Devilsticks with links to wikipedia
The manipulation of Devil Sticks (also devilsticks, flower sticks, devil-sticks, rhythm sticks, or juggling sticks) is a form of gyroscopic juggling or equilibristics, and is generally considered to be one of the circus arts. Sometimes called devil-sticking, other terms for the activity include twirling, sticking, and stick juggling.
A "set" of Devil Sticks is made up of three pieces — the baton and two control sticks. Nonetheless, it is often called a "pair of sticks."
If the baton (center stick) is not tapered and has tassels (or other weights) at its end, it can be properly called a "flower stick" (as the tassels will twirl outwards and resemble an open flower when the stick is spun). This term can also refer to hybrid sticks which are both tapered and have weights. Tapered sticks without end weights are known simply as Devil Sticks. Flower sticks can also be properly called Devil Sticks, as that is the more general term.
Basic manipulation
The baton is lifted/struck/stroked alternately by the two control sticks ('handsticks' or 'sidesticks'). The control sticks, and sometimes the baton as well, are often covered with leather, silicon, rubber, tape, skateboard grip, sandpaper or cloth, in order to provide good 'grip' or friction when in contact with the Devil Stick. Some sets, on the other hand, are made of polished, bare hardwood.
In one basic stick maneuver, known as the Pendulum, the Idle or Tick-tock, the center stick is lifted alternately with the left and right handsticks touching the baton at a point about halfway between the center of gravity and each end, causing the ends to swing to either side while the center of the baton remains at a somewhat constant height.
The pendulum is an important move to learn, because to a great extent, every other trick is a variation on it.
The 'helicopter' spin is a variation in which a horizontal rotational force is applied as the baton 'pendulums' in the vertical plane, causing a continuous rotation in a nearly horizontal plane. Advanced twirlers can twirl the stick with one stick only (called the propellor), with an arm, knee or other limb and are able to manipulate the baton in any plane above below or in front of or behind the performer's body while walking, unicycling or tightrope balancing. Some can even twirl two batons simultaneously.
There are an infinite number of tricks available for the Devil Sticks:
- Any trick done with one hand can be learned with the alternate hand.
- Rotations can be reversed, such as helicopter or propeller spins.
- It is possible to cross ones arms as the devil stick is tick-tocked, this can lead to what appears to be a Devil Sticks version of a three-ball juggling trick called 'Mills Mess'.
- Devil Sticks may be placed vertically on one's nose, chin, elbow, foot, etc., and balanced by moving the bottom of the stick in the same direction that the top is beginning to fall towards.
History of Devil Sticks
The art of Devil Sticks has continuously evolved as it has been passed down through the centuries.
The origins of Devil Sticks remain obscure. What is known is that many civilizations around the world were creating several types of Devil Sticks starting at some time over 3,500 years ago.[1]
