I'm curious about the effectiveness of light up costumes under regular rink lighting (think entertainment event without spotlight). Would it be visible? Worth the hassle? Has anyone seen one in action?
Yes, it does show up. Not as effective as under a spotlight, though. I've seen these effects: light-up blades (not very effective), lights on costume (effective), hand-held devices that light up (most effective). The audience likes it, though! Never tried any of these personally.
We just did lighted costumes for a show, but it was under spotlights. We used lights under the skates, rave gloves, and battery-powered strings of LEDs that the skaters wound either around one arm or one leg. It looked pretty cool.
A gentleman at Nationals skated to "Rhinestone Cowboy" with a flashing hat. It was effective because the hat was black, the lights white.
At a show last week I saw an impressive fire breathing routine. Fortunately the costume did not light up.