Ep 4. Gloving
- October 21, 2017
Innovation Nation is a television series that explores the world's latest technological advancements and groundbreaking innovations. Each episode takes viewers on a journey to different locations around the world, where they learn about new ideas and the individuals who have been driving them.
In season 4 episode 4, titled "Gloving," viewers are taken on a journey into the underground dance scene, where they discover the latest innovation in this art form: LED glove dancing. Gloving is a new style of dance where performers wear gloves covered in LED lights and use their hands to create mesmerizing visual patterns and movements.
The episode starts with the host, Mo Rocca, introducing the concept of gloving and its roots in the underground rave scene. He then meets Eric "iLLumin8" Medina, an accomplished glover who has been performing for over a decade, to learn more about the dance style and its evolution.
Medina explains how gloving started as a form of self-expression at raves, where performers could use their LED gloves to enhance the music and create a visual spectacle. Over time, the dance style became more intricate, and performers began incorporating more complex finger and hand movements to create incredibly intricate patterns and shapes.
The episode then delves deeper into the technology behind gloving, with Mo Rocca meeting with engineers and technicians who work on LED gloves and light-up clothing at companies like EmazingLights. At these companies, the host learns about the different types of LEDs used in gloving and how they are programmed to create different lighting effects. He also discovers the various materials used to construct LED gloves and how they are designed to withstand the physical demands of gloving.
The episode also highlights the competitive nature of gloving, with Rocca attending a gloving competition in Las Vegas. Here, contestants from around the world showcase their skills in front of a panel of judges, who score performances based on a variety of factors, including creativity, technical skill, and showmanship.
Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to mesmerizing footage of glovers performing in a variety of settings, from underground raves to professional competitions. They witness the incredible visual spectacle that gloving creates and the emotional connection that performers have with their audience.
The episode concludes with a reflection on the role that technology plays in gloving and how this dance style is constantly evolving. It's a reminder that innovation can take many forms, and that even seemingly small innovations can have a profound impact on the world around us.
Overall, season 4 episode 4 of Innovation Nation provides viewers with a fascinating insight into the world of LED glove dancing. Through interviews with performers, engineers, and technicians, viewers learn about the technology behind gloving and the artistry involved in creating a visually stunning performance. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and dance.