Buzz
In Mexico City, a young man practices contact juggling beneath a bridge as part of a government initiative aimed at providing constructive activities for youth to reduce gang participation. © HENRY ROMERO/Reuters/CorbisHe stands before the crowd, a crystal-clear sphere delicately cradled in his fingers. His hand begins to move with incredible grace, twisting and turning as the ball seems to float effortlessly, detached yet connected to his hand. The orb glides along his arm, down the back of his hand, and onto his other arm in a single, fluid motion. The audience is captivated, their eyes wide with wonder, completely spellbound by the performance.
What is this mesmerizing act? It’s contact juggling. Unlike conventional juggling, where objects are tossed into the air, contact juggling focuses on gracefully maneuvering one or more balls across the hands and body with smooth, flowing movements. This art form, also referred to as dynamic manipulation, sphereplay, orb rolling, or spherical balancing, has its origins in ancient Eastern ball-handling traditions. However, the modern practice of contact juggling largely stems from the innovations of Michael Moschen, a celebrated performance artist and juggler, who developed its core techniques during the 1970s and 1980s [source: Ministry of Manipulation].
Struggling to visualize this? Consider the Harlem Globetrotters and their seemingly magical ability to handle basketballs, spinning them on their fingertips, rolling them along their arms, or balancing them on the backs of their necks. These maneuvers are all examples of contact juggling. Even something as simple as twirling a pen between your fingers—a common habit for many—can be considered a basic form of contact juggling.
For many, their initial exposure to contact juggling—aside from watching the Harlem Globetrotters or casually spinning a pen—occurred while watching the 1986 fantasy film "Labyrinth." In this movie, David Bowie appeared to perform various contact juggling tricks, though it was actually Michael Moschen behind the scenes executing the moves. Others have encountered this art form in circus acts or similar performances. Curious to learn more? Let’s explore this fascinating topic further [source: Juggling World].
History of Contact Juggling
The Myanmar men's team faces off against Thailand in the chinlone final during the 27th Southeast Asian Games in 2013.
Ye Aung Thu/AFP/Getty ImagesContact juggling, though a modern art and entertainment form, has deep historical roots. This isn’t surprising, given that balls have existed for thousands of years and are used across various cultures. While today’s contact juggling performances may not have existed in ancient times, they incorporate elements like palm-spinning, which have been practiced for centuries.
During China's Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), small metal "medicine balls" were used to aid recovery from injuries or enhance dexterity. Individuals would hold two or more balls in each hand and rotate them in their palms—a technique strikingly similar to the palm-spinning movements performed by modern contact jugglers [source: Ministry of Manipulation].
Similarly, Myanmar’s ancient sport-dance, chinlone, which dates back over 1,500 years, inspired the modern one-ball body rolling technique. In chinlone, teams are evaluated based on their ability to juggle a rattan ball using only their heads, knees, and feet. Over centuries, more than 200 unique methods of contacting the ball with these body parts have been developed, with the most challenging being moves executed behind the back [source:
While ball manipulation has existed for centuries, the 1970s and 1980s saw jugglers and performers experimenting with more creative forms of ball contact. For instance, in 1978, Tony Duncan introduced forearm rolls and the half-butterfly move into traditional juggling acts, and by 1983, he debuted a one-ball contact juggling routine. Then, in 1985, Michael Moschen revolutionized the art with his performance "Light," which introduced core techniques like palm circle isolations, snakes and trains, and the butterfly. Moschen also pioneered the use of clear balls in performances. Since then, contact juggling has grown in popularity, with performers continually refining the art [sources: Contact Juggling Balls, Ministry of Manipulation].
Getting Started in Contact Juggling
One of the best things about contact juggling is its affordability. All you need to begin is a ball—just one will suffice. While many professionals prefer acrylic balls, they can be expensive, hard, and prone to rolling away, leading to potential injuries and scratches. For beginners, an orange or a stage ball is ideal. Ensure your chosen ball is firm and smooth; avoid squishy objects or small options like tennis balls [source: Juggling World].
Once you have your ball, you can start practicing basic moves. The two-ball palm-spin is one of the simplest techniques. Place two balls in the palm of one hand and move them in the same direction. Pro tip: Keep your palm flat and avoid curling your fingers. Begin with a clockwise motion and switch to counter-clockwise once you’ve mastered it [source: Arlabosse Didier].
Another fundamental move in contact juggling, and arguably the most crucial, is the butterfly. This technique involves placing the ball on the back of your hand, rolling it to your fingertips, and then into your palm. Your middle finger directs the ball’s movement, while your hand creates a wave-like motion to assist the roll [source: Juggling World].
Remember, even the simplest contact juggling moves require time and patience to perfect. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t master them within days or even weeks of practice. Dropping the ball is part of the learning process, so stay persistent. Many jugglers practice over a bed or couch to cushion falls and prevent the ball from rolling away. Alternatively, practicing while seated is another effective approach.
If you’re a visual learner, explore the abundance of online instructional videos. Additionally, don’t hesitate to connect with other contact jugglers for guidance. The contact juggling community is known for being welcoming and supportive.
A stage ball is a hollow vinyl plastic ball with a firm surface, designed for jugglers to throw and catch without any flexibility. These balls are available in vibrant colors, making them highly visible on stage.
Choosing the Best Ball
Canadian performer Lindsay-Marie demonstrates body rolls during her contact juggling routine at WowFest in Calgary.
© Magdalena Wojcicka/Demotix/CorbisIf you’re looking to take contact juggling more seriously, selecting the right ball is crucial. The ideal ball depends on your preferred style of juggling, your skill level, and whether you intend to perform publicly.
Contact juggling balls vary primarily in size and material. They typically range from 2.5 inches (6.5 centimeters) to 5 inches (13 centimeters) or larger and are made from either durable acrylic or softer materials. Beginners focusing on one-ball techniques should start with 4-inch (10 centimeters) soft-material balls, as they are easier to handle. Professionals often use 4-inch acrylic balls for their durability and precision [sources: Ministry of Manipulation, Serious Juggling].
If you’re interested in body rolls, such as chest or arm rolls, opt for a stage ball measuring 5 to 7.5 inches (13-19 centimeters). Their larger size makes them easier to roll across your body. For palm-spinning, smaller balls around 2.5 inches are ideal, as they fit better in the palm [source: Serious Juggling].
Planning to perform? Professionals often choose brightly colored balls for visual appeal or clear acrylic orbs for a crystal ball effect. Acrylic is preferred for its durability, though stage balls are better suited for body-rolling moves due to their size and visibility for audiences.
Still unsure? Consider purchasing balls of different sizes and materials to experiment with. Fortunately, they’re affordable—for instance, a 2.5-inch palm-spinning ball costs under $20, while a 4-inch acrylic ball is around $35 [source: Serious Juggling].
Whether you aspire to emulate Michael Moschen or simply master the "butterfly," the contact juggling skills you acquire will provide endless entertainment for yourself and others throughout your life.
