Harlequin Floors (British Harlequin plc)

Harlequin is the world’s leading authority on sprung and vinyl floors for performing arts and dance education.

Harlequin has led the way in the development of the modern dance floor for over 45 years and is the trusted supplier of performance floors to the world’s most prestigious dance and performing arts companies, theatres, venues and schools.

As an enlightened manufacturer, Harlequin has always worked closely with dance scientists, experts in biomechanics and the dance community to develop floors that are tailored to the specific requirements of dancers. The right dance floor makes an important contribution to safe performance without risk of slips and falls or longer-term stress injuries.

Harlequin has extensive experience working with architects, specifiers and building contractors on projects around the world. Harlequin’s sprung, fully floating and performance floors all exceed relevant UK and European standards, and all products are listed on RIBA, NBS Source and the National BIM Library to enable simple specification.

All Harlequin floors exceed the requirements of relevant standards including the European Standard EN14904 and DIN Standard 18032-2.

Harlequin offers a turn-key solution for all performance spaces, from initial design and build through to completion and expert installation, offering advice and guidance every step of the way. With an extensive range of sprung floors, vinyl floors, dance mirrors, ballet barres and dance studio equipment, Harlequin can provide everything a good performance space needs.

Harlequin is committed to sustainable development and corporate responsibility forms a fundamental part of our business strategy.

The Harlequin ‘RIBA Approved’ CPD: The importance of specifying the correct performance floor and the consequences of getting it wrong.

The right floor is critical, and architects and specifiers have a duty of care when specifying the correct floor for dance and the performing arts.

A fit-for-purpose floor protects performers’ physical health, helps them achieve their best and can prolong their career. If the dancers are not confident and happy with the performance of the floor they spend hours using, it can often result in the flooring being uplifted and replaced with a more suitable alternative. Specifying the wrong floor can also have severe economic consequences. 

The Harlequin CPD Seminar uses comprehensive data and case studies to outline:

• Important considerations when specifying a performance floor, and the economic consequences of getting it wrong
• The increasing importance of scientific research and dancer health and safety
• A look at the types of performance floors
• Recent Harlequin case studies
• Sustainability