Even though the disco ball was most popular during the 1970s, it existed nearly a half century before then, and was known as the “mirrored ball.” This ball was used in a few European club scenes in the 1920s and turned up in films such as Casablanca in 1942. Its fame excelled until the mid-1930s, often called the “big band era.” However, it was the 70s that brought disco balls back into the limelight.
Some experts believe the Disco era began in the early 70s. However, this opinion is up for debate depending on what one would call Disco. The Disco scene did begin during the 70s, with DJ’s thumping out the music from their booths, while the audience moved to the beat on the dance floor. Still, other people think of Disco as beginning in the mid 70s. Actually, the years beginning from 1974 may be more accurate.
Just about everyone’s heard of the greatest Disco hit to ever be recorded; Gloria Gaynor’s “Never can say goodbye.” Even today, Gloria Gaynor appears on various music shows just from the success of that song alone. The Disco era was in full swing, and the disco ball added to the dance floor mystique.
Currently, disco balls have become more ordinary. They’re used at proms, weddings, concerts and clubs; the more modern term for “disco.” Some disco buffs even try to bring back the nostalgia of Studio54. Studio54 was a notorious Disco that came to life in April 1977. The famous, infamous, and decadent went out in droves to be seen and to observe.
Incredibly, many musicians have used disco balls on stage to create outlandish stage presentations. One artist came twirling down from the ceiling, dazzling in lights, spinning and singing while a Swarovski crystal ball, worth a reported [$2 million], coiled, dazzled, and mesmerized.
Today, disco balls have become a renowned symbol recognized by millions of people all around the world. Disco balls are utilized in some well known TV shows as well like “Dancing with the Stars.” On DWTS the ball spins, the show’s logo appears, and the dancing commences.
Due to innovative manufacturing, and outlandish ideas, disco balls come in a number of quirky designs.
Disco Ball Designs:
. keychain disco balls
. bead necklace disco balls
. earring disco balls
. disco balls hanging on sunglasses
. rainbow disco balls
. cube disco balls
. standing disco balls
. mushroom disco lamp
. head bopper headband disco balls
. beaded plastic door curtain mini disco balls
. mirrored keychains shaped like disco balls
Disco balls have become a global symbol associated with dancing, parties, and fun. Many other forms of dance took off from the disco era like Break Dancing. This dance phenomenon began in the streets of New York, after Disco was deemed “corny” and “effeminate.” Even though Disco was “thrown to the curb,” the balls were not.
House music arrived and took over the music scene, with deeper bass notes, stronger beats, all the while utilizing variations of previous great disco hits. Songs were remixed with some lasting for more than half-an-hour. Rapp was slowly edging in carrying on the tradition of sampling music from former disco artist like Donna Summers and Loleatta Holloway.
Through various musical transformations throughout the decades there’s one icon that remained ever present, disco balls. They’re still around, they still twirl, and they will forever symbolize the high pitch dance fever that gripped the world. In fact, even today there’s no event without one where dancing is on the agenda.
We can deduce that decades from now a disco ball will still be bestowing pleasure somewhere in the world captivating both young and old. They will delight in the ambiance it produces, while dancing and reminiscing about times gone by.