Research shows dancers prefer dance floors over sports floors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Harlequin hints at new advances in sprung floors

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.