Stringed and unstrung glowsticking
Tricks performed with rave glow sticks can be separated into two basic groups: stringed and unstrung. Unstrung, or freehand tricks, are simply performed by a dancer holding one or more glow sticks in his hand. The results are often limited to spinning or waving sticks. Stringed tricks, however, are performed with the help of a length of rope or string which is used to connect one or more individual glow sticks. This results in something more akin to traditional Poi dancing, in which a rope connects two flaming orbs. Owing to the momentum provided by the string, these moves are performed at a fast rate of speed and require practice and experience to perform well.
Stringed glowsticking basics
When attempting stringed glowsticking tricks, a beginner should start by learning to make circles. This simply involves learning how to spin a glow stick in a circular motion unencumbered. It is best to begin with a single glow stick attached to a string or rope. When one has mastered the control of one glow stick, it might be time to try one in each hand. Learning to work both hands in conjunction with each other may take a while, so don't be discouraged if it doesn't work out quickly.
Figure 8
Once circles have been mastered, try to attempt a Figure 8. The figure 8 is the most basic move in glowsticking after the circle. It involves a single, unstrung glow stick in each hand, and results predominantly from arm movement rather than wrist movement. Cross your hands over each other while swinging glow sticks in opposing, then crisscrossing, directions. This should result the glow sticks moving in opposing 'S'-shaped patterns. It should ideally result in a figure 8 pattern, as the resulting circles of light will appear to interlock.
Advanced options
One primary difference between in intermediate glow stick dancer and an advanced one is the ability to manipulate sticks with different parts of the arms and upper body. One example of this is passing a stringed glow stick over the shoulder and grasping it beneath the arm. This move allows a dancer to seamlessly transition from spinning in front of themselves to behind and then back again. Another advanced move is the "Stall," in which an unstrung glow stick is intentionally brought in contact with any part of the body in order to create the illusion -- when in the dark -- that the stick has slowed or stopped moving on its own.