What is our upcoming showcase all about? Neon Pulse is an ode to 1980’s retrofuturism. Retrofuturism is a creative movement that looks at the future through the lens of the past. In particular, 80’s retrofuturism is inspired by 1980’s action movies, sci-fi, and arcade games. Movies such as Blade Runner, Dark City, The Matrix, and Tron have many of these retrofuturistic elements. Visually, you might think of neon-lit cityscapes with deep blacks, glowing neon grids, magenta, and cyan. See our moodboard.
Genres often associated with 80s retrofuturism are cyberpunk and neon noir, which depict near‑future, dystopian worlds with advanced technology. These settings are used to explore themes such as existential isolation, economic inequality, urban decay, and transhumanism.
If you are a performer, does this mean your piece has to have a deeper, darker meaning? Not if you don’t want it to! Because Neon Pulse evokes the idea of glowing neon colors, you may simply want to incorporate neon or 1980’s elements into your routine. We are hoping to have blacklights on stage, so blacklight-reactive makeup, costumes, and props could be used as well. Have fun with it! A piece that you can connect with and feel excited about is going to engage the audience more than something perfectly on-theme but flat.
Music can vary from classic 80’s hits to upbeat electronic dance music or synthwave (a newer genre of music inspired by 80’s retrofuturism). Check out our playlist for inspiration. If you have a song that doesn’t fall into these categories but you feel really it matches your piece and interpretation of Neon Pulse, then go for it!
For more help developing your routine for showcase, remember that we are offering discounted private lessons for performers, extra open studio times, and workshops. See the showcase webpage for more info. We are here to support you and help your neon-fueled ideas come to life!