The slab, usually concrete, is the foundation.  The foundation needs to be level, dry and structurally sound. However, you don’t want to have performers jumping directly onto a concrete floor. When a performer jumps and lands on a solid surface, THREE times their body weight is returned. This causes fatigue and injury over time. It is dangerous for performers to be performing directly over or on a solid slab. 

In order to protect a performer from direct contact with the concrete surface, performance venues should install a floating wood subfloor. The floating wood subfloor is the critical element when it comes to displacement of energy. A floating wood subfloor laid on top of the slab creates an air pocket that allows wood to flex and return safe energy to the dancer. The use of high-density foam in subfloors allows it to absorb additional energy and reduces the impact on the dancer. The result is a subfloor that is reliant (springy) and energy absorbent. The foam backing also absorbs post-impact vibration in the floor. The wood surface of a floating subfloor provides lateral foot support, which is very important for maintaining balance. 

Specialized flooring surfaces and systems can provide (1) more or less surface friction to be compatible with different types of performances happening on stage, (2) sound amplification depending on what is being performed and (3) flexibility for studio, stage or touring needs, such as choosing between portable or permanent installation. It is advisable and important to use materials suited for theatre and the performing arts.

“Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is the world’s most popular modern dance company. No matter where we are in the world, we’ve always been able to rely on Harlequin’s amazing staff and the superior quality of their products. That’s why Ailey has always used Harlequin Floors for the past 20 years.”

— Joe Gaito, Technical Director, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York, NY

At Samsung Performing Arts Theater, we have partnered with the world leader in advance technology flooring for the performing arts – HARLEQUIN.  Established in the UK over 40 years ago, Harlequin remains the industry choice for the world’s most prestigious dance and performing arts companies, theatres, venues and schools. Harlequin’s experience and reputation are preferred by performers at the world’s leading venues, from the Royal Opera House in London, to the Bolshoi Theatre in Russia, Paris Opera Ballet to the Sydney Dance Company, Harlequin is the global leader in its field. 

For our theater, Harlequin is installing the Liberty HD sprung floor system on our main stage as well as our same-size-as-stage rehearsal hall. Harlequin Liberty panels are fully supported by dual density shock dampening elastomer pads spaced at regular intervals, giving uniform and consistent shock dampening and providing the same “feel” and energy return to one or several performers on the same panel, and with no hard spots at the joints. Each panel is installed and laid in a brickwork fashion onto the sub-floor so that cross joints do not coincide. The panels are joined together by a rounded tongue and groove and are secured using Harlequin’s “one turn of the key” latch and lock mechanism. The panels are coated with a black polymer resin on both sides and have a textured, high grip pattern on the top surface, which is wear resistant, anti-slip and weatherproof.

Harlequin then finishes the entire flooring system with the Harlequin Cascade flooring surface. Harlequin Cascade still delights generations of professional performers, artistic directors and technical and stage managers as the ultimate heavy-duty dance floor. The silky-smooth embossed surface that’s often described as giving “warmth” to a performance, also provides a deceptively good grip, as well as a high-quality base for lighting designers. Said flooring surface is suitable for ballet, contemporary, modern and theatrical use, aerobics, Zumba, hip-hop, jazz, street, salsa, percussive including flamenco, Irish and tap, multi-purpose use, concerts, musicals and operatic performances. For our stage, Harlequin Cascade is available as needed or loose-lay and our rehearsal hall will have a permanently installed Harlequin Cascade flooring surface.

Meticulous attention to detail, making sure performers feel the same experience as in any of the top theaters around the world, the Samsung Performing Arts Theater promises to be one of artists’ favorite venue offering world-class facilities that they can call HOME.