The kit, which was supplied by Audio Light Systems, also includes an ETC Congo jr control desk with fader wing, Source Four Zoom luminaires, two Sensor dimmer racks and a non-dim control panel custom built for the project by ETC at their factory in the US.
"We originally specified another manufacturer's LED wash lights two years ago," sayss Andy Stone, the theatre consultant who worked on the project for Drama by Design. "But by the time we came to place the order, Selador had been released by ETC - and they worked out cheaper and better. I like the light output and excellent colour rendering, as well as the smooth dimming and excellent range of lenses - so I'm busy specifying them on a number of different projects across the UK.
"The idea was to create a regional dance centre for the south west of England. It's housed in a rear part of the Pavilion Theatre, an art deco theatre built in the 1920s; design problems arose from the building's listed status, which meant we were unable to fix or hang anything off the ceiling or walls. The solution was the use of independent columns supporting trusses with motorised lighting bars mounted on them without any interference with the fabric of the building.
"The Dance Centre was designed as a flexible space, with all lighting and AV controlled from a portable lectern, which can be connected to any one of several facility panels around the room. There's a full high definition cinema system to go with the lighting system, which includes both moving and generic fixtures.
"It was intended that the dance centre would share technical staff with sister venues the Pavilion Theatre and Bournemouth International Centre (BIC), both of which already had Congo desks installed, so when it came to the specification for the dance centre, it made sense to get a similar desk."
The new Dance Centre, occupying previously unused space, was opened in September and is operated by Pavilion Dance in partnership with BH LIVE and Bournemouth Borough Council. The 180 seat performance auditorium and two rehearsal studios offer dance classes for all ages and abilities as well as world class dance performances and space for dance artists.
(Jim Evans)
