An LED Fiber Optic Whip is an advanced flow toy created by attaching multiple strands of fibre optic cabling to an LED powerhouse. The colourful light emitted from the powerhouse then travels to the end of each fibre strand to create a bright point of light. Fibre Optics Whips are commonly used for dancing at raves, Trance festivals, flow arts, and stage performances.
The Nature of Whipping
Fibre optic whips are a product of the 21st-century flow community. Through the development of fibre optic light technology, we have developed an instrument that delights the senses of the mind and body. Using a fibre optic whip through body tracing or outward movements one finds a unique flow that cannot be found elsewhere.
The combination of the lights, colour, and movement of the long fibres exemplifies fine workmanship in development as well as design. If you have not yet experienced a fibre optic whip and the hypnotic effect it has on everyone that experiences it, we urge you to introduce yourself.
The fastest-growing flow art is whipping, and if you ask one of the thousands of exuberant whippers out there, they’ll assure you that it is here to stay.
Choose Your Whip
With Space, Whips come choices. Singles, doubles, whips that work like poi, short fibres, long fibres, etc.Â
Pick a whip that flows perfectly with your body and specialized moves. Also note, it is important to consider all design options. Unless the flow toy can be comfortably used and celebrated by the artist, the visual effects won’t matter. Flow arts isn’t just about the aesthetics. Find a whip that you enjoy to use, and others will see that excitement as well as the dazzling light show.
Fibre Type
End Glow Nano Fiber is a thin fibre with a diameter of .75 mm. These fibres maintain a constant level of brightness throughout the strand up until the light reaches the tip. While Nano Fiber features fewer points of light than Sparkle, it produces a much brighter glow.
Sparkle Fibers are much like regular End Glow Fibers, but there’s a twist. Instead of all the light being directed to the tip of each strand, pinpoints of light are all throughout the fibres. This engineering creates a twinkling effect like that of stars in the night. This creates a unique light trail effect, unlike any other fibre optic option. These fibres are tapered to allow for a wider spread of light and a super soft feel.
Fibre Length
Space Whips can be designed to have different lengths depending on where the fibre is cut, ranging from 3 to 6 feet. Flow artists choose different lengths depending on their own height as well as the amount of space where they plan to perform.
Whip Type
Singles consist of one powerhouse that has one fibre head attachment. These are the most common whips available to flow artists.
Doubles consist of two powerhouses that have one fibre head attachment each and are connected at the base by an adaptor. The Double Whips allow for more staff-style techniques and create an even larger show. This whip can then be separated to make two Single Whips!
Poi Sets consist of two Single Whips that are trimmed down to 3 feet each, and both have a double loop handle attached to the base. The Poi Sets allow for traditional poi style techniques
Techniques Used In Light Whipping
There are multiple ways to Flow with your Space Whip. A specific technique that is used is body tracing. A few body tracing techniques are…
Infinity Wraps
Neck Wraps
Up-and-Over Chest Wrap
Down Under Chest Wrap
Big Spin Over Arm
Up Over to Big Arm
Stomach Wraps
Leg Wraps
Light Whipping is such a new Flow Art that new moves are being created almost daily. Get creative with your Space Whip and how you use it!
Future Of Whipping
As Light Whipping becomes more visible in the Flow Arts community, manufacturer investment in the production of fibre optic instruments is growing. New types of fibre optic whips are being designed regularly and more advanced technology is being introduced into programming systems.
Light Whipping is such a new Flow Art that new moves are being created almost daily. Get creative with your Space Whip and how you use it. There are so many communities across multiple platforms online where Light Whippers can share their moves with each other to further develop the art form.
Whip Maintenance
Good whip maintenance should always be practised in order to keep your prop in tip-top shape. Here are some tips on how to keep your whip as good as new!
Keep your whip in a carrying case. We suggest designating a backpack that you can carry with you at events as to not damage your whip when it is not in use.
Keep it clean! Whips have a tendency to attract dust particles. This is normal, but you’ll want to be sure to clean your fibres with mild soap and warm water.
And as a reminder, your whip is water RESISTANT, not waterproof. Be careful to not get the powerhouse wet to ensure the best results after a wash. After letting the fibres air dry, put back on your flow grease to keep everything slick and smooth.