Ridiculous History Disco Balls are Ridiculous, and We Love Them
Oct 2, 2025
Discover the surprising history behind the beloved disco ball, tracing its origins to 1897 and the quirky patent details from Louis Woest. Learn how the mirrored marvel transformed nightlife in the 1920s, survived the Great Depression, and became a staple in clubs and theaters. The hosts explore its resurgence during the pandemic, how queer culture shaped its aesthetic, and the backlash it faced during Disco Demolition Night. With modern reinterpretations and a nod to its enduring legacy, the disco ball proves that some things are just meant to shine!
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Origins As The Myriad Reflector
- The disco ball originated as the "myriad reflector" in the early 1900s and was patented for theatrical light effects.
- Its convex, faceted design projects myriad reflections when rotated by an external light source.
Omega's Midcentury Mirror Monopoly
- Omega National Products revived mirror-ball production in the 1940s and made mirrored sheets for many objects.
- They produced balls from tiny keychain sizes to six-foot giants and at one point made ~90% of the world's disco balls.
Why Disco Linked To Mirror Balls
- The disco ball became culturally inseparable from 1970s disco despite earlier origins.
- Clubs like The Loft and The Gallery helped cement the mirrored sphere as a disco-era icon.