22/09/2006
Harlequin equip 3 studios for Ballarat University

Harlequin Australasia has recently supplied dance floors to the University of Ballarat, including the first installation of Liberty sprung panels in Australia.

Located 110 km north west of Melbourne in the state of Victoria, Ballarat boasts a colourful past, dating from the discovery of gold during the 1850’s when gold rush fever generated a major and rapid expansion of the town. Today Ballarat is the largest inland city in Victoria. The name means resting place, but resting is not what is indicated for students at the University of Ballarat www.ballarat.edu.au where three studios have now been furnished with Harlequin dance floors.

Studios 1 & 2 – a combined size of 341 m² - used by the dance stream, have been equipped with a permanent installation of Harlequin Activity floor with black Standfast. Activity is a permanently installed sprung floor system based on a revolutionary triple 'sandwich' composite construction that completely eliminates the need for metal springs and rubber pads and because it is a fully floating system with no fixings to the floor it can be laid on almost any surface without preparation. Shock-damped to avoid a 'trampoline' effect and combining area and point elasticity to offer identical characteristics across the whole floor, Activity is ideal for ballet, reducing injury risk and enhancing dancers' performances.

A Harlequin Liberty portable sprung floor system with Black Cascade was the choice for the 167m² Studio 3, which is used for drama and dance. Liberty is a floating floor system composed of sprung floor panels and is available for either permanent dance studio installation or as stage panels for touring. By choosing the touring version, the University has the option to hire the panels to other community groups so they can also enjoy the benefits of a dance floor where performances can take place without fear of falling or suffering injury. This will be facilitated by the use of two Harlequin Storage Carts which are designed to protect the Liberty panels and provide an easy and safe way of moving them from place to place.

Gavin Wright, Director of Physical Resources, University of Ballarat commented " Properly sprung floors are essential for the training of professional dance artists. The Harlequin Floors are first class for their springability and the texture of the dance surface. The workmanship and service of Harlequin in installing the floors into pre-existing studios and theatres was of the highest standard. Students and staff alike are delighted with the final product."

The three studios were installed by Harlequin’s Sydney based installers, Kevin Brown and Steven MacFarlane.

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