This article has been prepared by Harlequin.
When a Principal Ballerina was asked recently what factors were important to the welfare of a professional dancer, she identified a healthy diet, good medical support, plenty of sleep and a good dance floor. If a good quality floor seems like a luxury or indulgence, then think about the statistic that 80% of professional dancers suffer from some form of injury each year. A poor floor can be a contributory cause of injury through falls attributed to an unsuitable dance surface. Or stress related injury from the impact of repeatedly landing on a hard unyielding floor. Although a poor floor can shorten the career of a professional dancer, it is equally relevant to young dancers taking classes at dance schools, or in education, to dance on a good floor.