Dance floors are an integral part of the dance environment, yet little information is available for the dance community that concerns how dance floors may affect dancer performance, health, and safety. For the dedicated dancer striving to improve, injury can sadly be an all too common occurrence. By gaining knowledge concerning the relationship between dance floors and dancer performance and safety, the dance environment can be optimized in order to give dancers the best opportunities in their training.
After making the most out of dancing in living rooms, driveways and basements, dancers have a newfound appreciation of the little things, like mirrored walls, sturdy barres and, especially, supportive flooring.
Dance Magazine,
Warmer weather is just around the corner, and with it comes a light at the end of a hibernation tunnel for many dance organizations: a chance to perform again. The great outdoors has become an often-preferred performance venue but, of course, nature likes to throw its curveballs.
Whether you’re putting on a pair of pointe shoes, buckling your ballroom stilettos or lacing up your favorite high tops,…
Indoor sports people can tolerate a stiffer floor as they usually have cushioned footwear – a luxury barred to dancers.
A sprung dance floor in a doctor’s office…surprising? Not really! Dr. Boni Rietveld has equipped his office with a Harlequin Liberty sprung floor, so as not to worsen his patients’ injuries.
Emerging dance scientist and biomechanics expert Luke Hopper outlines his pioneering research investigating the effects of dance floors on dancer performance and injury.