This forum doesn't nearly get enough action compared to the other glowsticking forum, so let's do something about it. I just want to thank everyone for checking out this thread, hopefully it will be of some help.

I just started freehand, so how do I improve?

1. First thing I would do is check out the tutorials. I recommend starting off with the Figure 8, since it's a very basic move. Of course, you won't know a lot of moves at this point, so it's natural to go back to the Figure 8 time-and-time again. This actually helps you to smoothen out your Figure 8, so down the line it will look pretty good.

Figure 8 Tutorial Version 1
Figure 8 Tutorial Version 2

Next up, tracing. The stomach trace is the most basic trace. Watch that tutorial over and over until you understand the motions on how it's done, and keep practicing it. The stomach trace will be overused when you first learn it, but again, it helps on getting it down smooth.

Stomach Trace Tutorial

Don't limit yourself to just the stomach trace either. There are many more traces that you can come up with, it's all about creativity. You can trace pretty much everywhere, using one or two glowsticks.

Next up, tossing. Start off by just doing random tosses. It doesn't really matter what tosses you do...you're just trying to get used to the feel of tossing and catching.

2. Watch videos of other people who freehand. Personally, I've always enjoyed watching videos of people who are freehanding. It's absolutely mind-boggling to see all the different kinds of styles out there. You can learn a lot by just watching videos, so try it out. The concepts might be very confusing at first, but after numerous views you start to understand how they are doing the things they are doing. That's improvement right there, without even picking up any glowsticks.

3. Have fun with it. This is VERY important, since it does take a very long time to develop your own unique style. Everyone's skill level is different, it doesn't matter where you're at. Just have fun with it, that's what glowsticking is all about anyway. There's no need to get worked up over it.

I have been glowsticking for a while, do you have any suggestions on developing my own "unique" style?

1. Flow is the most important thing in freehand. Surely you might know many moves that you can do, but without any transitions, it looks very choppy. There's no easy way in order to achieve flow FAST, you just need to practice whenever you get a chance to. After a while, your mind will become very accustomed to doing certain moves a certain way, then you will start to do moves in a certain order. This is what is called a "combo", and they are very important. This is crucial in developing your own unique style.

2. Practice slowly in order to get the moves down even smoother, and come up with new transitions. A lot of transitions can be made up by just practicing slower. This kind of practice will help break out from the "muscle memory" mentality that we get into far too often. Creativity and innovation are important in freehand, and you can't do that by reverting back to the same moves and combos that you are used to. Try something that you think hasn't been done a lot before. Another suggestion would be to improve on an idea/concept, also known as a "variation".

You will also notice that by practicing slower, the tracing will be much smoother. Try to keep the glowsticks ON your body at all times in order to achieve flow with tracing.

If you have your own style, you can sharpen, polish, critique, fine-tune.

And yes, you do screw up. Watch yourself in a mirror/on tape. If you're that good, you'll see your own mistakes. Become critical.


Hey... could we get some of the more wicked freehanders to give their own videos an extensive critique?

What about a standard critique layout?

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Hell, if you're "done" glowsticking and have mastered it all, make some more tutorials and help Dave out with the site and spread the word.

Of course, when it comes to transitions, yea, fluidity is really important. BUT KEEP IN MIND, that having your own style does not require fluidity at all. For example, I once saw a freehander with amazing skill at only moving every other beat. His moves were all choppy, but DAMN it looked cool.

(Poping and locking with glowsticks = (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sm_bigeek.gif) )

I would say his style was rigid as a brick, but cool as a popsicle. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

I finished writing up the article (as of now), let me know what you guys think.

Extremely nice article. We need more threads like that in the freehand section. Good job jeff.

Very Nice. I say pin worthy. *pinned*

Lots of good advice, I'll definitely put some of this to use.

in terms of picking up new moves, it ALWAYS helps to GO TO MEETUPS and INTERACT WITH OTHER FREEHANDERS. everyone will have something new to offer you.

on that note, the average ratio of stringer to freehander is about 1000 : 1, slightly better than the guy : girl ratio. is that an accurate cross-section of gsc? i just recalled this because i haven't seen a new freehander face (other than the same 2 or 3 around socal) face in . . . . well i haven't, really.


great post jeff, way to do something productive in encouraging freehanders (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

In addition to what you've already mentioned, I feel that an important part of creating your own style is to pay attention to styles of dance that dont include glowsticks. It gives you an unlimited resource of new moves that will probably look good when you've got a pair of glowsticks in your hands. Adding footwork, isolations, and various elements of other dances can help make your style unique. Its also a great way to help your overall flow.

Absofuckin lutely!!!! that is the #1 tip i think!! seeing other people freehand IN PERSON has been the greatest inspiration and learning mechanism !!