sign in sign up
<<
Home , Chris Hollins, Karen Hauer, Kevin Clifton, Strictly Come Dancing, Wayne Sleep

BRITISH Harlequin NEWS 2015

Floors for , Performing Arts, Entertainment & Display

Welcome to another issue of Harlequin News, a roundup of Dance Proms news, projects and events from last year. p. Once again, we have 5 had a busy time with so much going on and many important projects. In this issue, find out about Jonathan Wilkes’ new Performing Arts College in Swindon. We caught up with Trinity Laban 10 years on from having floors installed in their then new premises. Theatre UK’s Artistic Director, Christopher Moore talks about how a disused bank became a top quality dance facility. Last May we invited Boy Blue Entertainment to our Tunbridge Wells HQ for the day to try out floors for street and hip hop. It was a good day and they impressed us with their moves. Follow us any way you like! Harlequin News is just one way of us communicating with our customers, but don’t forget, there are many ways to get in touch. Like us on Facebook (/harlequinfloors), follow us on Twitter (@DanceFloors), watch our videos on the Harlequin YouTube channel, and keep up to date with the latest developments on our website, which features a Live Chat link. You can also meet the team at exhibitions and events or call us free on 0800 28 99 32. Whichever way you choose to get in touch, we look forward to hearing from you! Guy Dagger Managing Director British Harlequin plc

In this issue

Trinity Laban’s Wilkes Academy – a different Testing time for Boy building 10 years on kind of dance facility Blue at Harlequin HQ

p. 2 p. 2 p. 3 Mirella Bartrip who has been with She continued, “They have worn Trinity Laban for 32 years explained, excellently, the quality is really fantastic Trinity Laban’s “It was very, very important for us in and they clean very well. Our floors have this new building to have the very best been used not just by our students, but floors and Harlequin was the name out by external users, dance companies and building 10 years on there. That was our first choice, but we the floors have been absolutely terrific wanted to verify that choice so we sent for all of that time.” Mirella sums up, This year Harlequin Floors returned to Trinity Laban a team of three from the dance faculty “Harlequin is about top quality.” to talk to Principal Anthony Bowne, Director of Dance, out to Boston Ballet to check out the Harlequin floors there and then we made Professor Anthony Bowne, Principal, Mirella Bartrip and students to check out how the that choice. It is extremely important said, “When I hear the word Harlequin I Harlequin floors had performed over ten years since the floors are of the best quality. First think two things. Of course, I think dance they were installed in the then new building. of all they need to have the right degree floors, but I also think a committed of spring in them and that is something partner. We have been very lucky to work Harlequin are experts at. Secondly, the with Harlequin over the years. We wanted actual surface has to be one that isn’t the best dance floors. We demanded the slippery or too sticky. So that’s Harlequin best dance floors and Harlequin have for us.“ supplied them and been a very good Watch the interviews organisation to work with throughout with Anthony Bowne, that time.” Mirella Bartrip and students on the Harlequin YouTube channel. http://ow.ly/Hmeqb

© James Keates

Wilkes Academy A different kind of dance facility Jonathan Wilkes’ enthusiasm for the academy that bears his name is obvious as he introduces the facility, staff and students. His pride in the Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts is infectious and shared by the teachers who provide testimony to the quality and ambitions of the project.

Jonathan is emphatic that only the best can be from 8 to 10 hours, demands a little wonder Jonathan Wilkes insisted is good enough and not surprisingly the good quality floor. Professional dance on Harlequin Floors, secure in the studio dance floors, all 600 2m , were teachers can tell the ‘feel’ of a good knowledge they have been developed in selected on the basis they had to be the floor the moment they step onto it and response to dancers' needs and supported best and Jonathan is in no doubt that there is awareness of the risks to health by research. Jonathan demonstrates a means Harlequin. Teachers from ballet, and injury for settling for anything less. deep understanding of the importance of tap, musical theatre and most popular With recovery times of up to 6 weeks for caring for the floors and routine cleaning dance styles each emphasised the time specific injuries and the accumulated since they are so critical to the study and spent on the dance floor each day which damage throughout a dance career, it is work of the dancers in his academy.

See the interview with Jonathan Wilkes on the Harlequin YouTube channel. http://ow.ly/HmfDB

2 floorstesting

Testing time for Boy Blue at Harlequin HQ It was testing time for dance floors when award-winning hip-hop dance company, Boy Blue Entertainment headed for Harlequin Floors’ base in Tunbridge Wells.

A team of seven put a series of Commenting on their day spent with Harlequin dance floors through their Harlequin, Kenrick ‘H20’ Sandy paces with acrobatics, flips, slides and said, "It was a pleasure for Boy Blue hand dancing all part of a demanding Entertainment to be welcomed into and exciting dance repertoire. Harlequin, to be able to test several Acclaimed for bringing hip-hop from floors from a perspective. the street and clubs to stage and screen For BBE it was to see how best each through the creation of first class work, floor can or cannot work. This for us Boy Blue brought their unique expertise was just an extension from our original to evaluating Harlequin’s dance floor input when Harlequin FreeStyle was options. created. It was a great, fun day being at Harlequin... next time they will join in!"

3 projectsinterestingprojects Photos courtesy of Ballet Theatre UK

Important new Belfast Disused bank building dance facility opens transformed into top quality Harlequin Floors supplied 252m2 of Harlequin Activity dance studios sprung floor installed with a Harlequin Standfast top surface to The Academy of Professional Physical Arts, Former banking premises in Hinkley, Leicestershire a major new centre in Northern Ireland. APPA-NI is have been turned into studio facilities based at its newly developed, specialist physical arts for The School of Ballet Theatre UK. centre in Castlereagh, Belfast. Artistic Director, Christopher Moore outlined the backstory. The Dance Studio houses a 14m x 18m needs, APPA-NI's instructors, working “I visualised a modern school that, Harlequin Activity sprung floor - the within a carefully planned and designed keeping the discipline of classical ballet, newest of its kind in Northern Ireland. training facility, provide a positive would train and produce dancers versatile The room's high ceiling, mirrors, barres, and unique learning environment for in other forms of dance and theatre.” music centre and piano means it can all of its members. APPA-NI delivers facilitate different types of dance and training for all ages and abilities Christopher continued, “Planning and display. The Academy of Professional in disciplines including ballet, jazz organising this project started back at the Physical Arts is Northern Ireland's dance, , aerial very foundation of the Company in 2006. leading provider of combined physical arts, rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatic We began the renovation of the 1960s arts training. Balancing amalgamated tumbling and Pilates. building in early June, with the aim to techniques and artistry with educational transform the derelict and deserted bank into three open and modern studios that would rival any studio.”

Talking about the studios, Christopher said, “Our largest studio measures 378m², truly a beautiful feature of the school! Each studio is kitted out with a Harlequin Activity sprung floor and Harlequin Cascade surface. We chose Harlequin, as in our opinion, they are the elite. We were searching for the ‘wow’ factor in not only looks but of course quality and Harlequin was the answer to our prayers. There was no question or doubt that our studios would not be complete without the highest quality dance floors!”

4 theatre

Royal Albert Hall hosts 400 young dancers in Dance Proms Over 400 talented young dancers participated in the Royal Albert Hall arena on a stage completed with a Harlequin dance floor, during the 2014 Dance Proms.

Harlequin has been a sponsor since the on the night. The finale was a particular inaugural event in 2011. The dance highlight, with all students and the showcase, hosted this year by guest acts joining together for an upbeat did not disappoint, featuring a range and energetic performance to Pharrell’s of inspiring and well executed Happy. The event was attended by patrons across an array of genres. Twenty four Wayne Sleep, , Matt dance acts and five guest acts, including Flint, and , ’s Alexander Campbell and Lukas McFarlane and and First Soloist Akane Takada and featured dances as diverse as tap, hip- World Champions Tap Attack, performed hop, ballet, cheerdance and Tahitian for dance lovers and celebrity patrons national dance. Photos by David Tett, supplied by Dance Proms 2014 Photos by David Tett,

5 events

Ballroom and Latin stars rely Hi-Shine floor adds sparkle on a great dance floor to Myer fashion event Viewers of BBC TV’s flagship entertainment show, When Sydney Australia’s leading production and events will be familiar with ballroom company, Mr&Mrs Fish were retained to produce the dancers and finalists Kevin Clifton and Karen Hauer. Myer Spring/Summer 2015 Fashion Launch, they turned to a Harlequin high gloss floor for its dramatic They talked earlier to Harlequin Floors it is too slippery or has too much grip. visual effect. when appearing in at If you are noticing it straight away, the Shaftesbury Theatre. Described then that means there is something Staged at Carriageworks in Sydney, a as the ultimate high-energy, high you have to adapt to. Whereas when canopy of gigantic silver palm fronds voltage dance show featuring a blend you come out onto a Harlequin floor, swayed above the runway on which 60 of Latin and ballroom routines, Burn you don’t notice it straight away, so models showcased 270 new season looks The Floor has thrilled audiences you can relax into your performance by Myer’s stable of leading Australian and around the world. And the floor is and trust that you will be able to do international designers. The set called for clearly an important element for the whatever you need to do.” close to 200m2 of grey Harlequin Hi-Shine quality of performance and safety of Karen went on to say "An artist has flooring, including a runway 40m long x the dancers. his canvas, a photographer has his 4.5m wide and an entry walkway. With Kevin explained, “you need to trust camera, we dancers need our floor its scuff-resistant mirror-like ‘wet look’ the tools you work with and the way and the Harlequin Floors are the best finish, Harlequin Hi-Shine has caught the to tell if it is a great floor is that you you can dance on because you don’t attention of production companies and set don’t necessarily notice it straight feel so tired. It gives us a bit more designers around the world. away. If you come onto the floor and ‘umph’ and it works - and that is all the first thing you notice is the floor, that matters we just want a floor that then may be it is too hard or too soft, works with us.”

Varna International Ballet Competition

When the international ballet community gathered in the Black Sea resort of Varna, Bulgaria, the competitors danced on Harlequin floors. Harlequin Floors was selected to years, the 26th edition of this outdoor provide the sprung floor for the main event had categories for Junior, Adult stage. Celebrating the 50th anniversary and Senior competing for gold, silver and this year since founding the event, bronze medals. The Varna Competition the International Ballet Competition has become established as one of the now claims to be the oldest and most star fixtures in classical and modern prestigious competition in the world. dance, as well as a unique contribution Founded in 1964 and held every two by Bulgaria to worldwide artistic culture.

Dancers on track at Antwerp train station Morning commuters arriving at Antwerp Centraal Station were in for a pleasant surprise when semi-finalists of the Genée International Ballet Competition as well as competitors from the Genée Dance Challenge, performed on a sprung dance floor installed at the railway station by Harlequin Floors, official dance floor sponsors for the 2014 event. The Genée International Ballet one of the most prestigious ballet opportunity to work with renowned Competition, named after RAD's competitions in the world, attracting choreographers and teachers for five first president Dame Adeline Genée the finest young dancers trained in days before performing at the semi- DBE, is RAD’s flagship annual event. the RAD syllabus, from around the finals, and then the final, where they Known simply as ‘the Genée’, it is globe. Candidates receive a unique compete for a range of medals. 6 researchhealth &

Ballet performed at fund-raiser

A ballet piece performed in front of London’s elite ladies on a Harlequin dance floor was a highlight of the recent ‘Circles of Dreams’ lunch organised to raise funds in aid of breast cancer support and research. The Future Dreams 'Circles of Strength’ lunch took place at The Dorchester Hotel and was attended by 500 of London's most elegant and influential women. Jenna Lee, former principal from The English National Ballet choreographed a powerful modern ballet piece using 10 exquisite dancers. The event raised a staggering £280,000 for breast cancer support and research. © James Mason Photography

IADMS meet in Switzerland Following three days of presentations, the 24th Annual Meeting of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS) held in Basel, Switzerland concluded on with the presentation of Luke Hopper talks about the Marjorie Moore Student Poster Award presented by Harlequin Floors. his work in research Jeff Russell, Assistant Professor, of IADMS is drawn equally from the Athletic Training at Ohio University medical and dance professions, and Luke Hopper’s visit to Harlequin’s headquarters provided stepped up to announce the winner has grown to over 1000 members at the opportunity to catch up on his current research was Melissa Strzelinski, PT, MPT present world-wide, representing over studies and talk about the path that has brought him to representing the Rocky Mountain 40 countries. The award is named this point. His work in biomechanics and in particular University of the Health Professions, after the late Dr Marjorie Moore in USA for her poster titled "A differential recognition of her long-standing the relationship between the characteristics of dance diagnosis challenge: greater support for students within the floors and injury, is a study area where Luke has been trochanteric apophysitis in a young Association and this was the third year gaining a reputation far beyond his native Australia. dancer with hip pain." Membership it was sponsored by Harlequin.

Luke Hopper trained in classical ballet in matter of consistency of dance floors was Perth, Western Australia, later facing the suspected to be a key issue, but lacked stark choice between struggling against evidence to substantiate. Dancers on injury, or taking up a new career. Luke tour experienced a variety of stages in then stepped into the scientific sphere different venues which they considered and to the subject of sports medical unpredictable, causing them to respond research. As a former dancer he quickly with less confidence. Understanding the established the importance of achieving engineering of floor construction and the a better understanding of the needs of test requirements to quantify performance dancers as elite athletes and the shortage was important. But psychology too was an of scientific studies in this field. On the issue, as it affects individual dancers who one hand dancers generally have a good have ‘confidence’ issues with poor floors. ‘feel’ for the response of a dance floor with The findings of his research have since the ability to distinguish between different informed not only dancers, but technical types and very importantly, where they managers, venue owners and architects of had confidence in a floor’s characteristics the importance of a floor with consistent and where they held back in giving full response, the right degree of spring or rein to their artistic capabilities. Speaking energy absorption and a dance surface with the dancers themselves and in that gets the right degree of traction to particular with physiotherapists, the avoid slips. 7 Harlequin's Mark Rasmussen presenting the trophy to Melissa Strzelinski 7 Harlequin'snews

New stage floor construction guide prompts interest with architects The ‘Stage floor construction and technical solutions’ guide published by Harlequin Floors has been well received by theatre planners, technical directors and architects.

Whether it is designing and installing acoustic criteria, be aesthetically a stage in a new theatre or refurbishing sympathetic to architectural needs old stages, Harlequin has the expertise and through the use of printed vinyl, to deliver an effective solution. integral to the set design. Stages for theatres, opera houses, Tune in to Harlequin’s A free copy of ‘Stage floor construction performing arts centres, cruise ships and technical solutions’ is available and education establishments are YouTube video channel on request (01892 514888) or a PDF all covered. Stage floors have been version can be downloaded from the Harlequin Floors has established a vault of interesting designed to accommodate stage web site. (http://uk.harlequinfloors. engineering requirements from videos which are available to view on the Harlequin com/en/faqs-downloads/downloads/) YouTube channel. An eclectic collection of dance, revolves to traps, to comply with interviews, events, health tips, insights from experts, new dance floor installations and even tips on cleaning and caring for dance floors.

Leading dancers and choreographers, Boni Rietfeld, dancers Kevin Clifton technical directors, dance medicine and Karen Hauer of Burn The Floor experts and venue owners all contribute and Strictly, and ex England football to this interesting video resource manager Graham Taylor contribute a through interviews interspersed with diverse mix of information on different dance footage from their Company or aspects of dance. classes. To mention just a few examples, For anyone who has yet to discover this Julian Erskine, Executive Producer useful resource why not take a look now of Riverdance, Orthopaedic surgeon at www..com/harlequinfloors.

Where are we in 2015?

RAD Genée Move It PLASA Focus ABTT Theatre Show PLASA Show 19 September 13-15 February 12-13 May 24-25 June 5-7 October Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Olympia, London Royal Armouries, Leeds Alexandra Palace, London London ExCel, London

Like Harlequin Floors on Facebook www.facebook.com/harlequinfloors

Follow us on Twitter @DanceFloors

© 2015 British Harlequin plc LONDON Check out the latest news Festival House, Chapman Way LUXEMBOURG © 2015 British Harlequin plc, Festival House, Chapman Way, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3EF, England. Tunbridge Wells, Kent BERLIN uk.harlequinfloors.com/en/news/ TN2 3EF UK PARIS Tel. 01892 514888 | Fax. 01892 514222 | e-mail [email protected] | www.harlequinfloors.com MADRID Watch our videos Tel: 01892 514888 LOS ANGELES Harlequin News is the official journal of British Harlequin plc. www.harlequinfloors.com/uk/video-zone.html Fax: 01892 514222 PHILADELPHIA Harlequin is a registered trademark of British Harlequin plc. Images used in Harlequin News are the copyright [email protected] FORT WORTH property of British Harlequin plc unless specifically identified and stated otherwise and are available to Watch our videos on YouTube SYDNEY download for publication with the associated news item from www.harlequinfloors.com. All enquiries concerning HONG KONG image copyright should be addressed to [email protected]. http://www.youtube.com/harlequinfloors