Danielle Tillie started this discussion ·
Has anyone poled with a fog machine running? We are doing a Halloween Showcase at our studio and we're contemplating using a fog machine. Would the fog leave some sort of residue on our skin during floorwork? Or would it leave a residue on the poles? If anyone has any insight, we'd appreciate advice! We might just buy one and test it out to be sure. Thanks! :)
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megan12 ·
Well, maybe I can answer your question. So at work we have smoke that comes out of the stage. It smells sweet, so I'm guessing it has some sort of sugary component. However, I've never noticed a residue on the pole from it. The biggest thing is being able to see. Sometimes it can be hazy and dancing can be a bit dangerous. Lol
Danielle, see my video using a fog machine. About half way through, you can't even see me. It put condensation all over my floor and poles. My poles were very slick and and I didn't dare do too much (hence more floor work w my stobe). My machine is something different.....no sweet smell. But don't think I will be making a habit out of using it. https://www.studioveena.com/videos/view/5021c18d-df38-4bf6-965f-4cec0ac37250
It depends on the fog machine. Most use a glycol based fluid which in essence is similar to (they use glycerine and caprylyl glycol which is totally misspelled on their label). If anything it will improve your grip! The glycols are what gives the fog a sweet smell. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_glycol http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triethylene_glycol
en.wikipedia.orgPolyethylene glycol - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.orgTriethylene glycol - WikipediaMine was a 100 dollar cheap one from Spencers. Be sure to get a good one like Chem recommended then!
I had a cheapy one too (I may still have it in my attic). They all run on the same principle it just depends on the "juice" that you buy. If it is old the glycols will break down and just kind of make things slimey.
Thanks ladies! We might get one and try it out. I'll let you know of the results! :)
Danielle, I'm not sure it's a good idea, not for safety reasons but because that small room where the showcase is will fill up with fog pretty quickly. It will probably make any photos or videos taken of the performances pretty hazy, too. I've been through those sweet-smelling fogs and personally the smell makes me a little nauseous - combine that with the breath and body heat of a crowd and I have a feeling any cool effect would be lost. Not to be a Debbie Downer of course...
RikkiL ·
They make controllers that will let you select the amount of fog that comes out and how often. Also, you can run it through a "fog chiller" that makes the fog heavy and keeps it low to the ground instead of rising and filling the air. Chillers typically have to be made, though. I don't think I've ever seen one for sale.
http://www.partycity.com/product/fog+machine+400+with+remote.do?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=ProductSearch&utm_campaign=GoogleMerchant&extcmp=GoogleMerchant&gclid=CLrdm-eK5bICFQme4AodjQ8AsQ This is similar to the one I have. $30 fog maching that has a control. I think it would be cool to add a piece of tubing with holes coming off the nozzle and then string that near a wall. The remote makes it easily controllable as to when you want a spurt of fog.
have you thought about dry ice? Fog machines give me headaches, but I'm ok with dry ice.
Dry ice creates all sorts of other issues. It is also kind of expensive and not easy to find any more. I spent $16 for 10 lbs of dry ice (which really is not a lot) a few weeks ago. In order to get the best effect it should be placed in an open vat of water and then the bubbling and fog are not controllable.
I've never had a problem with it when I used it, but I haven't used it very often. But it's easy to get here. I can go down to my grocery store and they have it in big ol blocks for fairly cheap!
Yeah, in Cleveland you used to be able to get it at ice cream shops and ice houses, but they do not carry it any more. Luckily the facility that makes/distributes it is close to my house.
