Harlequin blog

Harlequin Cascade dance floor for RAD conference

2012-01-31T10:26:00.000Z

Performances at the Royal Academy of Dance annual conference took place on a Harlequin Cascade™ dance floor, supplied by British Harlequin plc for the event at the Mermaid Conference & Events Centre in London, attended by over 500 delegates.

Royal Academy of Dance Chief Executive Luke Rittner opened the proceedings and guest speaker Dame Monica Mason DBE, Director of The Royal Ballet, spoke about the importance of valuing teachers. "Dance teachers play a hugely important role by inspiring, energising and guiding the young people that they teach," she told delegates.

Eighteen students from schools across the UK put words into action by taking to the Harlequin Cascade dance floor on stage to demonstrate a range of exercises from the new syllabi. Paula Hunt, Chair of the Panel of Examiners talked the students through the demonstrations, explaining the creativity and musicality underpinning the choreography and key assessment features for each exercise.

The programme was brought to a close with a live coaching session led by Royal Ballet Principal Dancer, Steven McRae, teaching Lachlan Monaghan, graduate year student at The Royal Ballet School who appeared by kind permission of Gailene Stock AM.

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is an international dance teacher education and training organisation with approximately 13,000 members in 79 countries, promoting the knowledge, practice and understanding of dance internationally through the education and training of teachers.

Bolshoi’s sumptious set design includes the dance floor!

2012-01-12T13:48:00.001Z

Photo: Courtesy of TDM

After a six year restoration project, reported to have cost a massive £1/2 billion, Moscow’s iconic Bolshoi Theatre re-opened this autumn with a glittering gala performance attended by president Dmitry Medveded and the Russian elite. Unusually, instead of unobtrusively providing a world class floor for the dancers, the Harlequin dance floor was itself an integral part of the set design for the Bolshoi Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty.

Thanks to innovative techniques developed by Harlequin’s development engineering team, the usually plain vinyl dance surface echoed the sumptious set design with an intricate pattern designed by the Italian Designer Ezio Frigerio.

Using advanced wide format computer controlled printing techniques, the Bolshoi’s design was digitized for printing on rolls of specially formatted white Harlequin Cascade™ vinyl.

Extensive testing and experimentation during the development of the technique ensured the surface characteristics - so important to professional dancers - were maintained while ensuring adequate adhesion of the inks to withstand scuffing from ballet shoes. Harlequin is pleased to announce that this capability is now offered as a custom option for purchasers of their floors.

Harlequin Cascade™ is a reinforced vinyl dance surface manufactured to high standards. It is popular with stage managers as a heavy-duty stage floor withstanding general stage use and tolerant of heavy props and also ideal for dance. A silky smooth emboss gives deceptively good grip conveying a soft feel, giving dancers an unmatched confidence for demanding choreography. The underlying Harlequin Liberty™ sprung floor comprises a series of inter-linked panels designed to provide consistent shock absorption that independent research shows minimize stress injuries for dancers.

Harlequin sponsorship for Prix de Lausanne

2012-01-06T16:56:00.002Z

Harlequin Floors, world leaders in dance floor technology continues as a sponsor for the 40th Prix de Lausanne which takes place in Switzerland from 29th January – 4th February. Competitors in this prestigious event will once again enjoy the benefit of performing on Harlequin dance floors, supplied as part of the company’s sponsorship support.

Duringthe 2012 Prix de Lausanne, Harlequin will also be running a Facebook basedcompetition, with everyone registering a “Like” being entered into a prize drawand the chance to win one of 5 iPads. Full details of how to be involved can befound online or go to our Facebook page and click‘Like’.

Created in 1973, the Prix de Lausanneis an international competition for young dancers aged 15 to 18 with “a primeobjective to discover, promote, and support talent among the world’s finestyoung dancers.” Harlequin Floors isalso celebrating four years of participating in the Prix de Lausanne as sponsorof the video-blog which has become established as a favourite of the youngdance community.

Harlequin sponsored the inaugural Dance Proms

2012-01-06T16:41:00.000Z

British Harlequin was a sponsor of the first ever DanceProms when the UK’s rising stars recently performed at the Royal Albert Hall.Twenty-four dance acts from around the UK danced on a Harlequin floor atthis major new national dance festival launched earlier in the year to find theUK’s most talented dance students.

“With more than 450 young dancers taking to thestage at the Royal Albert Hall, it was an evening to remember with a finalethat brought the packed Hall to their feet for a standing ovation. The youngdancers showcased a huge range of dance styles and cultural influences – fromclassic ballroom and beautiful ballet to energetic tap, Kathak, Spanish andthought-provoking contemporary dance Many respected guests from the world of dance were in attendanceincluding Dame Beryl Grey DBE, Lady Deborah MacMillan, Bonnie Langford, Baroness Hooper, Steven McRae, Karen Hardy, Mark Summers,Sir Peter Wright, Kevin O'Hare, Jack Petchey CBE, AnthonyVan Laast and Chris Hollins.” 

Northern Ballet continues to put trust in Harlequin dance floors

2011-12-20T10:42:00.000Z

British Harlequin recently installed Harlequin WoodSpring™ sprung floors with Harlequin Studio™ vinyl dance surfaces in all the dance and performance studios for Northern Ballet’s new building in Leeds.

Talking to British Harlequin, Andy Waddington, Head of Technical Services stressed the importance of sprung floors that benefit not just ballet dancers, but dancers of all styles and age groups that use their facility. When the architects were appointed a Harlequin sprung floor was high on the priority list. "Harlequin is something I can trust and I know it is going to work", said Andy. He explained, "Northern Ballet has a long history with Harlequin; we’ve still got working floors that we bought in 2000! Harlequin means reliability. I’ve got confidence in their products and go back to them time and time again".

Andy continued, "With our long association with Harlequin, we couldn’t think of going anywhere else. WoodSpring just works. It’s perfect. The dancers really appreciate it; they know that they’re safe and they can bounce up and down for days and nothing’s going to go wrong. That’s piece of mind! The dancers know they’re getting a top quality floor; that it’s going to be right and that they’re not going to slip, fall over or hurt themselves. And I know the floor’s not going to fail; it delivers every time".

The full interview with Andy Waddington can be viewed on the Harlequin video channel and on their YouTube channel.

Harlequin is the floor Phoenix Dance Theatre keep coming back to!

2011-12-20T10:26:00.000Z

"I am very happy with the Harlequin floors in the building" . said John Slater, Technical Manager of Phoenix Dance Theatre. " I’m yet to find anything else that makes the dancers happy".

The Leeds based contemporary dance company, founded in 1981, is now sharing a purpose-built facility that includes studios equipped with Harlequin WoodSpring™ sprung floors and Harlequin Studio™ vinyl dance surfaces. Phoenix Dance Theatre effectively re-launched about three years ago with new dancers and new management, but retained the "amazing legacy for the quality of work". John continued, "We are a contemporary dance company and they dance not in ballet shoes but barefoot and in socks. It is difficult to find a floor that has the right amount of traction so they are not slipping around when they are in socks, yet allows them to move when they are barefoot and Harlequin seems to be the one they keep coming back to".

"For touring I have used Harlequin floors in the past and I am about to buy some more...the dancers and the rehearsal director won’t allow me to buy anything else! "

The interview with John Slater can now be viewed on the Harlequin YouTube channel or via the Harlequin video channel .

Harlequin support for Laban symposium

2011-12-20T10:10:00.000Z

Thanking British Harlequin for its "generous support " Dr Emma Redding said, "over 100 delegates attended the Passion, Pathways and Potential in Dance symposium held at Trinity Laban." The symposium launched the findings of a three-year interdisciplinary research project into the development of dance talent among young people.

The largest project of its kind involved nearly 800 young dancers training at eight government-funded Centres for Advanced Training (CATs). The interdisciplinary research measured a wide range of characteristics related to dance talent (physiology, anthropometry, psychology, injury, adherence, creativity) and explored the factors that may contribute to optimal talent development. Qualitative interview-based research also investigated how these factors relate to both creativity and commitment.

Delegates who attended the event came from a wide range of backgrounds and included dance educators, industry professionals and leaders, academic researchers and policy makers. The research findings presented were received with great interest and feedback from delegates was extremely positive.

Harlequin Group Marketing Manager, Mark Rasmussen said, "Harlequin was delighted to be able to provide financial support to the symposium and applauded the contribution the project has made to the dance community."

Photo: L-R: Imogen Walker, PhD Candidate on the project, Dr Sanna Nordin-Bates Research Fellow on the project & Dr Emma Redding, Principal Investigator on the project.

Harlequin Cascade™ makes Riverdance a better show for everybody

2011-11-22T16:25:00.001Z

Photo:Joan Marcus

Since its beginnings as an interval act during the Eurovision Song Contest staged in Dublin, Riverdance has gone on to conquer the world. And where Riverdance goes so do rolls of Harlequin Cascade™ dance floor.

Recently British Harlequin Marketing Manager, Caroline Reilly caught up with the show and Executive Producer Julian Erskine, in Killarney. In a recently released video interview published on the the Harlequin video channel and YouTube, Julian explained how an extensive search for the right floor ended with choosing Harlequin Cascade™ - a floor that has since toured the world with Riverdance for seventeen years. On a recent 22 week tour of North America, the floor was rolled out in 77 cities. "The floor went out 77 times….and without any need for repairs. It’s a credit to the product that it does that." In the video Julian emphasises how important the floor is to the dancers’ confidence, so they don’t "hold back" and can "go all out" without fear of slipping. Slipping was a real problem in the early days before Cascade™ as the special shoes used for Irish dance polished the traditional wood surface to a shiny and slippery gloss. "Our dancers’ reaction to the floor is completely positive. When we found Harlequin Cascade™ the confidence arrived to go out every night knowing the major issue of whether they were going to slip or not was over. We find with Cascade™ dancers have no fear and can go as fast as they like, it makes the show better for everybody." In the video interview he also talks about the importance of floor colour to work with lighting and scenic projection. Summing up what Harlequin meant to him is ‘confidence’ in the floor and ‘satisfaction’ with the service received over the years.

The full interview can be viewed on the Harlequin video channel showcasing the continuing role of Harlequin Cascade™ in this long running success, plus a look back at Riverdance history and an interview with a dancer.

The American Harlequin Team at LDI

2011-11-03T19:46:00.001Z

The American Harlequin Team at the 2011 LDI Show in Orlando, Florida. From left to right: Bob Dagger, President; Patricia Basileo, Vice President; Mark Rasmussen, Harlequin Group Marketing Manager; Suzanne Costanza, Sales Manager; Larry Sullivan, Contracting Manager; Maria Gil Dybalski, Account Executive; and Guy Dagger, Harlequin Group Director.

Tickets go on sale for first ever Dance Proms

2011-11-03T17:46:00.002Z

British Harlequin will be a sponsor of the first ever Dance Proms when the UK’s rising stars will be performing at the Royal Albert Hall on 13th November 2011. Dance Proms is open to the public and tickets are now on sale through the Royal Albert Hall Box Office and website. Twenty-four dance acts from around the UK will perform together at this major new national dance festival which was launched in February 2011 to find the UK’s most talented dance students - in all dance genres, from ballet to ballroom, salsa to street dance and jive to jazz dance.

Along with guest appearances by Marianela Nuñez and Thiago Soares, principals of The Royal Ballet, Strictly Come Dancing stars Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova will be adding to the excitement. The shortlist of 24 acts - involving over 400 dancers - was selected from over 300 entries.

Dance Proms - organised by the UK’s leading dance organisations: the International Dance Teachers’ Association (IDTA), Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) and the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in association with the Royal Albert Hall - celebrates dance in all its forms and the unique relationship between students and their dance teachers.

Covent Garden Dance Company perform on Liberty floor at Hatch House

2011-11-03T17:39:00.000Z

Photo: James Whitty Photography.

The Covent Garden Dance Company hired Harlequin Liberty™ panels to create a 10m x 5m sprung dance floor for use with their own custom yellow Harlequin Cascade™ dance surface when they performed recently at Hatch House in Wiltshire.

Matt Brady said, " With three world premiers and eight world class dancers appearing over the two nights expectations ran high" for the event presented in the depths of the English countryside. More on Hatch House 2011 can be found on their web site .

The Covent Garden Dance Company " aim to combine new and established talents in the fields of production, music, design and choreography and thus produce entertaining and challenging work and are strongly committed to building and educating new audiences".

Northern Ballet continues to trust in Harlequin’s dance floors

2011-11-01T11:32:00.003Z

British Harlequin recently installed Harlequin WoodSpring™ sprung floors, with Harlequin Studio™ dance surfaces in all the dance and performance studios for Northern Ballet’s new building in Leeds.

Talking to British Harlequin, Technical Director Andy Waddington stressed the importance of sprung floors that benefit not just ballet dancers, but dancers of all styles and age groups that use their facility. So when the architects were appointed, a Harlequin sprung floor was high on the priority list. "Harlequin is something I can trust and I know it is going to work," continued Andy. He explained Northern Ballet had a long history of successfully using Harlequin Floors – " it’s the industry standard."

The full interview with Andy Waddington will soon be published on the Harlequin video channel and on our YouTube channel.

Busy start to LDI for Harlequin in Orlando today

2011-10-28T17:07:00.002+01:00

It is already busy today at the Orange County Convention Center, Florida where Harlequin are exhibiting at LDI until Sunday 30th October.

Harlequin is the floor Phoenix Dance Theatre keep coming back to

2011-10-24T14:43:00.000+01:00

John Slater

British Harlequin recently installed a Harlequin WoodSpring™ sprung floor, with a Harlequin Studio™ dance surface in Phoenix Dance Theatre’s new building in Leeds.

" I am very happy with the Harlequin floors in the building." said John Slater, Technical Manager of Phoenix Dance Theatre. "There are no complaints from the dancers at all…trust me, if there were any problems, I would know about it."

" For touring I have used Harlequin floors in the past and I am about to buy some more...the dancers and the rehearsal director won’t allow me to buy anything else! "

The interview with John Slater will soon be published on the Harlequin video channel and on their YouTube channel.

Harlequin team engage with IADMS dance health conference

2011-10-21T14:35:00.000+01:00

Harlequin delegates - Mark Rasmussen,
Pat Basileo & Claire Londress.

When the 21st Annual Meeting of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) convened in Washington DC this month representatives of dance floor specialist, Harlequin numbered among the delegates.

Summing up the event, Patricia Basileo, Vice President of the American Harlequin Corporation said "Supporting the work of IADMS is part of our worldwide commitment to healthier dancers. The Washington DC meeting was a great success and full of enthusiastic delegates sharing that same commitment. In addition, it was a wonderful opportunity for us to meet with customers and friends old and new."

Harlequin – Annual Sponsors of IADMS - is a brand well recognised throughout the dance community as leading the way in developing and evolving the modern dance floor. This is thanks in no small part to a close relationship forged between dancers and a manufacturer intent on developing floors that dancers choose to dance on. In recent years Harlequin has supported various researchers to gain a greater insight into understanding of the important contributing factors that constitute a "good floor". Dancers are naturally well aware of the importance of the dance floor.

The IADMS annual conference provided an important opportunity for Harlequin to interact with the dance community.

Harlequin Cascade gives Riverdance confidence to go all out

2011-10-19T16:59:00.001+01:00

Julian Erskine

Since its beginnings as an interval act during the Eurovision Song Contest staged in Dublin, Riverdance has gone on to conquer the world. And where Riverdance goes so do rolls of Harlequin Cascade™ dance floor.

Recently British Harlequin Marketing Manager, Caroline Reilly caught up with the show and Executive Producer Julian Erskine, in Killarney. In a soon to be released video interview to be published on the Harlequin video channel and YouTube, Julian explained how an extensive search for the right floor ended with choosing Harlequin Cascade™ - a floor that has since toured the world with Riverdance for seventeen years. "We found Cascade™ solved our problems – enough slipperiness for the tappers and enough bite for the Irish dancers. " In the video Julian emphasises how important the floor is to the dancers’ confidence, so they don’t "hold back" and can "go all out" without fear of slipping. Slipping was a real problem in the early days before Cascade™ as the special shoes used for Irish dance polished the traditional wood surface to a shiny and slippery gloss. He explains too the importance of floor colour to work with scenic projection and even the effect of temperature.

The full interview will be released next month showcasing the continuing role of Harlequin Cascade™ in this long running success, plus a look back at Riverdance history and an interview with a dancer.

Harlequin goes green for the day

2011-10-14T12:32:00.002+01:00

Harlequin has gone green today to raise funds for Hospice in the Weald’s ‘Wear Green for the Hospice’ appeal week.

"As most people know someone who has been affected by a terminal illness we are all dressed in green today to raise money for our local hospice in Pembury. It has been a week-long campaign run by the Hospice in the Weald to raise money. It is a fantastic cause that we are delighted to support, as they provide care to people with life limiting illnesses, to their families and carers."

"With a minimum donation was £1 and almost everyone taking part we have managed to raise £100 - every penny helps! "

American Harlequin supports dancer safety at IADMS conference

2011-10-11T21:17:00.001+01:00

Company Sets the Stage with Sprung Performance Flooring

Washington, DC, October 13, 2011 – American Harlequin (Harlequin), a world leader in floors for the performing arts, along with British Harlequin and Harlequin Europe , is proud to partner with the International Association for Dance & Medical Science (IADMS) for its 21st Annual Meeting, held in Washington, DC from October 13-15, 2011, to support those involved with the healthcare, education, administration and supervision of dancers.

"Harlequin has been an annual sponsor of IADMS for nearly a decade, " said Bob Dagger, president of American Harlequin. "We believe this partnership is a testament to our Company’s long-standing philosophy to deliver performance flooring products that enable dancers to sustain a long, healthy career."

Illustrating its dedication to safety at IADMS, American Harlequin displays its cost-effective Harlequin Liberty™ Sprung Floor Panels, which feature uniform suspension and point elasticity to enable compression at the point of contact. Further adding to performance safety, Liberty flooring, available in portable and permanent options, also features:

• “Area elasticity” to provide flexion and support where a performer lands
• Consistent shock absorption to reduce injury risk
• Limitation of flexing to avoid disturbance of neighboring performers
Performance flooring experts from Harlequin will be available throughout IADMS to address the needs and concerns of attendees, including physicians, physical therapists, artistic directors, educators and dancers.

IADMS was formed in 1990 by an international group of dance medicine practitioners, dance educators, dance scientists and dancers. Membership is drawn equally from the medical and dance professions, and has grown from an initial 48 members in 1991 to over 900 members at present world-wide, representing 35 countries.

Gala event raises funds for The Hunger Project

2011-10-07T18:33:00.000+01:00

The Royal Ballet's Liam Scarlett
dances Texan Kangaroo Rat
- ‘Still life’ at the Penguin Café.
© All rights reserved by
The Hunger Project UK

The Gary Avis & Friends Charity Gala, which took place in September, turned out to be an important fund-raiser for The Hunger Project. A Harlequin Liberty™ sprung floor used in conjunction with black Harlequin Reversible™ dance surface was installed at the Ipswich Regent Theatre for the two performances, which included dancers from The Royal Ballet and English National Ballet.

Gary Avis, a Principal Character Artist and also Ballet Master at the Royal Ballet brought a glittering array of talent to his home town of Ipswich. "It was a fantastic success, we had two packed performances with 2600 guests and we raised £50,000 for The Hunger Project which was incredible" said Mark Speirs Marketing, Communications & Fundraising Manager of The Hunger Project UK.

Bryony Wells of The Hunger Project explained, "the performances, hosted by Angela Rippon involved 10 Principal Dancers from the Royal Ballet and we therefore needed to put in place a good sprung floor. " She continued, "Harlequin provided the floor for an event involving the Royal Ballet last year in Lagrasse, and all the dancers were very happy with this floor. Additionally, Gary Avis teaches at the Wells Summer Schools at which a Harlequin floor is used, and has been very impressed with it. "

This "World Class Dance Event"included 80 performers supported by 250 volunteers backstage. Performers included The Royal Ballet’s Steven McRae, Jumoké Fashola, Roberta Marquez, Nehemiah Kish, Melissa Hamilton, Paul Kay, Leanne Cope, David Pickering, Yuhui Choe, Ryoichi Hirano, Yasmine Naghdi, Nigel Cliffe and; English National Ballet’s Principal Ballerina Begoña Cao and from East Anglia - The Co-op Juniors, Ipswich Operatic Society, Appeal Theatre Group, The Gallery Players and young performers from the Linda Shipton School of Dance.

A round up of the gala is published on The Hunger Project blog and there is still an opportunity to give at Gary’s fundraising page on Justgiving.com.

Ten glorious years of Princess Margaret Awards at Francis Holland School, London SW1

2011-09-29T12:09:00.000+01:00

Rimbaud Patron and Mami Fuji
danced the Pas de Deux
from Raymonda by kind permission
of the Directors,
English National Ballet School.Photo:David Neville.

Val Hitchen has taught at this prestigious Chelsea school for 46 years! In fact since leaving the Royal Ballet School where she was the first student enrolled on de Valois’s newly formed Craftsman’s Course for Teaching.

Princess Margaret who at the time was Patron of both the Company and the school sent her daughter, the now Lady Sarah Chatto, to Francis Holland School. HRH was extremely supportive of the ballet at school throughout Sarah’s years and beyond. Sarah took all of her RAD Grades with Val and was also accepted onto the Associate programme of the Royal Ballet School. It is not surprising therefore that shortly before she died, she generously gave her name to this unique and very special competition which is now an eagerly awaited for annual summer event at the school.

The silver rose bowl with the ‘princess’ figurines at the rim was made in Birmingham and dates back to 1910 but perhaps even more special are the two awards which were especially commissioned by parents at the school and made at the David Linley work-rooms. Lord Linley is the son of Princess Margaret.

The Coronet and the Obelisk both bear the initial ‘M’ in the style used by HRH and the dancers on the Obelisk are taken from photographs of Fonteyn by Jennie Walton. A separate award is named after Dame Antoinette Sibley whose daughter, Eloise, also attended Francis Holland School.

For ten years both the Royal Ballet School and English National Ballet School have sent students to dance at the Awards Day and this is only made possible by British Harlequin who provide the Harlequin Cacsade dance floor that is laid in the school hall.

Usually about 24 children are chosen from all those who compete in classes earlier in the year. Once the finalists have been chosen they have to commit to 2 week-ends of new work to be shown on the Awards day. Ages generally range from 4 years to 16 years.

Over the years the competitors have danced for very special Guests of Honour: Lady Sarah Chatto, Dame Antoinette Sibley, Lady Anya Sainsbury CBE, Sir Peter Wright CBE, Miss Doreen Wells, Miss Lesley Collier, Mr Will Kemp.

"The surface on which we create our art"

2011-09-20T18:01:00.000+01:00

Rafael Bonachela

"We chose Harlequin floors for our studios because we had to have the best," said choreographer and Artistic Director of Sydney Dance Company, Rafael Bonachela in a newly published video interview on the Harlequin Floors website.

"We approached the purchase of the floor for our four studios with great care and consideration. The floor is a great asset for our daily working lives, it is the surface on which we make our art, so yes, we could only have the best".

Harlequin Australasia recently installed Harlequin Cascade™ and Harlequin Studio™ for the Sydney Dance Company, working over night to avoid disrupting a busy rehearsal schedule. Rafael Bonachela explained, "the technicians came and laid the floor. We came in the morning after and it was all done, to the 100% perfection we expected, flawless and like magic! "

"When someone says to me Harlequin first of all I feel relaxed, I know I can trust it and I know its going to be a very, very professional surface and that we are going to be able to work very confidently – it’s the best we can have! "

Rafael Bonachela concluded, "The dancers love the new floor, they are enjoying dancing on it because it’s not slippery and doesn't prevent you from turning or anything like that. Also in contemporary dance there is also very rigorous floor work that we do, that’s why it’s so important we have a great floor. "

Sprung floors reduce impact injuries at new training centre

2011-09-16T15:30:00.001+01:00

"When you are the market leader in Dance Floors, it’s fair to say the one call you don’t expect is from the Australian Commandos!” said Guenther Goetz of Harlequin Australasia recently “…whilst I was still coming to terms with who I was talking to, they casually dropped into the conversation ‘by the way, can your floors be mounted to the wall?’ ”

Paul Cale, who works for the Integrated Combat Centre at Holsworthy Barracks, NSW and is President of the service’s Integrated Combat Club explained why. “We are increasing our work rate in close quarter training from something that we do a couple of times a year to something we are doing every week. We needed to reduce the rate of injury to achieve that and decided we needed a sprung floor. We needed a floor that didn’t produce a trampoline [effect] but reduced impact without destabalising the members using the facility.”

The products the Commandos chose were Harlequin Liberty™ sprung floor panels with Harlequin Cascade™ vinyl surface. Technical support on wall-mounting the floor came from Harlequin engineers in the UK and the installation was carried out by Harlequin’s Australian installation team, described by Paul in typical military fashion as “quick and efficient”.

When asked about the finished result Paul said “It’s something that has very much impressed people that have come to see the centre, particularly when they realise how much effort we have put in to reducing risk and creating a world class facility. Now Commandos can train at full power and full impact…and not sustain an injury.”

The way that Harlequin Liberty™ sprung floor panels create an even return of energy rather than a bouncy, trampoline degree of spring is exactly why dancers appreciate the impact absorbing properties of the floor. Research continues to demonstrate that a sprung floor of this type can help reduce injuries that dancers receive. Now it seems these properties are also helping Australian Commandos reduce injuries in training.

Harlequin to present floor health matters talk at dance teachers’ conference

2011-08-22T16:26:00.001+01:00

Mark Rasmussen, Harlequin Group Marketing Manager will be talking about floors and health matters tomorrow, at the first ever International Dance Teachers’ Conference currently taking place at The Royal Ballet School in London.

Sponsored by Harlequin, the International Dance Teachers’ Conference is described as “four days of inspiration, innovation and imagination.” The conference opened last night with a glittering Gala Evening featuring top calibre performers including Wayne Sleep, Steven McRae, Sarah Lamb, Lizzie Gough and Two and a Half Men. “What an incredible lineup!” commented Mark and “oh yes, they all performed their magic on Harlequin Cascade”.

Addressing the conference Tuesday morning, Mark will turn to the subject of dancers’ health and the importance of a good quality sprung floor in helping reduce the high levels of injury associated with dancing on hard, unyielding floors. His presentation will recognize the outcomes of research studies correlating the contribution of a sprung floor with providing a safer working environment for dancers.

Charity dance event to be staged on Harlequin sprung floor

2011-08-19T09:33:00.002+01:00

The Gary Avis & Friends Charity Gala event in aid of The Hunger Project. is due to take place at the Ipswich Regent Theatre on Sunday 11th September. A Harlequin Liberty sprung floor used in conjunction with black Harlequin Reversible dance surface will be installed for the performance.

Gary Avis is a Principal Character Artist and also Ballet Master at the Royal Ballet. Bryony Wells of The Hunger Project explains, “the performance, which will be hosted by Angela Rippon involves 10 Principal Dancers from the Royal Ballet and we therefore need to put in place a good sprung floor.” She continued, “Harlequin provided the floor for an event involving the Royal Ballet last year in Lagrasse, and all the dancers were very happy with this floor. Additionally, Gary Avis teaches at the Wells Summer Schools at which a Harlequin floor is used, and has been very impressed with it.”

Tickets for the event are still available from the box office of the Ipswich Regent Theatre .

Expressions Dance Company scoops Harlequin sponsored award in Australia

2011-08-01T18:31:00.005+01:00

Expressions Dance Company won the Harlequin sponsored ‘Outstanding Performance by a Company Award’ for Where the Heart Is, at the 2011 Australian Dance Awards, held in Brisbane.

Natalie Weir, Artistic Director of EDC and choreographer of Where the Heart Is said "EDC was both proud and humbled to be awarded in a category with such amazing artists and companies from around Australia. Where the Heart Is was a joyous journey for the creative team" she added.

Where the Heart Is was nominated by the judges "for the dancers’ beauty and technical excellence in telling a powerful emotional story with great characterisation and intensity".

Taking two further awards on the night were dancer Amy Hollingsworth and choreographer Rafael Bonachela, both from Sydney Dance Company.

‘Outstanding Performance for a Female Dancer’ was awarded to Amy for Irony of Fate for her “outstanding technique articulation, clever variation of dynamics and powerful stage presence; an exceptional artist”.

Rafael Bonachela’s award meanwhile, in the ‘Outstanding Achievement in Choreography’ category, was for 6 Breaths. Cited for "a delicate combination of skill and vision to create an exquisitely crafted beautifully balanced work; for a wonderful collaboration with video artist and musician".

Harlequin Group Marketing Manager, Mark Rasmussen who was on hand to congratulate the winners said "… just a few days earlier I had been in Sydney filming an interview with Rafael about his new Harlequin floors and the next thing I knew I was in Brisbane applauding his win. Congratulations not only to all the winners on the night, but to all the nominees given that the standard of the shortlists were so incredibly high. What a wonderful celebration of Australian dance."

Photos:

Expressions Dance Company's Richard Causer, photo by Justin Nicholas, Atmosphere Photography.

Natalie Weir, Artistic Director of EDC winners of Outstanding Performance by a Company award.

Winners Amy Hollingsworth & Rafeal Bonachela both of Sydney Dance Company with Mark Rasmussen, Group Marketing Manager Harlequin (centre).

"We could only have the best" for Sydney Dance Company

2011-07-29T15:16:00.010+01:00

In a soon to be published video interview, choreographer and Artistic Director of Sydney Dance Company, Rafael Bonachela explains the reasons why Harlequin Australasia recently installed Harlequin Cascade™ and Harlequin Studio™ in their four rehearsal studios. "We chose Harlequin floors for our studios because we had to have the best," he said. The interview reveals why Harlequin was chosen, how the installation proceeded and most importantly, what the dancers think of the new floors.

The full interview will be published on the Harlequin YouTube channel next month and streamed through their website.

Rafael Bonachela moved to Sydney in 2009 after many years with the Rambert Dance Company in London. A few days after the interview, Rafael collected the Outstanding Achievement in Choreography award at the 2011 Australian Dance Awards in Brisbane for his work "6 Breaths".

Photos:

Guenther Goetz of Harlequin Australasia with Rafael Bonachela.

Harlequin Group Marketing Manager, Mark Rasmussen with Rafael Bonachela.

Rafael Bonachela being interviewed.

The first international ballet competition in Beijing sponsored by Harlequin Floors

2011-07-28T10:19:00.003+01:00

Harlequin, world leaders in dance floor design, were proud to be a sponsor of the first annual Beijing International Ballet and Choreography Competition and to have provided the sprung floor for the main stage.

Hosted by the National Centre for the Performing Arts and strongly supported by China's Ministry of Culture, 80 dancers competed in the classical ballet and choreography contest. Judged by an international panel drawn from 10 different countries, the panel included Tamara Rojo, the Royal Ballet's principal dancer, appearing in a judging role for the first time.

Harlequin Liberty™ sprung floor panels with a Harlequin Cascade™ dance surface allowed the contestants to perform with the total confidence that comes with knowing you are dancing on a first class sprung floor.

Madame Zhao Ruheng, former artistic director of the National Ballet of China,now Artistic Director of Dance at the National Centre of Performing Arts, said that she envisioned the event with the help of Frank Andersen, artistic director of the Royal Danish Ballet. Zhao and Andersen first met at a competition in Korea and talked about hosting a Chinese event for years. "Now, our dream has come true, " Madame Zhao said.

Renowned Finnish ballerina Doris Laine, who chaired the ballet portion of the competition, first visited Beijing 21 years ago. She said the Beijing event has the potential to grow into an influential world contest…like the city's grown."

Covent Garden Dance Company in Wiltshire

2011-06-22T09:01:00.004+01:00

Salisbury Life features a story about a boutique ballet event in the grounds of a Wiltshire country house that will be performed on a Harlequin dance floor.

The Royal Ballet to debut at O2 on Harlequin floors

2011-06-17T15:06:00.002+01:00

The Royal Ballet is set for a three-day residency this weekend at London’s O2 arena. The venue more typically home to pop concerts will be bringing ballet to large audiences and of course be danced on Harlequin floors. Performing Kenneth Mac Millan’s timeless classicRomeo and Juliet "this will be the first time the world renowned ballet company has performed in a UK arena and promises to be a ballet spectacle to remember."

"The Royal Ballet, usually based at the Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden, will move lock, stock and barrel into the arena for these special performances which will feature a filmed introduction to each Act, on giant, live-relay screens, as well as the virtuoso performances from one of finest ballet companies in the world.” Previous tours have been performed in the relative intimacy of theatres and not to audiences in a 20,000 seat arena. It is claimed that “there has never been a moment like this in the history of British ballet".

Dance floors being used by The Royal Ballet are Harlequin Cascade™ which is ideally suited to temporary installation on tour and Harlequin Reversible™ equally suited to "loose-lay" applications but with a slip resistant surface on both sides allowing alternate colour options.

Research shows dancers prefer dance floors over sports floors

2011-06-17T15:02:00.002+01:00

Research carried out by Luke Hopper highlights the importance for dancers of the performance of purpose designed dance floors and a preference for greater force reduction than that offered by sports floors.

In a synopsis to the full research paper, Luke of the School of Health Sciences, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia reports, "Dancers demonstrated a preference for floors with greater force reduction magnitudes than specified by European sport surface standards, suggesting that bespoke floor standards for dance may be beneficial."

Acknowledged in the full report is thanks to Harlequin for "support in this project".

Shiny new stand and new dance floor launched at ABTT Theatre Show

2011-06-15T18:04:00.004+01:00

New AeroDeck™ sprung floor panels were the centre of attention on the British Harlequin’s glossy new stand at the ABTT Theatre Show 2011 today (15^th June) at London’s Royal Horticultural Halls.

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 both academics researching the relationship between floor quality and injury and in gaining insights into floor characteristics performers prefer. The eagerly anticipated new development draws heavily on this expertise.

A quality floor is the basis on which creativity and excellence in ballet begins

2011-06-14T16:05:00.005+01:00

For The Hong Kong Ballet a quality dance floor is of great importance, so it comes as no surprise that the choice is Harlequin.

Recognised as one of Asia’s premier ballet companies, Artistic Director of The Hong Kong Ballet, Madeleine Onne explained, “We use Harlequin to give our dancers one of the most important foundations required to create a good performance - confidence. Whether in soft or pointe shoes, our dancers can focus on their performance knowing that the floor is reliable and has just the right amount of spring.” Recently Harlequin Asia installed a new Harlequin Liberty™ sprung floor completed with a Harlequin Reversible™ vinyl dance surface.

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. Designed for safety and suitable for a range of dance disciplines, when combined with a Harlequin dance surface, in this case Reversible™, Liberty™ provides the ultimate floor allowing performers to concentrate on their art without fear of falling or injury. Reversible™ is the classic double-sided dance floor surface that provides the option of two colours and of course a slip resistant surface on both sides.

As Madeleine Onne concluded, “A quality floor is the basis on which creativity and excellence in ballet begins”.

In Light and Shadow. Photo - Gordon Wong. Dancers - The Hong Kong Ballet.

In Light and Shadow. Photo - Gordon Wong. Dancers - Wu Fei-fei and Zhang Yao.

Suite en Blanc. Photo - Conrad Dy-Liacco. Dancers - Ye Fei-fei and Liu Yu-yao and Wu fei-fei

The Sleeping Beauty. Photo - Cheung Chi Wai. Dancer - Jin Yao.

Harlequin makes light work of touring sprung floors

2011-06-14T10:39:00.002+01:00

Harlequin’s new AeroDeck™ sprung floor is set to lighten the load for touring dance companies. The lightweight modular panels, constructed from advanced engineering grade plastics, cuts the weight of a typical equivalent sprung floor by around 50% and eases transportation of panels in and out of venues.

The new development is not only the result of introducing new technology materials, but also utilising new insights from research into the relationship between floor quality and the health and welfare of dancers. Harlequin has additionally called on the preferences of dancers themselves to create floors they want to dance on. The company has been at the forefront in pioneering the modern dance floor and by working closely with dancers and researchers has introduced a number of innovations both in sprung dance floors and dance surfaces.

The all new Harlequin AeroDeck™ panels dispense entirely with wood to produce a panel that is unaffected by moisture and suitable for use on outdoor productions. At the core of each panel is a patented structure sealed with a bonded GRP surface that provides inherent strength while being very light. Edged by a framework manufactured from re-cycled polyurethane the tongue and grooved detail allows panels to interlock and be locked together using the patented Harlequin latching system. Standard panels are supplied in 2m x 1m or 1m x 1m sizes and incorporate a series of circular dual density pads to provide the spring. Once assembled to form the dance area, the top surface can then be quickly finished using a dance surface from Harlequin’s vinyl range selected to be most appropriate to the dance styles performed.

Recent research has shown that dancing on a sprung floor of consistent performance and providing the right degree of energy return are important factors in avoiding injury and longer term damage to dancers. Using the same type of floor in rehearsal and performance and when touring is now more practical with the introduction of AeroDeck™ which thanks to its light weight offers an easy to move modular sprung dance floor. Full details can be viewed at www.harlequinfloors.com/

Harlequin are exhibiting in Berlin

2011-06-08T10:16:00.007+01:00

Showtech - the 15th International trade show and conference for stage technology, equipment and event services is currently being staged until 9th June at the Exhibition Centre Berlin. Here are some views from the busy Harlequin stand taken on the opening day.

New videos in dance interviews series posted

2011-06-01T14:55:00.002+01:00

British Harlequin has posted three further interviews with dance directors in Europe and the USA. Click on links to view:-

Interview with Eric Vu-An, Artistic Director of Ballet Nice- Mediterranee (pictured left).
Interview with Jason Beechey, Director of Palucca Dance School (centre)
Interview with Brian Walker, Production Director Houston Ballet.

Harlequin hints at new advances in sprung floors

2011-05-12T11:58:00.000+01:00

British Harlequin, recognized world leaders in dance floor technology are planning the introduction of a ground-breaking new development that seems set to generate considerable interest within the dance community. A major announcement will be made this summer.

Harlequin’s reputation in the dance community is well established around the world and includes many examples of support, including the long-running Dance Scholarships in America and the Prix de Lausanne in Europe, to mention just two. Consequently Harlequin enjoys a close rapport with the people who use dance floors and has developed a special understanding of what makes a good dance floor. Add to this the company’s expertise in materials technology and knowledge from dance medicine research and all the ingredients are there for a break through that will take dance floors to the next level.

Harlequin News re-launches in tabloid size

2011-04-19T19:20:00.002+01:00

British Harlequin’s twice yearly newsletter has recently been upsized from the previous A5 to the larger tabloid format and re-branded asHarlequin News.

The 2011 spring issue features news of events from the United Kingdom, Europe, Hong Kong and America. Featured events include British Harlequin’s donation to the National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science, ‘Supper with the Stars’, ‘Dancing on Parliament’ and the TMA Theatre Awards.

Copies will be available from the Harlequin stand at current exhibitions, or a copy can be downloaded from the company web site .

Bright and colourful Harlequin Reversible is centre stage for Youth Theatre

2011-04-19T17:01:00.004+01:00

Stage2 Youth Theatre , "Birmingham’s busiest and biggest youth theatre," used Harlequin Reversible™ as an essential feature of the set for the première of two new productions from the pen of Claire Dowie.

Better known as a floor where either side can be used as a dance surface, it was the "bright and colourful" appearance that put Harlequin Reversible™ centre stage in "Arsehammers". Set designers Acquis Media Ltd used the different colour options available to create a giant snakes and ladders board populated by young actors wearing luminous costumes and rolling giant dice to ascend ladders or slither back down snakes. The central characters, a young boy and his sister innocently believed that Arsehammers, their mispronunciation of the Alzheimers illness that had afflicted their grandfather, had given him super human powers.

By contrast "The Year of the Monkey" explored a darker theme where it was green Harlequin Reversible™ that complimented the themed costumes of the cast and a green tree that expanded to form a strand of DNA. Khalid Daley describing "The Year of the Monkey" said: "With the cast entering the stage, they sat down on black stools which were the only other set used in the play as the show unfolded into a masterpiece".

Supplied by Chris Cuthbert of Midlands based Acquis Media Ltd , "Harlequin Reversible™ was used in the Crescent Studio at The Crescent Theatre, Sheepcote Street, Brindleyplace where Stage2 Youth Theatre performed the premières of their two productions. Harlequin Reversible™ was also used at the Dovehouse Theatre, Olton, Solihull at the BDTG Festival where the casts ofArsehammersand The Year of The Monkey performed their shows for the One Act Play Category as part of Birmingham’s Festival of Acting and Musical Entertainment (BFAME). " Overall Stage2 Youth Theatre won eight awards including Best Direction (Liz Light), Best Adult One Act Play (The Year of The Monkey) and Best Youth One Act Play (Arsehammers) and nominated for an additional thirteen awards including two for technical achievement.

Dance injury researcher Luke Hopper thanks Harlequin for support

2011-03-29T09:33:00.002+01:00

Luke Hopper PhD, a Lecturer of exercise, musculoskeletal and clinical biometrics at The University of Notre Dame, Australia has extended his thanks and gratitude to a number of individuals who have supported his research including "the invaluable assistance of Harlequin throughout my doctoral candidature."

As an ex-dancer, Luke Hopper is well aware of the demands of dance training and the associated injury risks. Since finishing dance training, Luke studied sport science at the University of Western Australia and has recently completed his PhD investigating the effects of dance floors on dancers.

Thanking "[the] representatives of Harlequin who have accepted and supported my research with openness and generosity. Their input has provided a major contribution to my research and I am grateful for the respect they have given my scientific obligations. I hope that my findings will significantly aid our common goal of improving the health of dancers."

Group Marketing Manager, Mark Rasmussen responded, "I know I speak for everybody at Harlequin when I say that we are proud to be associated with Luke’s work." Mark continued, " Attending meetings at the IADMS conference and with other professionals dealing with dancer's health in the last year, one name kept coming up, Luke Hopper."

Luke explained at the outset of the research, "Dance floors are an integral part of the dance environment, yet little information is available for the dance community that concerns how dance floors may affect dancer performance and injury. For the dedicated dancer striving to improve, injury can sadly be an all too common occurrence. By gaining knowledge concerning the relationship between dance floors and dancer performance and injury, the dance environment can be optimized in order to give dancers the best opportunities in their training."

Harlequin has a long tradition of working closely with the dance community to develop ‘research-informed’ dance floors and is a major supporter of IADMS - International Association for Dance Medicine & Science - in addition to sponsoring previous and on-going research in the USA, UK and Europe into dancers’ health related to the quality of dance floors. Harlequin also recently pledged £30,000 towards the creation of a National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science in the UK.

Photo: Luke Hopper assisted by Talia Wheeler with test equipment at the Birmingham Royal Ballet.

Visit the Harlequin Video Zone

2011-03-22T22:04:00.002Z

Visit the new Harlequin Video Zone for the latest news, interviews and product videos.

Video spot on Dancing Times web site

2011-03-22T21:53:00.002Z

Check out the Dancing Times Video Gallery.

Harlequin will be at PLASA Focus in Leeds this month

2011-03-21T14:26:00.002Z

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 19th and 20th April 2011 where Harlequin’s stand will feature floors for dance, theatre and events.

With more than 30 years’ experience in producing world-leading floors for the performing arts, 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 be bought online at www.harlequinshop.com.

According to the organisers “One of the key strengths of PLASA Focus is its unique visitor profile with 70% of visitors from the North of England. New features for 2011 include an expanded, free, two-day education and learning programme and new opportunities for live product demonstrations”.

Visit Harlequin at MOVE-IT this weekend

2011-03-11T17:17:00.008Z

British Harlequin plc, world leaders in the development and technology of floors for dance and the performing arts are once again a ‘Show Supporter’ of MOVE IT 2011. Harlequin continues in its commitment to furnish dance floors for the main performance stage, the ‘Harlequin Masterclass Studio’ and other areas for the big dance event that takes place at London’s Olympia Exhibition Centre from 11th to13th March.

Visit Harlequin’s stand, number 130, and you can try out light grey Harlequin Cascade™ within their ballet area, pale blue Harlequin Studio™ within their contemporary area and maple Harlequin Tempo™ within their street area. Harlequin’s presence on the exhibition floor provides a great opportunity for dance teachers and students to try Harlequin dance floors and ballet barres for themselves and talk to knowledgeable staff about which floors will be best suited to their dance classes.

Main Sponsor for the 2011 Australian Dance & Performing Arts Expo is Harlequin

2011-03-10T15:24:00.001Z

Harlequin, recognised as the world leader in advanced technology floors for dance and the performing arts, has announced that it is to be the main sponsor of The Australian Dance & Performing Arts Expo in June.

The Australian Dance & Performing Arts Expo (ADPE), scheduled to take place at the Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre, from 17th~19th June. ADPE is described as "Australia's largest event of its type covering every aspect of the dance and performing arts industry" where Harlequin will be supplying three areas of it’s Liberty™ sprung dance floors for the main performance areas.

Visitors will also be able to try a dance style, or take a free dance class of the many styles exhibiting at the expo on the Harlequin sprung dance floors which will be a focal point for activities of the Expo. They will be used for the ‘ADPE Class and Performance’ floor and ‘Main Stage Dance’ floor with the ‘Main Stage’, also benefiting from a Harlequin floor, featuring some of Australia's most outstanding performers with live bands performing throughout the day.

Guenther Goetz, Managing Director of Harlequin Australasia said, "Over the next few weeks Harlequin and the ADPE will be announcing some very special guests and promotions in the lead up to the first Australian Dance & Performing Arts Expo. " Guenther continued, “We are proud to be the major sponsor for ADPE and to be providing high quality sprung floors to ensure dancers can perform safely and also to give visitors the opportunity to try out our sprung floors for themselves.”

Harlequin has been at the forefront of research informed, specially developed floors for entertainment technology for over thirty years.

The Harlequin name is established as a brand that has become synonymous with the floors of choice for leading dance companies, while equally accessible and affordable for smaller venues, local dance schools and studios.

Win a FREE VIP ticket to MOVE IT & PERFORM 2011

2011-03-07T16:03:00.002Z

Win a FREE VIP ticket to MOVE IT & PERFORM 2011

Harlequin floors are the choice of the world's leading dance companies and are being used on the main stage and Harlequin Masterclass Studio at Move It and Perform 2011, Olympia Exhibition Centre, 11th -13th March.

Visit the British Harlequin stand, number 130, and try out our Harlequin Liberty™sprung floor under a choice of dance surfaces:

• Harlequin Cascade™

• Harlequin Studio™

• Harlequin Tempo™

Win a FREE VIP ticket to MOVE IT & PERFORM 2011

The first 50 people to email their full name and address tomarketing@harlequinfloors.com by 5pm on Tuesday 8th March will win a FREE VIP ticket to the show, which allows entry for two people on any one of the above days.

Good luck and we look forward to meeting you at MOVE IT & PERFORM 2011!

Floors for Globe’s new facility are not just a dance surface

2011-03-07T15:53:00.002Z

"It’s not just a dance surface it’s also an acoustics surface", said Andy Scorgie, Head of Facilities Management at Shakespeare’s Globe in London, talking about the floors recently installed by British Harlequin at their new education and rehearsal centre. Andy explained that the Harlequin floor "is something our acoustic consultant was keen on using. It’s a product I am particularly familiar with due to working in and creating different spaces over the years. " Well known as global leaders in dance floors, the Globe’s selection of a Harlequin Activity sprung floor with hardwood oak surface was chosen not just for its spring characteristics and aesthetics, but also for its acoustic properties. Located close to Shakespeare’s Globe and reflecting the same architectural feel thanks to the use of oak and curved walls, the new Sackler Studios comprise a rehearsal room for the theatre company, four education workshop studios and a music room, as well as a café.

"The whole structure of a Harlequin floor although it is designed to give you spring, for us helped tremendously in creating a space which as you can hear is lively," continued Andy speaking during our interview from a studio within the new facility. "One of the reasons for a Harlequin floor was not so much as having a nice sprung surface, but more to do with improving the sound separation between one space and another". Discussing the installation, Andy went on to say how he was "tremendously pleased" with "the Harlequin floor going down very easily and quickly. From a look and feel as a working surface and as part of the sound separation between all the studios it’s more than done its job. "

"I must admit I had never thought of Harlequin floors in terms of an acoustic material rather than a dance floor, which is obviously how we generally think of them”, concluded Andy. “However it’s another string to Harlequin’s bow that it is not just a dance surface, it is also an acoustics surface. "

.Watch the full interview

Mark takes leading marketing role at Harlequin

2011-03-07T15:46:00.001Z

Mark Rasmussen has been appointed Group Marketing Manager for the Harlequin Group of companies worldwide. Mark, who joined the Tunbridge Wells based enterprise last year as Interim Group Marketing Manager, heads up a global marketing team whose portfolio includes the established Harlequin dance floor and Black Cat Music brands, which were joined recently by the newly introduced MusicPracticeRooms.com brand.

Mark previously worked as Consumer Marketing Manager for General Electric, following an earlier agency background. His role will embrace an overview of marketing operations for the main Harlequin businesses located in the UK, America, Europe, Asia and Australasia, as well as the successful Black Cat Music distribution franchise in the UK, Europe and Russia.

Harlequin’s recognised global leadership in dance floor technology is based on informed research and working closely with the dance community to create floors that dancers, at all levels of achievement, aspire to dance on. The company continues to develop this rapport with its customers through embracing new online marketing initiatives including the use of social media and video, and welcoming comment and interaction as well as providing advice and supporting the dance profession through research funding.

Black Cat Music offers a comprehensive programme of music education and performance equipment and has established its online e-commerce store as a popular destination for quality, yet affordable products.

Commenting on his appointment, Mark said, “I’m so proud to be working with such a great team. Harlequin are not only the innovators and leaders in our industry but, uniquely among it’s competitors, supports research into dance injuries, sponsors events such as the Prix de Lausanne and continues, year on year, as a major supporter of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science.”

Harlequin dance floors top the bill at MOVE IT 2011

2011-02-14T16:28:00.003Z

British Harlequin plc, world leaders in the development and technology of floors for dance and the performing arts are once again a ‘Show Supporter’ of MOVE-IT 2011. Harlequin continues in its commitment to furnish dance floors for both the main performance stage and the ‘Harlequin Masterclass Studio’ for the big dance event that takes place at London’s Olympia venue from 11th to13th March.

The ‘Harlequin Masterclass Studio ’ is a dedicated, intimate space with a fully sprung Harlequin Liberty floor created especially for advanced and professional dancers. According to the organizers, “the studio will host classes taught by some of the UK’s premiere teachers and dance companies’. From burlesque to contemporary and new for 2011 are 1 hour long extended classes, which are intended to provide a more in-depth dance experience.

The main stage dance floor at MOVE IT 2011 is also provided and sponsored by British Harlequin. Using Harlequin’s Liberty sprung floor panels with Harlequin Cascade dance surface, dancers will be assured of the highest quality flooring to match their artistic creativity.

Meanwhile Harlequin’s presence on the exhibition floor provides a great opportunity for dance teachers and students to try Harlequin dance floors and ballet barres for themselves and talk to knowledgeable staff about which floors will be best suited to their dance classes.

We open web sites for China, Japan and Korea

2011-02-14T16:11:00.002Z

British Harlequin plc continues to invest in and expand its Hong Kong based subsidiary Harlequin Asia Ltd. Supporting the marketing thrust in the region, the company is delighted to announce that the web site has now been expanded to include Traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese language options in addition to the existing English language and Simplified Chinese versions. Visitors to the Harlequin web site in these countries will automatically access the relevant language, but also have the option to select from any of Harlequin’s many local sites world-wide from a drop-down menu.

The decision to open an office in Hong Kong and provide local support followed many years of exporting to these countries from the UK. Now in its third year of trading, Harlequin Asia Ltd headed up by Kasper Nyboe, has achieved significant growth in developing sales of the company’s range of specialist flooring products for dance, the performing arts and display. The capability Harlequin can now offer in providing expert guidance in selecting appropriate floors for each unique requirement, backed up by local stocks has contributed to this growth.

Harlequin sponsorship for Prix de Lausanne

2011-02-04T13:43:00.002Z

Luxembourg based dance floor specialists Harlequin Europe srl is once again a sponsor for the 39th Prix de Lausanne which takes place in Switzerland from 1st – 6th February.

Created in 1973, the Prix de Lausanne is an international competition for young dancers aged 15 to 18 with “a prime objective to discover, promote, and support talents among the world’s finest young dancers.” Harlequin Europe is celebrating three years of participating in the Prix de Lausanne as sponsor of the video-blog. Once again the Harlequin video-blog competition promises to be a favourite rendezvous for the young dance community.

During the 2011 Prix de Lausanne, Harlequin will be running an online video competition inviting the opportunity to vote for “your favourite” dance video. These will be posted to the Harlequin Prix de Lausann e web site from Wednesday 2nd February. Everyone registering a vote online will automatically be entered into a prize draw with the chance to win prizes that include iPods, a digital camera and a special Harlequin kit. The competition closes 15th February. Full details of how to be involved can be found online.

Beat the January VAT increase – last chance to place orders

2010-12-24T11:19:00.000Z

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

2010-12-20T17:14:00.006Z

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

2010-12-20T15:23:00.005Z

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

2010-12-20T14:29:00.002Z

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

2010-12-08T19:22:00.002Z

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

Supporting research into dance injuries

2010-12-08T19:02:00.004Z

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

2010-12-08T18:49:00.003Z

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

2010-12-08T18:39:00.003Z

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

2010-11-17T16:13:00.007Z

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

2010-11-17T16:03:00.002Z

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

2010-10-27T12:09:00.003+01:00

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

2010-10-27T11:54:00.004+01:00

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

2010-07-28T10:23:00.011+01:00

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

2010-07-07T11:28:00.003+01:00

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

2010-06-23T11:24:00.007+01:00

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

2010-06-17T12:33:00.007+01:00

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

2010-06-14T16:29:00.004+01:00

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

2010-05-28T14:34:00.004+01:00

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

2010-05-28T14:30:00.002+01:00

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

2010-05-28T13:55:00.002+01:00

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

2010-05-28T13:48:00.003+01:00

British Harlequin plc is a bronze spons or 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 A rchitects’ Area.

Michael Bublé on Harlequin Hi-Shine

2010-05-27T13:31:00.004+01:00

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

2010-05-20T11:34:00.009+01:00

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

2010-05-13T17:42:00.003+01:00

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

2010-05-13T17:36:00.002+01:00

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

2010-05-11T17:21:00.002+01:00

British Harlequin exhibited recently at PLASA Focus in Leeds.

First officially ISTD licensed dance studio in Japan has Harlequin floors

2010-05-11T15:33:00.002+01:00

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

2010-05-07T17:34:00.003+01:00

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

2010-04-27T15:06:00.003+01:00

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.

2010-04-27T14:35:00.002+01:00

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

2010-04-09T17:37:00.004+01:00

Follow Harlequin news on Twitter

2010-04-09T10:54:00.004+01:00

There are several ways you can keep up to date with British Harlequin online .....

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For the full story visit the Harlequin Virtual News Office on the Harlequin web site.

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New dance studios featured on TV programme

2010-04-09T10:06:00.003+01:00

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

2010-04-09T09:59:00.003+01:00

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

2010-03-19T11:23:00.002Z

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

2010-03-19T11:15:00.002Z

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

2010-03-12T17:55:00.004Z

Today at MOVE-IT - Olympia, London

2010-03-12T17:44:00.005Z

British Harlequin's stand features the company's total capability in dance studio fit out at the first public day of a busy MOVE-IT show. MOVE-IT continues over the weekend at Olympia in London.

New Harlequin dance mat for Hip-Hop and Tap

2010-03-09T19:45:00.002Z

New from British Harlequin is a roll out, slatted wood dance mat that is aimed at Hip-Hop and Tap dance styles. Making its debut at MOVE-IT 2010, the new Harlequin dance mat is being offered at an introductory price of £135 that includes VAT and free delivery within the UK.

When all that is needed is a hard wood surface to practice or perform Tap or Hip-Hop, then this canvas backed, slatted bamboo floor provides the answer. It can simply be rolled out to lay perfectly flat on practically any surface including carpeted floors. Bamboo used for the slats is widely recognized as renewable resource that regenerates, rapidly grows to maturity and is also suited to percussive dance styles such as flamenco or Irish dancing.

Available from Harlequin as a kit, the generously sized 1.9m x 1.83m roll is accompanied by a roll of Harlequin Reversible vinyl dance surface and colour co-ordinated tape. Reversible, the classic double-sided floor is available in a range of colour combinations that can be selected when ordering. Roll Straps are offered as an option.

Harlequin and RAD present MOVE-IT seminar

2010-03-05T11:48:00.003Z

British Harlequin plc, world leaders in the development and supply of floors for dance and the performing arts, will once again be exhibiting at MOVE-IT 2010 and providing flooring for the main performance stage and Harlequin Masterclass Studio. Harlequin will also be a co-presenter of the 'Preventing Injury and Creating a Safe Dance Environment Seminar'

The seminar - Preventing Injury and Creating a Safe Dance Environment - takes place on Sunday 14th March at 11.45 am.

Presenters are:-

Guy Dagger - British Harlequin plc
Chloë Naalchigar - RAD
Luke Hopper - ex dancer, Western Australia

Described as "an essential session for dancers, teachers and choreographers, outlining some important ways to help you prevent injury and make sure you and your dancers remain safe while performing and rehearsing. From the lowdown on what to look for in studio space and the latest in dance floor technology to top tips from a leading expert in dance science."

Visit Harlequin at BSEC

2010-02-24T17:44:00.004Z

British Harlequin plc, world leaders in the development and supply of floors for dance and the performing arts are currently exhibiting at BSEC 2010.

The Building Schools Exhibition & Conference 2010 is at at ExCel, London on the 24th and 25th February 2010 where the British Harlequin stand (634) showcases an example of a dance studio, complete with sprung floor and ballet barrres. The event provides an opportunity to talk to experts and to view Harlequin’s floors which are widely used in schools, colleges, universities, performing arts centres and dance facilities.

Harlequin floors, whether portable or permanently installed are durable, hardwearing and easy to maintain. 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 and rigours of different forms of dance. Harlequin floors are fully tested in accordance with DIN Standard 18032 Part II. They have become the preferred choice of many professional dancers and are also being endorsed for BSF projects. British Harlequin also offer a RIBA approved core curriculum CPD – ‘Specifying Floors for Dance, Drama and Performance – a Guide for Architects”.

Harlequin floors for London’s big dance event

2010-02-17T15:16:00.004Z

As well as being a sponsor of the event, Harlequin also sponsor the Harlequin Masterclasses specially designed for professional dancers and teachers that will be taking place in the Harlequin Masterclass Studio. The Harlequin Masterclass Programme offers a range of one off classes with some of the UK’s premiere dance companies and practioners to improve technique, learn new skills and meet some of the top figures in dance.

Move-IT 2010 is being held at Olympia, London on the 12^th to 14^th March 2010 where the British Harlequin stand will showcase an example of a dance studio, complete with sprung floor and ballet barrres. The event will provide an opportunity to talk to experts and to view Harlequin’s floors which are widely used at all levels of dance performance, rehearsal and education and installed in performing arts centres and dance facilities throughout the world.

Harlequin floors, whether portable or permanently installed are durable, hardwearing and easy to maintain. 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 and rigours of different forms of dance.

Harlequin floors for Swan Lake tour rehearsals

2010-02-17T15:07:00.003Z

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, currently on a UK tour, used Harlequin Liberty Sprung floor panels with a Harlequin Studio dance surface for the London rehearsals. Now the same dance floor will be used when the tour reaches the Liverpool Empire this month to provide the company with a sprung floor at the venue.

Production Company, Great Leap Forward Ltd originally approached Harlequin for the hire of Liberty panels used for rehearsals at 3 Mills Studios, Bromley by Bow for the UK tour of Matthew Bourne’s acclaimed production of ‘Swan Lake’. They also purchased Harlequin Studio vinyl for the dance surface. The Liberty panels are quick to lock together, thanks to a patented latching mechanism allowing them to be configured to suit the venue space. The Studio dance surface is then rolled out and taped in place. Since its 1995 world première at Sadler’s Wells, Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake has become the longest running ballet in the West End and on Broadway. ‘This new, witty and surprising production has been designed to speak to a modern audience, to excite them, to move them.’

Photo: Bill Cooper

Harlequin Hi-Shine puts the gloss on glittering Hong Kong fashion event

2010-02-17T14:59:00.003Z

With a guest list headed by His Royal Highness Prince Joachim of Denmark and his wife Princess Marie of Denmark, Countess of Monpezat, Harlequin Hi-Shine added the gloss to the stage at the centre of the ‘Kopenhagen Fur Gala’ fashion show.

The Kopenhagen Fur Gala’ was organised by the Danish General Consulate in Hong Kong as part of a week long promotion of Danish companies in Hong Kong.

The black Harlequin Hi-Shine used for the stage at The Repulse Bay Hotel, Hong Kong has a special laminated hard polymer ultra-gloss surface, which is superior to urethane for scratch-resistance. Hi-Shine rolls out instantly to provide a breathtaking wet-look finish to create a perfect display floor for the fashion and entertainment presentations.

Planning dance studios for schools

2010-02-12T10:02:00.002Z

If your school or dance school is planning a new dance studio or upgrade, then a visit to The Building Schools Exhibition & Conference 2010 at ExCel, London on the 24^th and 25^th February 2010 could be productive. At this event the British Harlequin stand will showcase an example of a dance studio, complete with sprung floor, ballet barrres and mirrors.

British Harlequin floors are widely used in schools, colleges, universities, performing arts centres and dance facilities. Harlequin floors, whether portable or permanently installed are durable, hardwearing and easy to maintain. 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 and rigours of different forms of dance.

Harlequin floors are fully tested in accordance with DIN Standard 18032 Part II and the preferred choice of many professional dancers and are also being endorsed for BSF projects. Sports floors cannot be substituted as an alternative. They are unsuitable due to two intrinsic differences: the construction of the sprung sub floor and the performance surface. British Harlequin offer a RIBA approved core curriculum CPD – ‘Specifying Floors for Dance, Drama and Performance – a Guide for Architects”. To complete studios there is a range of ballet barres using wood from FSC approved suppliers.

The event will provide an opportunity to talk to experts and to view Harlequin’s floors which are widely used in schools, colleges, universities, performing arts centres and dance facilities.