Glowsticking is one dance form that makes use of glow sticks, hence the name. Different materials with similar qualities may be used in the same activity for as long as they are also durable, safe to play around, and consistent in light production. Glowsticking is widely known to have started in the rave scene of the 1980s. Today, however, it has become a part of the culture observed in the world of electronic dance music.
Two Forms of Glowsticking
The first type form of glowsticking is known as glowstringing, since it makes use of glow sticks connected to a string. The most obvious motion in this kind of dance is swing, although more recently, different moves were developed, like wrapping, yo-yoing, and moves resembling martial arts. Glowstringing is also known to borrow moves from other disciplines, like the juggling technique known as poi.
Freehand, the second form of glowsticking, has a set of definitive moves despite its name. Some of these moves include tracing, throwing, taps, and liquid dancing. Tracing usually involves the dragging of the glow sticks in front of the stomach area that creates a circular pattern. Funk style moves may also be incorporated in this from even if it comes from another discipline. Perhaps the most popular move in freehand glowsticking is figure eight, although it is rarely used by intermediate and advanced dancers.
Glowsticking and the Rave Culture
The use of glow sticks has been prohibited in some rave parties for two reasons. First, if the space in the venue is limited, glowsticking is next to impossible due to its big movements. Not only are their movements confined, ravers are also prone to hitting the people around them.
Aside from large space requirements, there is a more serious reason for banning glowsticking by rave promoters. For a time, glow sticks were believed to have been some form of drug paraphernalia by the authorities. Not only did this pose potential troubles, but it also put the rave culture in a bad light.