Raver Light Shows - The Different Styles and the Tools to Perform Them
Light shows are many ravers favorite pass time. Makeup sets involves manipulating light to appear as though the light itself is dancing. In the dark at an electronic music event this can be a truly amazing sight to see. Whisks of purple, green, blue, red and other colors moving in rhythm to the beat can be a wonderful experience. So how are these shows performed?
Typically there are three styles of light shows given. Freehand, poi, and glove set. Freehand is performed using glow sticks, or micro lights. Glow sticks are the same kind you would use to go camping although many raver websites sell stronger versions. Microlights are small key chain lights with one powerful l.e.d. on them. The lights are moved around in the dancers hands with attention more on the lights then the performers themselves. To intensify this effect often a free hand light show performer will bring the lights right next to a persons face, giving the sensation that the light is surrounding the person enjoying the show.
Poi light shows are meant to be viewed from a safer distance as this involves the same l.e.d.'s or glow sticks as a freehand show but the instruments are tied to strings. Also called stringing, this art involves swinging the lights in different circular patterns. Often this is as much about watching the performer as the lights themselves as poi is an art dating back to traditional Hawaiian lifestyle.
When glove sets are used the show is more closely related to freehand although depending on the artist there may be more focus on full body movements. Glove set shows are much newer and so the style seems to be more individualistic although all light show styles are very dependent on the artist providing the show. Glove sets are not made with glow sticks and almost exclusively use microlight's to provide the show. Microlights are placed in each finger of the gloves and often each light will be different, some choosing varying colors, some choosing two or three alternating colors, and sometimes each light is set to a different function like strobe or solid light.
While glove sets are the newest trend they seem to be gaining popularity quickly and that is likely due to the ease of use. Poi can take years to learn and freehand light shows while popular may be difficult to enjoy performing while trying to enjoy the night as a regular dance music fan. Freehand however is still very often practiced at home and the after party, another staple of raver life.
Truly an entertaining performance art light shows are great fun regardless of the style being performed!
Typically there are three styles of light shows given. Freehand, poi, and glove set. Freehand is performed using glow sticks, or micro lights. Glow sticks are the same kind you would use to go camping although many raver websites sell stronger versions. Microlights are small key chain lights with one powerful l.e.d. on them. The lights are moved around in the dancers hands with attention more on the lights then the performers themselves. To intensify this effect often a free hand light show performer will bring the lights right next to a persons face, giving the sensation that the light is surrounding the person enjoying the show.
Poi light shows are meant to be viewed from a safer distance as this involves the same l.e.d.'s or glow sticks as a freehand show but the instruments are tied to strings. Also called stringing, this art involves swinging the lights in different circular patterns. Often this is as much about watching the performer as the lights themselves as poi is an art dating back to traditional Hawaiian lifestyle.
When glove sets are used the show is more closely related to freehand although depending on the artist there may be more focus on full body movements. Glove set shows are much newer and so the style seems to be more individualistic although all light show styles are very dependent on the artist providing the show. Glove sets are not made with glow sticks and almost exclusively use microlight's to provide the show. Microlights are placed in each finger of the gloves and often each light will be different, some choosing varying colors, some choosing two or three alternating colors, and sometimes each light is set to a different function like strobe or solid light.
While glove sets are the newest trend they seem to be gaining popularity quickly and that is likely due to the ease of use. Poi can take years to learn and freehand light shows while popular may be difficult to enjoy performing while trying to enjoy the night as a regular dance music fan. Freehand however is still very often practiced at home and the after party, another staple of raver life.
Truly an entertaining performance art light shows are great fun regardless of the style being performed!
