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 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.
