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Gloving is the art of LED light shows performed with microlight gloves — artists use finger-mounted microlights to craft flowing visual patterns synchronized to music. Learn the gear you need to start and how to practice your first light-show moves.
Gloves are worn by the performer and in those gloves lie 10 microlights, one on each finger. Once the lights are on, the show flows. The performers, known as glovers, use their 10 fingers to put on a show tailored to the song and let the music take them away. We call this a lightshow. It can also be performed without the gloves as well and these are known as fingershows. While the lights are a crucial component, gloving is much more than just waving illuminated hands. It's a form of expression that requires skill, creativity, and practice.
Which is a broad term to describe any activity that revolves around moving to music. Other forms you are likely to see in the same environment as gloving are hula hooping, poi, staff, orbiting… and the list goes on and on.
One big difference between gloving and other flow arts is the intimacy and closeness of a gloving lightshow compared to other lightshows. While other flow toys take up lots of space, the gloving stage is comparatively small, which means to experience it fully you need to get up close and personal. This is a big part of what makes gloving so magical.
Gloving has its roots in the EDM (electronic dance music) scene, also known as raves. This is where it began in the early days and where it is most often seen to this day.
Glovers, as the performers are called, are the ones who wear the special gloves equipped with small LED lights on their fingertips. Glovers synchronize their finger movements with music. Sometimes the glover knows the song well and can plan for what’s next to come. Often at live events, the glover doesn’t know what will play next or how the DJ will switch up the song so they are truly flowing moment by moment. As a glover, getting into this flow state is euphoric and keeps us coming back for more.
You’ll see glovers at your local rave, EDM show or music festival handing out lightshows or lost in their own world with their gloves having a good time and enjoying the music.
They’re typically very friendly and open to giving lightshows to anyone who wants one!
A lightshow is an experience between a glover and a viewer. Lightshows can be given to groups of 2 or more people, but typically they are one on one.
During a lightshow it is common to take a seat and let the glover do their performance in front of you. They can also be given standing up if the setting is crowded or uncomfortable.
Once comfortable, the glover will turn their lights on and bust out their moves. Every glovers style is unique to them so expect the unexpected here. Some glovers like to get really close to the viewers face, others prefer to stand back and give a whole body show. Sit back, relax, and let the unknown take you in and excite you!
Remember that it is always ok to ask for a lightshow! Glovers expect to be asked and are usually more than happy to share their art with you. Always be respectful and wait until they are done with their current lightshow or conversation.
If you become a glover yourself, you can trade lightshows with other glovers. This means taking turns giving lightshows with another glover. This is a great opportunity to learn some new moves or styles and get feedback if you want it.
Gloving has fostered a vibrant, supportive community of artists who share techniques, organize competitions, and continuously push the boundaries of the art form. This community aspect has played a crucial role in the evolution and popularity of gloving.
At events there will often be gloving meetups where glovers come together to trade lightshows and get to know each other. Often lifelong friends are made here. Be on the lookout for gloving meetups at your next festival, or better yet, organize one yourself!
Gloving is performing LED light shows with microlight gloves. Artists use finger-mounted lights to create visual patterns and effects synchronized to music.
No — beginners can start with a few basic moves like the digit roll and the wave. Most people pick up their first show-ready combo within a few weeks of daily practice.
A pair of gloves and a set of microlights are all you need to start. Glow LEDs offers beginner-friendly kits with pre-programmed lights and comfortable glove bases.
Most glovers perform to electronic music — EDM, house, and bass music are popular — but any genre with a clear beat works well for light-show choreography.
Yes — gloving has no age or fitness requirement. Anyone who can move their fingers can start learning basic light-show moves with a beginner microlight kit and a few minutes of daily practice.
