Project Your Joy! Join the (Rainbow) Shadow Dance Revolution
The Spark: Rainbow Shadows in San Francisco
My first experience with shadow dancing was at the Exploratorium in San Francisco in the early ’80s. My favorite exhibit cast my shadow in rainbow trails as I moved. It was, quite simply, pure magic.
A New Vision at Orange Blossom Jubilee
Fast forward to Florida’s Orange Blossom Jubilee in 2021. “Mike Three” had set up a large screen next to the band, projecting his psychedelic oil visuals onto it (video below).
I stepped between his light and the screen—and just like that, my shadow dancing journey was born. It became an effortless way to project my vibe and joy outward in a beautiful, mesmerizing way (video below). The setup magnified our movements for the audience, yet created a boundary—we couldn’t see them, but they could see us. That layer of separation allowed the dancers to fully let go.
I knew then that I wanted to create my own version. I had the vision—now I just needed time, resources, and the right moment to bring it to life.
Ask, and you shall receive.
Building My Own Shadow Experience
I gathered what I needed:
- An 8′ x 10′ black collapsible metal frame (compact and portable)
- A white polyester 8′ x 8′ backdrop
- Two color-changing LED spotlights
- A drum stand to hold the lights
- A laser light for simple two-tone effects
- And finally—a bubble machine facing the audience side
At my first test run—a private party in a historic Hollywood mansion—it was an instant hit. But then again, the crowd was perfect: a Burner party, full of wildly creative and supportive souls. I had no shortage of participants.
My very first shadow dancer? A literal unicorn—outfitted in a rainbow skirt and sparkly sequined top. (Slideshow below.)
Props and lighting were key. The two light sources rotated through the rainbow spectrum but didn’t sync up, which ended up being perfect. The resulting multicolor glow around the dancers’ shadows echoed the magic of my original Exploratorium inspiration. (See images below.)
This project is about more than entertainment.
It’s about joy, connecting, healing, and presence—through dance.
We live on purpose when we birth our visions. We are, each of us, powerful creators.
I encourage you to dream often.
Dream big.
Be Magnificent.
Manifest.
