Diabolo

What is a Diabolo?

A diabolo is a prop used in circus acts and performances consisting of an axle and two disk-shaped sides, with a string attached allowing the performer to toss, spin, and manipulate it in visually impressive ways. Sometimes called a "Chinese yo-yo", it originated in China, but became popular across Europe by the early 19th century.

The basic principle is to spin the diabolo via the string so that it balances on the string - requiring great coordination and dexterity to perform more advanced tricks and sequences. Modern diabolos typically have rubber rims and adjustable strings to allow for more elaborate manipulation.

History and Origins

The origins of the diabolo can be traced back to 12th century China during the Song Dynasty, where it was known as a "shuttlecock" and played much like badminton. Over time, it evolved into a classic circus prop and eventually spread via trade routes through Asia and Europe by the early 1800s.

The European name "diabolo" comes from the Greek words "dia" meaning "across" and "ballein" meaning "to throw " - literally meaning to throw across. This refers to the basic technique of tossing and catching the diabolo on the taut string.

By the 1940s-50s the diabolo had become a fixture in circuses and variety shows, where skilled performers would incorporate all kinds of creative tosses, spins, rolls, balances, and sequences into fast-paced acts set to music. Even as interests shifted post-war, it still maintained popularity as a circus prop.

Diabolo Techniques and Skills

It takes great hand-eye coordination and rhythm to become an adept diabolo master. Key skills and techniques include:

Tossing and Catching

Tossing the diabolo so it lands cleanly on the string, maintaining balance and control. The higher, faster and more accurately you can toss while catching, the more impressive the sequence.

Spins

Keeping the diabolo spinning rapidly using the string wrappings, while balancing it. This can be done vertically, horizontally, or tossed between the two axes. Master spinners can get up to 6000-7000 RPM!

Loops and Wraps

While spinning, performing loops of string around the axle for visual appeal and risk, before removing to keep it going. Wrapping intentionally around parts of the body increases the challenge.

Balances and Stalls

Balancing the still diabolo on parts of the body (e.g. palm, elbow, nose, chin) temporarily - requiring precise weight distribution and poise. Similarly, stalling a spin suddenly against a limb.

Combining Sequences

Once the fundamentals are learned, combining ever longer and more varied sequences of tosses, catches, spins, transfers, balances and wraps is where diabolo performers really shine. The longer and more gracefully executed without failure, the better!

The very best contemporary diabolo masters like Adi Pop , Hiroyuki Takayama , or speed record breaker Sean McKinnon can pull off incredible feats of precision, endurance and creativity in their acts and routines.

Using Diabolos in Performance Today

While diabolo acts don't always take center stage today, they remain an impressive addition to variety/cabaret shows and circus lineups - often combined with juggling , acrobatics or clowning for more dynamic acts. Their accessibility compared to expensive large props also makes them a fairly common choice for new and mobile performers.

With countless trick variations possible and costumes, music, humor and risk-taking easily incorporated to enhance audience appeal, the speedy spinning diabolo has clearly earned its place among classic circus arts. It continues to evolve in the hands of innovative masters while retaining a certain nostalgic appeal. Whether mesmerizing audiences from circus rings large and small today or even just enjoyed recreationally, this ancient Chinese prop still delivers on fun and spectacle.