Robe tracks 2023 World Gymnaestrada
- Details
Three high-energy 1.5 hour gala presentations were staged in Hall 12, produced by Patricia Kok and Roxanne Wilders from Medialane, choreographed by Stanley Burleson, featuring some of the best gymnastic / acrobatic acts from 20 countries. Lighting for these shows – based on the theme of water – was designed by Henk-Jan van Beek from Netherlands-based design studio, Light-H-Art.
For Live took the opportunity to invest in 24 new Robe Esprites for the project that was organised and produced by their client, Tig Sports. This purchase followed hot on the heels of another involving Robe Forte fixtures, so 2023 has already seen their Robe inventory jump in numbers.
For Live is involved in the lighting and technical production of many major sporting events, however it was the first time that Henk-Jan – well known for his work in television and concert touring – has designed such a Gymnaestrada gala.
The overall Hall 12 gala shows were designed by Michiel Maas from KNGU, the Royal Dutch Gymnastics Union, and Stanley Burleson.
Henk-Jan then assessed the various countries’ presentations and visual needs, then proposed a dynamic lighting scheme based on a blend of theatrical drama and practical lighting from the correct angles to allow them to perform their routines comfortably and safely.
“It was a relatively lengthy show, so absolutely vital to keep the excitement and pace rolling with a good flow and rhythm,” Henk-Jan commented.
Lighting fixtures were distributed across five trusses running lengthways over Hall 12’s central area, with another two flown above the front blocks of seating on the long side, plus two more trusses flown at 90 degrees to these, to cover the short side of the arena – also above the first seating blocks closest to the arena floor. A ring of LED PARs snaked around the outer roof perimeter.
The 24 x Esprites were distributed around the four ‘front’ trusses, and from these positions provided front, back and side light onto the arena. Sixty LEDBeam 350s dotted along all the seven lengthways trusses were used for layering on colour, washing and assorted effects.
The Esprites were primarily used as white and key lights, and for those acts not utilizing all the floorspace for their performances, the shutters were great for creating specifically zoned areas.
Four Esprites were running on a remote follow spot system for speedy – everything moves fast in gymnastics – and precise tracking of key performers at strategic moments.
The power and punch of the 35 Fortes on the five centre trusses was mainly used for throwing top, back and front light onto all the performance acts.
The different country themed gymnastics shows staged in Hall 11 were also lit with Robe moving lights making up the bulk of the rig, with another 12 x Esprites and 12 x BMFL Spots plus 50 x LEDBeam 150s.
The Light-H-Art team used a grandMA3 full-size console for programming and running the lights for the three gala shows in Hall 12 and joining him on the Light-H-Art FOH team were two excellent operators, Joost Wijgers and Sebastiaan van der Laan.
