including ultra-glossy Harlequin Hi-Shine are testament to why Harlequin has become the market leader through product innovation, expertise and by developing close relationships with industry experts. 

New Scholarship to be awarded at Prix de Lausanne by Harlequin Floors

New for the Prix de Lausanne 2013 will be a scholarship awarded to one of the competition winners and sponsored by Harlequin Floors, world leaders in dance floor technology. 

Announcing the new scholarship initiative, Chantal Lagniau,
 General Manager of Luxembourg based Harlequin Europe SA said, “Supporting young talented dancers and looking towards the future of dance is a cherished value of Harlequin Floors. In recognition of the dance community and in memory of our friends and founders of Prix de Lausanne, Elvire and Philippe Braunschweig, we have decided to strengthen the privileged links between both institutions and our support to the Prix de Lausanne. by giving this scholarship to one of the 2013 candidates.” She added, “We are also delighted to continue our support for a fifth year of the very successful initiative of the video-blog which allows Internet users to share in the emotions of the candidates and offers a glimpse behind the scenes at the Prix de Lausanne.“ 

The motivation behind the partnership between Prix de Lausanne and Harlequin Floors is a shared interest in youngsters with a talent for dance. In fact, for over 40 years, the Prix de Lausanne and Harlequin have in their own ways supported future stars of the dance world. The Prix de Lausanne enables students to access a study grant whilst Harlequin provides top quality dance floors. Harlequin also leads an international awareness campaign on the importance of the correct dance floors in preventing injury to dancers" 

The objective of the Prix de Lausanne is to help young talented dancers start in their professional careers. The winners of the contest receive scholarships that allow them to complete their training for one year in one of the schools or professional dance companies that are partners of the Prix de Lausanne. 

The 41st Prix de Lausanne International Ballet Competition takes place 27th January to 2nd February 2013. 

New Harlequin floors rated highly by dancers

In what may be the first of its kind, a customer satisfaction survey to measure how dancers respond to new dance floors, has been conducted with staff and students at the famous Conservatoire de Paris. Survey results demonstrated a huge vote of confidence in the Harlequin Liberty™ sprung floors and Studio™ vinyl dance surfaces installed in three of the Conservatoire’s five studios. 

Summarising the results of the independent survey, Patrick Lesage, Senior Sales and Marketing Manager, Harlequin Europe said, “90% of the teachers and students are happy with the new floor. Previously all studios had been equipped with traditional basketweave floors comprising just two layers of battens and commonly recognized as having hard spots where the battens intersect. Over 80% unprompted noticed the floors had been changed and when asked to express a preference, 91% of teachers and 76% of students said they preferred the new floors. Probing further the survey revealed that a large majority (91% teachers & 82% students) considered the floor more shock absorbent and 82% of teachers and 72% of students are of the view that the rebound is better as well.” 

Daniel Agésilas, Director of Choreographic Studies at the Conservatoire explained, ”Following many tests the Harlequin Liberty™ sprung floor was found to offer the best balance between flexibility and rigidity. Combined with the adhesion offered by the Harlequin dance floor surfaces it is a great success.” He concluded, “We chose Harlequin because the company has undertaken all the necessary research work to enable dancers to work in conditions of optimal safety,” 

The Conservatoire national supérieur de musique et de danse de Paris is one of six higher schools in France. Approved since 2009 to award the Higher National Professional Diploma of Dance, the Conservatoire provides open training in today’s classical and contemporary choreographic creation with the emphasis throughout the course placing the students in a professional situation. 

Harlequin floors for dance, theatre & events at PLASA

British Harlequin, world leaders in floors for the performing arts, will be presenting a comprehensive range of floors for dance, theatre, display and events on stand 1 L31 at London’s PLASA Show, 9th~12th September 2012. 

Harlequin’s popular floors for display are being increasingly used for major television productions and events, to add colour, gloss and sparkle to the set. Harlequin also builds and installs custom designed floors for theatres, performing arts centres and cruise ships. The Harlequin name is of course familiar to dance companies and dance schools around the world. Within the global dance community, Harlequin is respected for investment in supporting research leading to the development of advances in dance surfaces and sprung sub floors. Modern dance floors are contributing to reducing injuries and boosting dancers’ confidence. 

With more than 30 years’ experience in producing world leading floors for performance, Harlequin provides sprung floors for permanent or temporary installation, roll out and permanent vinyl floors. Accessories include tapes, roll carts, bags and straps, ballet barres and cleaning materials. 

Experts from British Harlequin will be on the stand at PLASA 2012 to advise the most suitable floor type for a wide range of performance venues. 

Big Dance at Covent Garden Piazza

Some pictures from the Big Dance today on Harlequin Liberty sprung floor at Covent Garden Piazza.

Tuesday 10am and the floor is ready

Thanks to Harlequin there's no dancing on concrete

HostHakeem Onibudo calls for appreciation for Harlequin Floors

The show starts with audience participation

The Dance Guide joins in

The resident company open the show

The violinist waits her cue

Camera crews cover the event

It's Big Dance Week

The Big Dance Bus rolled into Covent Garden Piazza today - the next stop on the tour that is getting everyone dancing this summer. And as show host, Hakeem Onibudo told the lunch time crowds "without Harlequin providing the dance floor we would be dancing on concrete."

By 10 o'clock the Harlequin Liberty sprung floor was laid on the Piazza and the Harlequin Cascade dance surface taped in place as preparations for today's show proceeded back stage. 

After a warm up for members of the audience, the Big Dance Bus resident company took to the stage in a routine choreographed by Fleur Davison and Natasha Khamjani.

Universal Ballet has the world at its feet thanks to Harlequin Floors

Shim Chung (Dancer: Hyemin Hwang); photograph courtesy of Universal Ballet. 

It was during a world tour when dancers of South Korean based Universal Ballet first discovered the delightful experience of performing on a Harlequin dance floor. 

General Director, Julia H Moon elaborates: “When we visited Les Grands Ballet Canadiens while we were on tour in 2001, our dancers fell in love with their floors, which were Harlequin Studio™. Ever since, Universal Ballet has danced on Harlequin in our studios at home, during our local performances and on our overseas tours. Our dancers feel at home in every theatre around the world with Harlequin underfoot.” 

Universal Ballet recently purchased more Harlequin Studio™ in dark grey, to furnish two of their studios, plus more for touring. Tough but lightweight, Harlequin Studio™ has long been popular with ballet companies for both permanent installation in dance studios and for touring. With further tour dates scheduled during 2012 and 2013, thanks to Harlequin Floors, Universal Ballet has the world at its feet. 

British Harlequin at ABTT Theatre Show 2012

A brand new stand furnished with bright red Harlequin Hi-Shine display flooring was on show when British Harlequin exhibited at the eagerly anticipated ABTT 2012 Theatre Show this week.

Harlequin Liberty dance floor on Big Dance tour

Big Dance 2012 and the Big Red Bus, now touring various London venues, plus some in the Midlands, is taking along a Harlequin Liberty sprung dance floor. 

As part of the Cultural Olympiad the Big Dance Bus tour is “set to get everyone dancing this summer.” It will be stopping at shopping centres, squares and parks, plus a few famous London locations – “anywhere where there are people who might be in need of some fun and dancing.” The Big Dance Bus will host a multitude of dance styles and activity, from street to folk via contemporary and tango. “The Big Dance Bus brings its own resident dance company and presents a mixture of performances from local acts and schools to professional. plus the opportunity to join free workshops in swing, folk, hip hop hula and Zumba®. 

On tour with the Big Dance Bus and provided by British Harlequin, is 100m² of Harlequin Liberty™ sprung dance floor. Liberty is a floating floor system composed of sprung floor panels, which can be quickly latched together, then covered with a Harlequin Cascade™ dance surface to create a professional quality sprung floor at each of the 30 venues on the seven week tour. 

The iconic red double-decker London Routemaster bus is described by the organisers as “the ultimate pop up ballroom and ready-made rave... complete with it its own dance-floor, pumping sound system, compere and DJ - perfect for showcases, portable raves and impromptu dance offs.” 

Harlequin hint at bright future for award winning product

British Harlequin plc, world leaders in floors for the performing arts, will also be showcasing the product that was awarded ‘Widget Product of the Year 2011’ on their stand (4) at the ABTT Theatre Show 2012. 

The award winning Edge-Safe, will be featured along with Harlequin’s comprehensive range of floors for theatre, dance and display when the 2012 show opens at the Old Truman Brewery in London on 13th June. Announcing Harlequin’s move to display the product, Group Marketing Manager, Mark Rasmussen hinted a further announcement could be anticipated in the next month or so. 

Edge-Safe is a revolutionary theatre stage safety product that improves the safety of working on and off the stage by greatly reducing the chance of equipment, crew and performers falling from the stage edge. The judges felt that “Edge-Safe can make a significant contribution to safety in theatres, by providing a low profile barrier to stop wheeled items like flight cases and Tallescopes falling from the front edge of the stage as well as protecting Performers and Crew.” 

Harlequin roll-out dance floors ideal for schools

British Harlequin offers four Education Dance Floor Packs specifically designed for use in schools. Whether for dance study at GCSE and A-level, or for extra curricula activity, there is a ready-to-use package available. A new brochure explains the choice of packs in greater detail. 



The right floor is essential to ensure dance students achieve their best performances in safety. Ordinary wood floors or sports floors are too slippery for safety and too hard or unyielding for most dance disciplines. Without a purpose-designed dance floor, there is higher risk to health through injury from falling or muscle strain. British Harlequin's dance floor technology provides dance students with floors that offer the right degree of "traction" and controlled "spring". 



Dance Floor Pack A is ideal for infant, junior and lower schools needing a roll-out floor for dance lessons and performances that can then easily be stored away. Harlequin Reversible is a double-sided flooring suitable for both dance and stage, with an alternate colour on the reverse. There are 7 combinations to choose from, each quick to roll out and lay flat to provide a slip-resistant dance surface. 



Dance Floor Pack B is well suited to secondary schools for A-level work. Pack B contains a larger quantity of Harlequin Reversible to comply with the recommended minimum 10m x 7.5m dance floor space for A-level work. 



Dance Floor Pack C is ideal for secondary schools looking for a hard-wearing floor suitable for dance and stage use. Harlequin Studio is a specially developed vinyl formulation that meets the needs of dancers and has a cushioned backing, This pack also complies with the recommended minimum 10m x 7.5m dance floor space for A-Level work. 

Harlequin Education Dance Floor Pack ‘D’ is based on the renowned Liberty sprung floor panels, which can be fitted together to create an 80m² dance floor. Comprising 36 full size and 8 half size panels, which are joined together using a unique latching system, the pack also includes edge trims and a ramp to complete the sprung floor. Four lengths of Harlequin Reversible can then be laid and secured with the joining tape provided to complete the dance surface. The Harlequin Reversible flooring can be rolled up, secured with Roll Straps and placed in the Harlequin Storage Bags supplied when the floor is not required. As an optional extra and for added convenience, two Harlequin Liberty Panel Storage Carts can be ordered to assist transporting and storing the panels. 

Ray Lloyds appointed Contracts Director by British Harlequin

British Harlequin plc is pleased to announce that Ray Lloyds has been appointed Harlequin’s Contracts Director. Ray has worked in the flooring industry for over 30 years, gaining a wealth of knowledge and expertise and what he doesn’t know about flooring isn’t worth knowing! 

Ray began his career as an electronics engineer at Visionhire, where after seven years he was promoted to managing the 35 strong service department. During this stage of his career Ray taught evening classes in practical electronics at both West Kent College and Wandsworth College. But the family firm was calling with Ray’s father keen for him to join him in the flooring business where in 1980 he began working alongside his dad installing commercial and domestic flooring. 

When Ray started working for Harlequin in 1994 it was as a sub-contractor, which led to a permanent move in 2004 and appointment as the company’s first Contracts Manager. A move that also brought on board the young apprentice floor layers he had trained and who are still part of the Harlequin team today. 

Ray’s wealth of experience and expertise make him a valuable member of staff who is always pleased to impart his knowledge. 

British Harlequin counting down days to ABTT 2102 Theatre Show

A brand new stand furnished with bright red Harlequin Hi-Shine display flooring, will be on show when British Harlequin exhibit at the eagerly anticipated ABTT 2012 Theatre Show, June 13 and 14. 

Although enjoying a well-earned reputation as world leaders in the development and supply of dance floors, Harlequin also specialise in stage flooring and floors for TV shows, events and display. Harlequin Hi-shine has proved extremely popular in all these markets and can frequently be seen as an integral design component in many leading television entertainment shows. Set designers are impressed by the way Hi-Shine rolls out instantly to provide a breathtaking wet-look finish to create a perfect display floor for entertainment presentations, fashion shows or exhibition stands. 

Harlequin Contracts Division has considerable expertise in building custom designed stage floors for applications such as theatres, performing arts venues, cruise ships and education facilities. 

Visitors to the British Harlequin stand (004) at the ABTT 2012 Theatre Show, which is for the first time being held at the Old Truman Brewery in East London, will be able to discuss flooring requirements with company experts. 

Custom Harlequin performing arts floor takes centre stage in Hanoi

When the United Nations International School of Hanoi, Vietnam looked for a multi-purpose floor for their performing arts facility, they naturally turned to Harlequin. 

The stage floor specification called for a robust solution that could take the wear and tear of school productions, stage props, trucks and scenery construction and yet offers a cushioned floor and non-slip surface for dance. Hong Kong based Harlequin Asia took responsibility for the supply and installation of a specially constructed Harlequin semi-sprung batten floor system, with a Harlequin Standfast™performance surface. A combination that provides durability as well as slip-resistance for performers. 

Dave Porter, Director of Operations at the United Nations International School of Hanoi takes up the story. “Harlequin provided us not only with a durable Harlequin Standfast floor but also a professional stage sub-floor build-up, customised to suit our school’s needs. Our stage floor is being put to the test daily by our students and can withstand the harsh climate conditions here in Vietnam.” 

Harlequin Standfast™ is an extremely hard-wearing performance floor intended for permanent installation, suitable for heavy duty use and ideal for stages, percussive dance, multi-purpose use and ballet. 

The school has a student roll of 285 representing 42 nationalities, a teaching staff of 42 and a non-teaching support staff of 50. 

Russian TV reports on Harlequin floors at the Bolshoi

An interview with Sergei Filin, Artistic Director of the Boshoi Ballet is featured in recently released footage from Russian television. 

The video can be viewed on YouTube. 

Harlequin look forward to ABTT 2012

Stage and dance floor products will be the centre of attention on the British Harlequin stand when the ABTT 2012 Theatre Show is held at The Old Truman Brewery in London on 13th & 14th June. 

Marketing manager, Caroline Reilly said, “we are looking forward to exhibiting at the new East London location for the 2012 show, which we hope will also bring new audiences to the event. Since last year’s show we have continued to develop our products and are planning our stand to exhibit the latest developments in floors for the performing arts.” 

Well-known globally as leaders in dance floor technology, the Harlequin brand is trusted throughout the dance community from famous companies such as the Bolshoi, to rehearsal studios, private dance schools and in education. With a long history of innovation in the development of special floors for dance and performing arts, ABTT Silver Sponsor British Harlequin plc works closely with academics researching the relationship between floor quality and preventing injury to dancers by developing floors with characteristics performers prefer due to safety, “feel” and durability. 

On show will be a selection 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. Harlequin also provides special flooring for theatre stages, television studios, exhibitions and display. The company 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 tape, cleaning products, roll straps, storage bags/carts and an extensive range of ballet barres. 

Harlequin exhibiting at PLASA Focus

British Harlequin plc will once again be exhibiting at the PLASA Focus event to be held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, on 17th and 18th April 2012, where Harlequin’s stand, RA-C16, will feature floors for dance, theatre and events. 

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 through to cushioned, heavy duty permanent floors, plus permanent and touring sprung floor systems. These are complemented by a range of accessories including tape, cleaning products, roll straps, storage bags and carts and an extensive range of ballet barres. 

Harlequin shines at Danza in Fiera

Visitors to the seventh annual Danza in Fiera, staged last month at Florence’s Fortezza da Basso were immediately tempted to visit Harlequin’s dramatic new stand. Strategically located at the entrance to the trade show, the eye-catching gleaming white, newly designed 32m² stand projected a crisp white image that created busy visitor traffic throughout the event. 

Black Harlequin Hi-Shine™ provided a floor that featured regular performances during the four days of Danza in Fiera by world famous break dancers Maksym Babunov and Renato Scapecchi. These winners of prestigious prizes such as the Osaka 2009, the Sydney Festival 2009 and the Italy Best Show 2011, offered “out of the box performances on the rhythm of Japanese percussion.” The high gloss floor was also much appreciated for its mirror effect by photographers and event organizers, as well as choreographers who stopped at the Harlequin stand to enquire about the product. 

Final day at MOVE IT dancing on Harlequin floors

Pictures of the Main stage, Harlequin Masterclass Studio and Harlequin Ballroom at MOVE IT today. 

The MOVE IT Main Stage equipped with Harlequin Liberty™ and Harlequin Cascade™ “hosting spectacular performances from some of the most exciting artists and dance companies from all over the UK”. 

The Harlequin Masterclass Studio is a dedicated, intimate space with a fully sprung Harlequin Liberty™ floor with Harlequin Studio™ dance surface created especially for advanced and professional dancers. “This year there are also practical workshops for dance teachers as part of the Teachers' Convention. The studio is hosting classes taught by some of the UK’s premiere teachers and dance companies”. 

The MOVE IT Ballroom has a twist, “featuring exciting and unexpected classes including vintage style moves, sensual flamenco, Latin beats and swinging lindy hop”. Ballroom classes which include Flamenco, Rumba, Quickstep, Cha Cha Cha, Ballroom, Salsa, Lindy Hop, Latin Line Dance and Latin is danced “in comfort and style at the ballroom - now with a fully sprung Harlequin floor”. 

Dancers visit Harlequin stand at Move IT this weekend

Pictures of just some of the dancers who visited the Harlequin stand at MOVE IT today. 

MOVE IT 2012 opened at London’s Olympia, Friday 9th March and continues until Sunday. So there is still time to visit the show and visit the Harlequin stand. Experience the sprung floor that is the same as the dancers are using on the Main Stage. And if you are into ballroom there is news here as well, with Harlequin also providing the floor for the MOVE IT Ballroom and of course the ever popular Harlequin Masterclass Studio.