LIGHTING IN A DANCE SHOW

In dance lighting we are generally looking to achieve a more sculptural effect on body forms - enhancing

* Movement.

* Colour.

* Shape.

* Emotion.

As the requirement for frontal illumination is not so

demanding and the nature of the medium is less

realistic, we are free to experiment with low lighting

positions, a distinct advantage in some school venues

with poor or no FOH lighting positions.

This side lighting can be mounted on overhead bars but as this causes shadows on the floor it is more common to use stage booms or floor stands.

These are usually positioned off to the sides of the stage masked from the audience's view by vertical curtains or legs. Focussed off the floor the light hits the performer from feet to above the head with the spill and shadow falling offstage on the other side.

PCs or Zoom profile spots are ideal for this purpose and PC's have the advantage of wider beam angles, small size and simplicity of operation. Experiment with these positions in your space, you may be surprised by the effect of the performer glowing in high contrast to the stage and set which are relatively darkly/moodily lit.

In dance and musicals we can approach colour from a brave standpoint. Being

less concerned with realism and more interested in mood, shape and

movement we can use relatively saturated (dark) colours in our lighting units

and combine different colours from either side for startling effects.

COLOUR