With the One Dance UK Awards approaching, we spoke to our Silver Sponsor and long term partner, Harlequin Floors, to find out more about their impact and role in the dance world. Harlequin is widely recognised as a global leader in its field, working with the world’s most prestigious dance companies, venues and schools.
For readers who may be unfamiliar, can you tell us about Harlequin and the work it does?
Harlequin design and supply high-performance sprung and vinyl floors that support dancers across all styles, from contemporary and ballet to street and commercial dance. Established in the UK over 45 years ago, our floors are trusted everywhere from rehearsal studios to major productions and global events.
We also offer a range of ballet barres, mirrors, accessories and home studio equipment, helping dancers create the perfect practice space wherever they are.
Why is the floor so important for a dancer?
Professional dancers can spend six to eight hours a day working in a dance studio, so it is very important that they have a safe working environment that will enable them to perform at their best.
A properly engineered sprung floor helps absorb shock, reduce the risk of injury and support longevity in dancers’ careers. Vinyl performance surfaces provide the right level of grip and slide, maintaining a reliable smooth surface. This helps to ensure that dancers feel comfortable to fully focus on their movement and performance. Only floors that have been developed specifically for dance can do this.
Harlequin floors aren’t just for elite dancers though. Anyone who loves to dance, from students and recreational dancers to community performers, benefits from the protection and support that a Harlequin sprung and vinyl floor provides.
How does Harlequin ensure its floors meet the highest standards for dancers?
Years of research has gone into perfecting every Harlequin floor, with injury prevention at the forefront of its development. Dance places extreme, repetitive stress on the body and using the correct floor directly affects dancer safety, health and performance.
We’re passionate about creating spaces that keep dancers safe and confident, so they can give 100% every time, whether in a studio, theatre, school or at a live event.
Harlequin has supported One Dance UK for many years, why is this partnership important to you?
Harlequin is proud to continually support One Dance UK in their vital work to create a better, more sustainable future for dancers.
We have a shared belief that every dancer should have a safe, inclusive space that protects their wellbeing and encourages creativity. One Dance UK works tirelessly to advocate for diversity, accessibility and fairness across all sectors of dance, creating opportunities for dancers from all backgrounds.
The One Dance UK Awards celebrate the incredible organisations and individuals who are talented and constantly driving change, which is why we love supporting the awards every year as well. We’re already looking forward to the next ceremony in Bradford!