History of the Harlequin Group

For over 30 years now, the logo’s sign showing the Harlequin of the Commedia dell’arte, wearing his blue and red lozenges costume, is the world leader in dance floors with a presence and an experience which are unique in the world of dancing.

When Bob Dagger, current CEO of the group, launched the Harlequin brand in 1979 in England, he meant to take on a challenge: to be able to overcome the difficulties connected with traditional wood floorings (hardness of the floor, difficult cleaning, non-transportable floors, etc…).

Harlequin DUO™, the brand’s first-born

As a pioneer, Harlequin first launched the Harlequin DUO™ two-tone vinyl floor which, at the time, revolutionised dance halls and theatre stages. Later, several stars of dancing contributed to the success and the reputation of the Harlequin brand.

From Nureyev to Gil Roman

The Harlequin STUDIO™ vinyl floor, for example, was developed for Rudolf Nureyev when he arrived at the Opéra de Paris. This vinyl floor, the most comfortable one of our range, was Maurice Béjart’s favourite and remains the favourite product of his spiritual son and successor Gil Roman.

Harlequin LIBERTY™ revolutionises flamenco

More recently, María Pagés contributed to the institutionalisation of the Harlequin LIBERTY™ sprung floor in Spain. Since then, this sprung floor, which at first was designed for classical and modern dancing, has become THE reference for flamenco.

The world dances on Harlequin floors

Over 30 years after its creation, the Harlequin Group is still the world leader in flooring for dance, shows and events and reinforces its slogan day after day “The world dances on Harlequin floors”. Established in England, Asia, United States and continental Europe, Harlequin currently offers a range of 9 very resistant vinyl floors and 2 shock-absorbing sprung floors.

Bob Dagger, CEO of the Harlequin Group

“When I launched my company in England over thirty years ago, I aimed at designing floors for dancing, using new materials. Materials that would be able to create excellent quality dance floors at affordable prices.

I am pleased to note that nowadays, the biggest ballets and the most reputable dance companies in the world recognise the advantages of Harlequin dance floors: fewer injury risks, improvement of artists’ trust in the floor, etc. I am also greatly satisfied to see that the Harlequin dance floors and floor boards are amongst the most appreciated in the world!”