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Exquisite
craftsmanship
Visuals
AS SEEN ON
”This looks like pure magic.”
”One for every room in existence, please.”
”You want to stare at it for hours.”
”Could be the lava lamp for a new generation.”
”This slow-motion machine is so stunning we almost don’t want to tell you how it works.”
”This looks like pure magic.”
Designed by artist and engineer Jeff Lieberman
Operates at a whisper-quiet 37 decibels
Multiple mounting options included
Three exquisite wood finishes: light pine, craft pine, ebonized ash
Four unique modes : ultra slow motion, slow motion, pop and lock, double trouble
“This innovative piece isn't just a conversation starter; it's a window into the invisible world of high-speed motion, brought to you by the host of Discovery Channel's "Time Warp". Slow Dance has transformed the way we perceive everyday objects, turning the mundane into magical, and making it the must-have piece for those who appreciate the extraordinary in the ordinary.”
Jeff Lieberman, Inventor of Slow Dance
4 UNIQUE ILLUSIONS.
SLOW DANCE
In this mode the object appears to move in slow motion.
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Looks like the object starts as one, and splits into two parts before reforming.
1
2
3
4
SUPER SLOW DANCE
The object appears to move in ultra slow motion.
POP AND LOCK
The object looks like it jumps through space, like a 1930s slow motion movie!
4 UNIQUE ILLUSIONS.
1
SLOW DANCE
In this mode the object appears to move in slow motion.
2
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Looks like the object starts as one, and splits into two parts before reforming.
3
SUPER SLOW DANCE
The object appears to move in ultra slow motion.
4
POP AND LOCK
The object looks like it jumps through space, like a 1930s slow motion movie!
"The Slow Dance has revolutionized my living space! It's not just a conversation piece; it's transformed how I perceive everyday objects. The blend of art and science has inspired me to look at the world differently. I can't imagine my home without this remarkable invention!"
— Michael E.
How It Works:
1
Select a natural object, such as one of the included pheasant feathers or a flower, and place it in the frame.
2
Choose from four unique illusion modes: Slow Dance, Super Slow Dance, Double Trouble, or Pop and Lock.
3
Watch as high-speed strobe lights synchronize with precise vibrations, creating a mesmerizing slow-motion effect.
4
Adjust the frame's settings to customize the visual experience to your liking.
Transform your space with technological wonder today!
Wonder Machines: Slow Dance
Transform Ordinary Objects into Mesmerizing Art
✓ Choose from Ebonized Ash, Craft Pine, or Light Pine finish
✓ Two feathers
✓ US + European compatible power adapter
✓ Wall mounting hook & Optional feet for stability
✓ 1-year Limited Warranty
Colors:
Ebonized Ash
Craft Pine
Light Pine
Save $50
$499.00
$499.00
✓ Free US Shipping
✓ Save 15% automatically on 2+ Slow Dances
✓ Save $55 on any Slow Dance
with code save55
Handcrafted
Silent Operation
Original Design
KEY DETAILS
Dimensions: 12.5" x 14.5" x 2" (W x H x D)
Weight: 1.36 kg / 3 lbs
Power use: 2-4W (depending on brightness)
4 illusion modes: Slow Dance, Super Slow Dance, Double Trouble, Pop and Lock
Adjustable brightness control
Suitable for objects like feathers, flowers, and small plants
WARRANTY DETAILS
1-year limited warranty from date of purchase
Covers manufacturer defects in materials or workmanship
Remedy: Repair or replacement at Wonder Machines' discretion
To claim, notify Wonder Machines within 30 days of warranty expiration
Warranty governed by Massachusetts law
All other warranties, express or implied, are disclaimed
SHIPPING DETAILS
Free standard shipping on all U.S. orders
Estimated delivery: 5-7 business days
Expedited shipping available at additional cost
International shipping available to select countries
All orders ship from our U.S. warehouse
Track your order easily with provided tracking number
WITH LIVING ART
TECHNOLOGY
SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY WONDER
Bring awe and presence into the center of your life with Slow Dance. Create an environment that nurtures a rich inner life for you and your loved ones.
I had been playing for years with techniques that allowed me to use high-speed stroboscopy to make things look like they were moving in slow motion. But after weeks of hand-designing dozens of objects that might vibrate in interesting ways, I was stuck — none of them had the wondrous impact I was searching for.
Somehow they didn’t surprise me enough as a viewer to create impact. I went for a frustrated walk around the block of my office thinking “What is missing? Why can’t I design something that looks incredible to see moving in slow motion?” Lost in thought, a branch hit me in the face. I looked at the branch.It was a Eureka moment. That pine branch was more beautiful than anything I as a person could design, and had evolved over millions of years to vibrate in the wind. I looked all around the environment — branches, flowers, feathers and more — with a sense of awe suddenly realizing that nature had designed millions of artifacts more beautiful than I ever would. And using what I knew, I could make them look like they were dancing impossibly, in slow motion.”
Jeff Lieberman, Inventor of Slow Dance
1. How loud is it? Is it safe to touch?
Incredibly quiet. The loudest thing is the object itself moving through the air, and the magnets can be adjusted to change the 'volume' of movement, so if you make the movement very large, it will create more noise. We can't hear a feather from 10 feet away in a quiet room. For the techies out there, we estimate it's around 30dB.
And yes! Please touch it! If you touch the objects you will feel the secret that your eyes cannot see - that they are vibrating very quickly (80 times back and forth every second). It's a fun way to discover the illusion. The electromagnet is totally safe to touch as it is all at very low voltage and strength. It's fun for all ages.
2. Is the strobe light blinking safe for those with photosensitive epilepsy?
We are almost certain about this, but make no medical guarantees. Epilepsy.com describes most of these being caused at 5-30 flashes per second, where your eyes can register the flashing. This runs at roughly 80 flashes per second, and you can't see the flashing unless you wave your hand in front of it or shake your head fast. If you have any history of photosensitive epilepsy, please consult your doctor before using Slow Dance.
3. Does this work when it's under bright light (daylight or otherwise)?
Given that the effect is based on strobe lights embedded in the frame, when there is sufficient ambient light (like sunlight), the effect is greatly weakened. With the included brightness control on full, we've found it works for most indoor environments (even a few feet from the window), but when it's up against the window or outside in daylight, the effect is harder to notice.
4. What kinds of things can I put into Slow Dance?
Since the slow motion effect depends on vibrating objects very quickly, light objects that vibrate repeatedly work the best. So far I've found the best things are feathers, plants, and flowers. That said, I've also seen custom origami, bent wire, even googly eyes(!) in the mix, and look forward to many more surprises!
I think it's useful to think of Slow Dance like a vase — you don't expect the things in it to last forever, but you intend to highlight their temporary existence. I've found feathers work indefinitely, plants depend greatly on the type (some dry out and get brittle, others seem to work for weeks), and most flowers last for the day, if that.
5. What is the warranty on Slow Dance?
Limited Warranty
By using the product, Purchaser agrees to the terms of this limited warranty. Wonder Machines warrants that the product will be free from manufacturer defects in materials or workmanship for a period 1 year from the date of purchase. Purchaser's sole remedy for Wonder Machines' breach of this warranty is, at Wonder Machines' sole option, either repair or replacement of the product. To exercise this remedy, the purchaser must notify Wonder Machines within thirty (30) days of the expiration of the warranty period.
The laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts govern this limited warranty; provided, however, that if, despite such choice of law provision, the laws of purchaser's jurisdiction require a longer warranty period, such longer period shall apply. EXCEPT FOR THE FOREGOING LIMITED WARRANTY, THE PRODUCT IS PROVIDED "AS-IS" AND "WITH ALL FAULTS," AND WONDER MACHINES HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
6. How can I customize Slow Dance?
Besides finding or creating objects of your own, if you want to customize Slow Dance further, you can update the code as it is open source and runs off of an Arduino code-base. Get started by going here.
7. Filming Slow Dance
Slow Dance utilizes high-speed strobe lights, flashing roughly 80 times every second. These flashes happen so rapidly that the naked eye cannot register or notice them, and the light looks continuous; however, any camera that shoots frames in sequence will experience some amount of flashing or streaks in the footage, since every single frame will expose a different number of strobes during that 1/30 or 1/60 of a second.
Slow Dance works by rapidly shaking whatever you put in the clips at 80Hz (feathers and flowers work best), and the LEDs inside the frame strobe at slight varying offsets (76-84Hz). Imagine someone jumping rope inside a night club with a strobe light. If the strobes hit at the same exact point every time, the person would appear to be frozen in mid-air. Now vary the offset a little and they’re moving in slow motion.
For Amateurs:
When using a cellphone or point-and-shoot video camera, try manually changing the exposure up or down; most processors will change the shutter and frame settings, and you can often find one that greatly minimizes the flashing effect. The longer the shutter speed, the brighter the photo will be.
For Professionals / TTL input:
If you use a camera that has an adjustable framerate, all of the modes besides the doubler mode run on a fixed frequency. They are all very close to 80fps (eg 79.8fps, etc) but not exact, so scan in that range and you should find one where the artifacts disappear. If you have access to a camera that has a frame trigger (such as a TTL input), solder a wire to the digital strobe output signal and that can trigger individual frame shots. This will work even for the doubler mode.
For Professionals / Syncro scan / Clear scan:
With some cameras such as Panasonic Lumix and Sony A7, you have access to a function called Syncro scan (Panasonic Lumix cameras) & Clear scan (Sony cameras). With this function, you can fine-adjusting the shutter speed, reducing flickering and horizontal stripes that appear on the camera’s image when recording.
8.How do I clean Slow Dance?
Cleaning Slow Dance is simple. A damp rag or duster should get all the dust off it. The motor is quite robust so getting it slightly damp will not be a problem. If you are using liquids it’s best to unplug it for cleaning.
9. Can I see the manual?
Yes of course, here is the manual PDF.
Technical Specifications
Dimensions: 12.5” x 14.5” x 2” (W x H x D)
Weight: 3 lbs.
Color Temperature: NaturalWhite
Power: 12V DC, 500mA
Power use: 2-4W (depending on brightness)