Why specifying the right floor for dance and the performing arts is critical

Architects and specifiers play a vital part when specifying the correct floor that is fit for purpose. Inspired by Harlequin’s commitment to protecting  the health and wellbeing of dancers and performers, our CPD explains why specifying the correct floor for dance and the performing arts is critical to  the longevity of a performers career. Using comprehensive data and case studies, we outline the key considerations when specifying a performance  floor, and look at the important contribution the floor makes to the performer health and safety.

The floor is a dancer’s most important work tool; not only is it the canvas for their creativity, it also gives them protection against slips, falls and  longer-term stress injuries. It is a common assumption that a well-designed sports floor will suit the needs of dancers, but this is not the case. There  may be a temptation to specify floors for aesthetic or budget reasons, or to specify sports floors in the mistaken belief they will be suitable for dance  but only a floor developed specifically for dance will do.

Harlequin is the world leader in advanced technology floors for the performing arts, entertainment and display. Established in the UK over 40 years  ago, Harlequin remains the industry choice for the world’s most prestigious dance and performing arts companies, theatres, venues and schools,  production companies and global events.

Harlequin’s experience and reputation are founded on the design, manufacture, supply and installation of a range of high quality portable and  permanent sprung and vinyl floors chosen by the world’s leading venues – from the Royal Opera House to the Bolshoi Theatre, the Paris Opera Ballet  to Sydney Dance Company.

Harlequin is the global leader in its field with offices in Europe, the Americas and Asia Pacific.

Contact: enquiries(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)harlequinfloors.com or call: +44 (0)1892 514 888

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