14
INTERIORS
Why do the world’s leading dance universities and schools choose Harlequin fl oors?
D
ance students can spend hours working in a dance studio, it is their place of work and should offer a
safe environment fi t for purpose. The fl oor is a dancer’s most important work tool and dancers need reassurance they are not going to slip and fall, that lifts can be performed safely and on landing from jumps the response of the fl oor consistently returns the right amount of energy absorption. It is a common assumption that a well- designed sports fl oor will suit the needs of dancers, but this is not the case.
There are some critical factors that distinguish the requirements of dance from those of sports played on a sports fl oor. Unlike
sportsmen who wear increasingly
high-tech air-cushioned shoes to give grip and protect against impact injuries, the modest ballet shoe has barely changed in design since the mid-18th century. Made from soft leather, canvas or satin, the ballet shoe is very fl exible, has a thin sole and offers little protection for the wearer.
But not all dance fl oors are the same, only a fl oor developed specifi cally for dance will
do. There may be a temptation to
specify fl oors for aesthetic or budget reasons, or to specify sports fl oors in the mistaken belief they will be suitable for dance but there have been some high-profi le examples where fl oors have had to be replaced by a dance company after the building is complete and dancers have their fi rst experience of dancing on the fl oors.
Harlequin is widely recognised as the
world’s leading authority on dance fl oors. As an enlightened manufacturer Harlequin has always worked closely with the dance
community to develop fl oors that dancers want to dance on. There is no doubt, the choice of fl ooring is critical. For over 40 years Harlequin has been the performance fl oor of choice for the world’s most prestigious dance and performing arts companies, theatres, venues and schools. Harlequin offer free advice to ensure dance companies, schools and venues install dance fl oors best suited to their particular use. All Harlequin sprung and vinyl fl oor products and ballet barres are easily
found and specifi ed through RIBA Source. Please visit www.harlequinfl
oors.com for more information, or contact Harlequin.
01892 514 888 architects@harlequinfl
oors.com
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