Volume 8
Issue 20
Updated May 17, 2012

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The floor makes all the difference

By Theresa Rohloff
Gazette Reporter
info@acadianagazette.com

“Landing from a jump can subject your lower extremities to forces up to 14 times your body weight,” writes Dr. Linda Hamilton in the September 2011 issue of DANCE Magazine.

Impact injuries for dancers are often attributable to flooring. Lafayette dance productions have been impacted by such injuries, whereby choreography changes were needed to make up for injured dancers. The safety factor is the main reason that Gina and Matt Hanchey put so much time and effort installing a floor that provides the proper spring and grip needed for ballet at the new location of The Ballet Académie in downtown Lafayette.

The dance surface is just under 1,000 square feet and made with 600, 4-by-4-inch squares of spring cushion for padding. These are overlaid with two different types of lauan — a Polynesian tropical wood — and sheets of plywood precision cut and positioned to juxtapose the grain for added support without compromising its give.

Thousands of staples went into this labor-intensive process, which was finished with Harlequin’s thickest studio floor line of vinyl, which dancers refer to as marley. The process took four full days to complete.

“It was well worth the time and effort to keep our dancers healthy and enable longevity in their dancing endeavors,” said Gina Hanchey.

Because of the marley, there is no need for rosin. The floor at Ballet Académie offers just the right amount of movement for point shoes. While absorbing impact, it is not too slippery or sticky. Hanchey invites dancers looking for a space to practice to experience The Ballet Académie floor; dancers should call the studio to check on availability first.

The floor is not designed for any percussive dancing such as tap, clogging or Irish.

This year, Hanchey began her fifth year of dance instructing in Lafayette and shares with pride that during that time she has never had a dancer sustain injuries under her supervision and instruction. The studio is currently preparing for an April 21 performance at the James Devin Moncus stage at the Acadiana Center for the Arts. (The AcA is also slated to obtain top-of-the-line marley to facilitate dance performances at their venue.)

Alternatively, a portion of the studio space that does not tout the special flooring is used as a gallery, open during downtown Lafayette’s ArtWalk or during Académie hours or by appointment. The studio is situated in the Russo Building at 200 Polk across from Parc San Souci’s 911 Memorial.

Hanchey teaches primarily the Russian (Vaganova) technique of ballet. She focuses on classical ballet technique while offering instruction in variation, partnering and some contemporary ballet. Paige Krause, AcA education coordinator and artist-in-residence, teaches modern classes as a guest teacher. For more information, visit www.theballetacademie.com or call (337) 280-0964.

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