With a growing interest in the provision of spaces suitable for dance - for professional performance and rehearsal, private dance schools and throughout the education sector - there is increasing focus towards specifying dance floors that meet both performance aspirations as well as conforming to health and safety requirements. As world leaders in advanced technology flooring for dance and the performing arts, the release of the Specifying dance floors, a guide for architects by Harlequin Floors aims to aid architects in selecting floors that meet both of these criteria.
As no standards currently exist which relate specifically to dance floors, the guide urges architects to take the purpose of the floor into account over that of aesthetic or price-related considerations. It explains that many floors such as commercial vinyl or wood are not options that take the safety of dancers into account.
The guide also aims to dispel certain myths regarding the flooring needs of sports halls and dance halls. According to Harlequin Floors, sports flooring does not always offer sufficient bounce and, with long-term health problems such as tendonitis, 'shin splints', knee pain and ankle strain associated with incorrectly sprung floors, the guide emphasises the need to choose carefully.
Harlequin sprung floors such as WoodSpring and Liberty are featured in the guide which explains the questions that should be asked before investing in a dance floor.
(Jim Evans)
www.harlequinfloors.com
