INTERIORS & INTERIOR DESIGN
CREATING SAFE, PROFESSIONAL DANCE ENVIRONMENTS
ALL DANCE STUDENTS DESERVE TO DANCE ON A HARLEQUIN FLOOR
Dancers can spend hours in the dance studio; it is their place of work and should provide a safe environment that is fit for purpose. Regardless of where a student chooses to study dance, it is essential to ensure that the learning environment is equipped to professional standards. The floor is a dancer’ s most important tool; not only is it the canvas for their creativity, but it also provides protection against slips, falls, and long-term stress injuries.
Experts in biomechanics have established a clear link between the quality of a floor and the likelihood of injury, demonstrating that a sprung floor with a consistent responsiveness and the correct degree of traction is essential.
Experienced dancers can judge whether a floor feels right. When it does, they can focus entirely on their artistic performance free from concerns about their safety. This confidence stems from the assurance that they will not slip or fall, that lifts can be performed safely, and that the floor will consistently provide the right level of energy absorption on landing from jumps.
Anyone specifying floors for dance should remember that, while dancers may not be the commissioning clients, they are the end users. Major dance companies, schools and universities understand this, which is why it is common practice to have their dancers“ test” floors before making a final decision.
It is a common misconception that a well-designed sports floor can meet the needs of dancers. However, there are critical differences between the requirements of dance and those of sports. Many sports demand a firm floor that enables predictable ball bounce, whereas dancers require greater shock absorption to protect their bodies, particularly when landing from jumps.
A dance floor should be neither too rigid nor too soft. A hard floor can cause serious return shock waves, potentially leading to injuries or premature cartilage wear. Conversely, a floor that is too soft forces muscles and tendons to work harder, increasing the risk of strain. Additionally, excessively soft floors can pose a hazard for dancers due to the element of unpredictability.
Anyone specifying floors for dance should remember that, while dancers may not be the commissioning clients, they are the end users.
Harlequin is recognised globally as the leading authority on dance floors. Our close collaboration with the dance community has shaped products developed specifically for the unique demands of each dance style. Leading companies worldwide from the Royal Opera House to the Paris Opera Ballet and the Queensland Ballet trust Harlequin to keep their dancers safe in rehearsal studios, on stage and even at home.
For more than 45 years, Harlequin has been the performance floor of choice for prestigious venues, companies and educational institutions. We provide expert guidance to help you select the right sprung or vinyl floor for your needs.
For more information, please visit www. harlequinfloors. com or call + 44( 0) 1892 514 888
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