Dancing of Blooming

A Stunning Lantern Show at the Kaohsiung Lantern Festival

The Dancing of Blooming, designed by Lightup Life Co., Ltd., is a unique and mesmerizing lantern display that takes center stage at the Kaohsiung Lantern Festival. This extraordinary work of art combines the beauty of flowers, butterflies, and the majestic peacock, creating a dynamic and enchanting experience for visitors.

What sets the Dancing of Blooming apart is its exquisite attention to detail and the use of mechanical techniques. The lantern features a large number of mechanical elements, allowing it to present the dynamic performance of flower blooming, butterfly dancing, and peacock displaying while rotating on its own. The internal structure is enhanced with RGB full-color changing LEDs, adding a vibrant and captivating element to the display.

The realization of the Dancing of Blooming involved a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. The lantern fabric on the surface is complemented by computerized color spray, which brings out the vivid colors of the stamens, peacock tail feathers, and butterfly patterns. The skeleton structure is made of iron to ensure stability and strength, as the lanterns rotate during the performance. Inside, LED light sets with RGB full-color changes are incorporated, synchronized with the music to create a truly immersive experience.

Standing at an impressive 10 meters tall and 6 meters in diameter, the Dancing of Blooming is a sight to behold. The lanterns rotate on their own, showcasing the intricate mechanical movements that bring the flowers, butterflies, and peacock to life. As the music plays, the butterfly's wings gracefully open and close, while each petal of the flower stretches outward, resembling the budding of nature.

Visitors to the exhibition area are greeted by the proud peacock, perched atop a bed of flowers, welcoming them with a dance to the music. The peacock elegantly spreads its tail feathers, while smoke and laser lights delicately illuminate the flowers, attracting Taiwanese butterflies to collect nectar. This vivid and majestic performance redefines the traditional concept of lanterns, transforming them into dynamic works of art that engage and captivate.

The Dancing of Blooming was completed in February 2022 in Taiwan, after extensive research and creative exploration. The design team drew inspiration from the arrival of the Chinese New Year, symbolized by butterflies flying, flowers in bloom, and the peacock spreading its tail feathers. By combining elements of nature, such as kapok, hibiscus, and paulownia, with Taiwanese butterflies and the auspicious peacock, the lantern display creates a stunning visual spectacle that embodies good luck and prosperity for the New Year.

The creation of the Dancing of Blooming presented several challenges for the design team. The integration of different mechanical techniques into one work, including the opening and closing of flowers, the swinging of butterfly wings, the unfolding of the peacock's tail feathers, and the 360-degree rotation, required careful consideration of structural reinforcement to overcome the centrifugal force generated by the rotation. Additionally, seamlessly integrating mechanical dynamics and lighting without interference was a technical feat in itself.

The Dancing of Blooming is not just a display of internal light; it is a testament to the beauty and happiness that can be found even during challenging times. The butterflies, representing blossoming flowers and prosperity, attract the majestic peacock to a world filled with fragrance and beauty. As the music reaches its crescendo, the peacock spreads its tail feathers, symbolizing nobility, beauty, and good fortune. Through the use of mechanical techniques, the blessing is hidden within the work, inviting visitors to experience beauty and happiness in the midst of the epidemic.

The Dancing of Blooming is a true masterpiece of art, design, and technology, deserving of its recognition. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Event and Happening Design category in 2023. This prestigious award recognizes the design's practicality, innovation, and adherence to professional and industrial requirements. The Dancing of Blooming not only fulfills these criteria but also contributes to a better world through its integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics.

Image Credits: LightUp Life Co., Ltd