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Glossary

Juggling clubs

Juggling clubs are one of the most popular props used by jugglers. As the name suggests, they resemble short clubs or batons that are tossed, rotated, and manipulated as part of juggling performances and practice.

Definition and Purpose

Juggling clubs are purpose-built props used for toss juggling, gymnastic moves, and object manipulation routines. They have handles which allow them to be easily gripped and spun. Clubs are balanced for juggling, with weight concentrated in the thicker handles compared to the thinner ends. This allows for exciting aerial dynamics and versatility compared to balls.

Modern juggling clubs are most often made of wood, plastic, or fiberglass. Custom options include LED or fire clubs. Their iconic shape makes them easily recognizable and one of the most identifiable juggling props.

History

The origins of juggling club are debated, but they clearly evolved from ancient martial arts weapons and tools. Short wooden batons and clubs have been used since antiquity in martial arts like escrima. Over time, these sticks were adapted into props to entertain crowds.

Juggling clubs rose to prominence alongside 19th century circuses. Many circuses employed professional jugglers, helping standardize the iconic club shape. Using clubs allowed more dynamic routines compared to basic balls. Famed juggler Enrico Rastelli pioneered complex passing and manipulation tricks with clubs in the early 1900s.

In recent decades, clubs remain ubiquitous due to their versatility and nostalgic circus history. Modern LED, glow-in-the-dark, and fire clubs allow stunning light displays.

Types of Clubs

Many types of juggling clubs exist today:

Wooden Clubs

The most classic style, made of wood like maple or ash. Wood provides a nice heft and grip.

Plastic Clubs

Inexpensive lightweight option, easier for beginners. Plastic clubs can also feature flashy colors.

Multi-Piece Clubs

Hollow clubs made of multiple pieces, which allows more advanced balancing tricks. The handles and ends can separate during tricks.

LED Clubs

Feature bright LED light strips that create dazzling displays when spun in dim environments. Programmable color changing effects possible.

Fire Clubs

Advanced clubs with wicks mounted on the ends, allowing jugglers to safely spin and toss actual flaming clubs. Provides exciting fire manipulation performances.

Juggling Techniques with Clubs

Clubs allow for many of the same fundamental juggling techniques as balls, while enabling flashy circles, rolls, balances, and aerial grip tricks unique to their shape:

  • The Cascade  - The standard basic pattern of juggling multiple clubs at once in an arc from hand to hand.

  • Isolation  - Tricks involving manipulating a single club, such as rolls across the neck and shoulders or contact balances using the body.

  • Passing  - Exchanging multiple clubs with a juggling partner, enabling advanced synchronization sequences.

  • Club Swinging  - Holding one club while swinging and tossing it in circular patterns using its handle and balance for advanced grip tricks.

The iconic shape makes clubs especially suited for visually impressive aerial spins, releases, and club-to-club catches compared to balls.

Notable Club Jugglers

Many jugglers over the years have specialized in club manipulation skills:

  • Enrico Rastelli  - An early 20th century juggler considered one of the most skilled ever. He amazed audiences by juggling 10 clubs at once when most could only cascade 3.

  • Anthony Gatto  - A modern technical juggling legend who has mastered complex 7 club passing patterns and isolation tricks like balancing five clubs simultaneously on his face.

  • Vova Galchenko  - An inventive juggler known for unique balancing and rotation isolates using parts of his body. He's skilled with many props, including clubs.

Clubs continue evolving along with juggling itself. Modern club jugglers fuse technical skill with athletic artistry to create unique performance styles. LED and glow clubs especially present flashy visuals. As one of the earliest juggling props, clubs retain their distinctive place on the stage and circus floor today.