The Inside Scoop on Manipulating Orbs Without Touching Them
Contact juggling, a captivating and visually stunning form of object manipulation, emerged as a distinct style in the late 20th century. This art form focuses on the rolling and balancing of balls on the hands and body, setting it apart from traditional juggling that primarily involves tossing balls into the air.
The roots of contact juggling can be traced back thousands of years to ancient ball-handling practices from the Orient. However, it was not until the 1970s and 1980s that this discipline truly came into its own, with innovators like Michael Moschen pioneering visual and fluid techniques involving acrylic balls. These techniques emphasize continuous, smooth motion while maintaining constant contact with the balls, differentiating it from classical juggling forms focusing on throws and catches.
Unlike traditional juggling, contact juggling does not have a direct ancient precedent. Ancient games such as knucklebones, which involve manipulation of small objects but not with continuous rolling contact, date back thousands of years in various cultures. The evolution of modern juggling, including contact juggling, is catalogued by organisations such as the World Juggling Federation, which promotes sport and performance juggling disciplines but does not specifically trace contact juggling’s origins.
For beginners, one ball is all that is needed to get started. It's best to start with an orange or a stage ball, as acrylic balls are hard and roll away easily. Soft, 4-inch balls are recommended for those working on basic one-ball maneuvers. As skills progress, acquiring a variety of contact juggling balls of different sizes and materials can help determine which ones work best.
Professionals often use 4-inch acrylic balls, while smaller balls (2.5-inch) are preferred for palm-spinning. Larger stage balls (5 to 7.5 inches) are ideal for body rolling moves like chest rolls and arm rolls. These stage balls are hollow, made from vinyl plastic, and have a firm surface. They come in bright colors for better visibility on stage.
The contact juggling community is friendly and close-knit, with a rich history of innovation and shared knowledge. Even the most basic contact juggling moves take time to perfect, so don't get discouraged if mastery does not come quickly. With dedication and practice, the fluid, mesmerising movements of contact juggling can be mastered.
In conclusion, contact juggling is a modern form of entertainment and art that originated and evolved primarily during the late 20th century. It is distinct from traditional toss juggling and ancient ball-related manipulation games. Its growth is tied to performance arts and juggling communities from the 1980s onward. The cost of contact juggling balls varies, with a 2.5-inch palm-spinning ball costing less than $20, and a 4-inch acrylic ball costing about $35.
Contact juggling, initially developed in the late 20th century, also offers an avenue for entertainment, often gracing stages with its fascinating, visual displays. This art form's journey intersects with the realm of sports, as professionals continuously strive to refine their skills and master the diverse array of balls, including acrylic, palm-spinning, and stage balls, each with unique sizes and materials.
