Loads goes right into a profitable dance profession—drive, facility, and hours upon hours of coaching are just the start. The sort of ground on which a dancer spends these hours could make the distinction between fearless dynamism and hesitancy, and even an injury-free season and one spent rehabilitating. For many years, Harlequin Flooring has made it its mission to provide dance organizations with the highest quality flooring so their artists can thrive.
Dance Instructor editorial director Reanne Rodrigues not too long ago spoke concerning the significance of correct flooring with 4 leaders from dance applications in greater ed: Susan Stowe of Level Park College, Nancy Lushington of Marymount Manhattan School, Elizabeth McPherson of Montclair State College, and Melanie Particular person of The Ailey/Fordham BFA Program. They mentioned how the precise ground can impression the longevity—and success—of their college students’ careers, in addition to why their departments use Harlequin Flooring. All through the dialog, three themes got here up repeatedly when it got here to why educators belief Harlequin: reliability, security, and, versatility.
Reliability
To make sure dancers’ consolation, Level Park makes use of the Harlequin Studio B flooring for its studios and efficiency areas. “Our dancers know that they’ll transition from studio to stage realizing that the floor they’ll be dancing on can be constant, clear, and sturdy,” says Susan Stowe, Level Park College’s chair of dance. That dependability extends not simply between totally different areas, but additionally over time. “The consistency of the Harlequin line has been superb,” she continues. “I believe we’ve solely needed to exchange the flooring in our hardest-used studios just a few instances within the final 20 years.”
Now an affiliate professor of dance at Marymount, Nancy Lushington recollects navigating divots within the ground whereas dancing on the Metropolitan Opera Home stage. As a performer, having a dependable floor, she says, “made an enormous distinction in what you could possibly do and the way it felt when you had been dancing.”
Correct upkeep additionally goes hand in hand with a ground’s sturdiness. Lushington warns towards outsourcing cleansing providers or utilizing non-Harlequin merchandise, which may trigger injury or slick spots. She recommends connecting with Harlequin straight about maximizing your ground’s lasting energy.
Security
“Our dancers’ well being and security are paramount, and the calls for on their our bodies are many,” says Stowe. Correctly sprung flooring, with simply the correct quantity of traction and provides to the floor, are a key part in minimizing the chance of harm.
Because the director of The Ailey/Fordham BFA Program, Melanie Particular person says that security has been the driving issue behind the Ailey group’s selection to make use of Harlequin flooring for many years. “The choice actually has to do with the security and assist the dancers acquire from engaged on this type of flooring,” she says.
A part of that assist entails a secure touchdown floor for leaping, McPherson explains. The suitable quantity of give, which could be seen the place the wall meets the ground, implies that the flooring provides a cushion that protects a dancer’s joints. Rodrigues notes that as a dancer, realizing {that a} floor will shield your physique permits for larger confidence and, finally, efficiency. That is notably essential for dancers who intention to problem themselves and develop quickly in college applications.
Versatility
Over the previous 10 years, dance coaching in greater training has shifted towards larger versatility to mirror choreography and repertory within the skilled world. To organize their college students for achievement of their careers, faculty dance applications require flooring that permits for seamless transitions amongst totally different genres and dance sneakers.
“We need to present the very best situations for a dancer to coach in,” says Particular person, “and a part of that’s the flooring to assist all the various dance methods and modalities that they’ll practice in.” That is additionally the case, she continues, in the case of efficiency areas with the ability to accommodate numerous repertoire.
Lushington describes her college students’ talents to go from LaDuca heels to faucet sneakers, ballet slippers, naked ft, or socks in Marymount’s studios. “The Harlequin flooring operate equally effectively with all these coaching kinds,” she says.
McPherson agrees. “There’s the correct quantity of traction,” she says, explaining that whether or not her college students are in socks, pointe sneakers, or naked ft, the ground is neither too slick nor too sticky. “The scholars are feeling supported in doing what they should do.”
To be taught extra about outfitting your studio or efficiency house with Harlequin flooring, go to us.harlequinfloors.com.