RIBA approved CPD Seminars for architects from British Harlequin

Leading dance floor manufacturer, British Harlequin plc, has announced that the company is now approved to offer RIBA recognised CPD seminars on the subject of 'specifying floors for dance, drama and performance'. These seminars are designed for architects who are required to undertake some 35 hours of CPD - Continuous Professional Development - training each year. The Harlequin seminar has been developed in conjunction with RIBA - the Royal Institute of British Architects. It explains how important it is to specify a floor that suits the dancers requirements, for performance, safety and according to the type of use. Also why sports floors are not suitable for performance any more than aesthetically attractive wood floors, or for that matter regular industrial and commercial grade floors. For dancers the floor is an essential part of their work environment something not always appreciated by architects. More information can be found on the Harlequin web site where there is an Architects' Area full of useful specification data, downloads, links to specification clauses and project references.

Harlequin WoodSpring sprung dance floor in new studios for Scottish Ballet

Scottish Ballet now has a new purpose-built headquarters on the south side of Glasgow. All the studios are equipped with Harlequin's WoodSpring basketweave sprung dance floors. Harlequin last year put in WoodSpring into two studios in converted stables at Tramway. Now three more studios have been added in the new building, one being a huge 382 sq. m. - probably the largest in Europe. All these 3 dance studios have a Harlequin Cascade vinyl dance surface. The new building was designed by Edinburgh based Malcolm Fraser Architects. The full story can be read at the Harlequin Virtual News Office.

The Curve Foundation Dance Company on tour with Harlequin

Regular Harlequin customer The Curve Foundation Dance Company is preparing for an autumn tour which includes the UK premiere of Passomezzo by Ohad Naharin. Ross Cooper told Harlequin that the company will be embarking on a powerful brand new European 'tour de force' that takes in Greece, Germany, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland as well as rural outlying communities in Scotland plus the Hebridean and Shetland Islands. For the resident dance company at the Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh working in conjunction with the internationally renowned choreographer Ohad Naharin and Artistic Director of Batscheva Dance Company is an exciting prospect and a first for a Scottish company.

Cascade at Dance-Print event at Camberwell

Thanks to independent dancer-choreographer Rachel Thew for sending us images from her Dance-Print event that was staged on Harlequin Cascade dance floor at Camberwell College.

Harlequin Hi-Shine stars at ABTT Show

Despite a strike that closed down most of the London Underground network for both of the two days of the ABTT Theatre show at the Royal Horticultural Halls many visitors still made their way to the event this week. The Harlequin stand featured a section of Liberty Sprung floor with Hi-Shine top surface. Harlequin Hi-Shine has a special laminated hard polymer ultra-gloss surface which is superior to polyurethane for scratch resistance and rolls out instantly to provide a breath-taking wet look finish - a perfectly display floor for the theatrical and display effects.

Photo: Karen Woodward and Sue French of British Harlequin on the stand at ABTT 2009.

Beat the credit crunch with special stage floor offer

British Harlequin, in recognition of budget restrictions due to the credit crunch, are offering their Stagefloor 100 product at just £10.95 per square metre. Stagefloor 100 is a bargain with a high level of specification, fire-rated for safety, quick to roll out and suitable for permanent installation, or for portable use. There is a choice of black, dark grey, light grey and hazelnut - all highly tear resistant and tough enough to stand up to props, equipment, street footwear - pretty much most things. It is in stock now - ready to ship in 2 metre wide rolls from 10 to 25 metre in length. Ideal for stage or drama studios this is however a limited offer so quick response is recommended by calling 01892 514888 to place orders or request samples. Or you can e-mail stagefloor@harlequinfloors.com. 

Latest on Dance-Print event

News from Rachel Thew that details of Thursday's Dance-Print event are now posted online. The event will use Harlequin Cascade dance flooring. More details can be found by following any of these links.