The floor panels themselves are formed from multiple layers of birch, bonded with waterproof phenolic resins to form an 18mm thick and stable substructure for the vinyl surface. Each full size panel has 45 dual density elastomer blocks, spaced at regular centres. These absorb impact and give a consistently even energy return over the entire surface of the floor. Harlequin Liberty sprung floor panels combine consistent shock absorption and uniform suspension across the whole floor, with no hard spots at the joints. Flexing is limited to avoid disturbing neighbouring performers. The floor achieving the right degree of elasticity demanded of dancers, but without excessive rebound - sometimes referred to as the ‘trampoline effect’. Consistent shock absorption has been shown to reduce the risk of injury and enhance performance, making Liberty a very user-friendly and quiet floor.
Liberty panels are ideally suited for permanent installations, but thanks to the flexibility of the system, should circumstances change, panels can be removed and re-laid elsewhere - something that cannot be achieved with traditional permanently-installed sprung floors or permanently-glued dance surfaces.
(Lee Baldock)
