Object Manipulation

D exterity, expert timing and a sense of humour are all part of the recipe for juggling, balancing and manipulating objects. Often a combination of daring balancing tricks and clowning about, these skills add a delightful twist to a show.

Object manipulation includes most prop-based circus skills: Juggling (including contact and toss juggling), hat manipulation, diablo,magic tricks, and many more.

Variations on the form

• The most recognisable form of juggling is toss juggling where a single performer or two or more performers toss balls or clubs in patterns through the air to themselves and one another.
• Hat manipulation is essentially juggling with hats... this can be a very quaint and humourous act.
• Diablo is a spool which is whirled and tossed on a string tied to two sticks which are held in each hand. The diablo can be spun, thrown and caught on the string, in a wonderful variety of tricks.
• Magic tricks are another form of object manipulation. The old adage the hand is quicker than the eye allows the magician to perform illusions before your very eyes.
• Plate spinning is a form of manipulation where a person spins plates, bowls and other flat objects on thin poles without the plates falling over. It requires great timing and relies on the gyroscopic effect of the spin.