Juggling Balls

Description:

To ‘juggle’ is to continuously toss a number of items into the air and catch them as they fall so as to keep at least one of the items in the air while handling the others.  The word “juggler” usually conjures up images of the circus, performers on street corners or in theatres,

Balls and beanbags are the simplest of juggling props, although some performers use clubs (wooden bottle shaped items) and many other unusual items to make their act more interesting. The most balls juggled is 11 and was achieved by Alex Barron (UK), who managed 23 consecutive catches in what is known as a “qualifying” juggling run.

In 1768, jugglers first appeared as top acts in a circus when Philip Astley hired jugglers to perform with his troupe in England. In 1793, juggling arrived in the circuses of the United States. Later, jugglers often provided entertainment in the theatre during set changes and intermissions.

Juggling maintains and increases the range of motion in the arms and shoulders. It is one of the best ways to improve hand to eye co-ordination which also helps to improve reaction time, reflexes, spatial awareness, strategic thinking, and concentration. Juggling is beneficial for all age groups and body types.

Juggling boosts brain development. Research indicates that learning to juggle accelerates the growth of neural connections related to memory, focus, movement and vision

Antony Gatto is a member of The Flying Karamazov Brothers, a juggling and comedy troupe who have been performing since 1973. Antony holds various juggling world records and is considered by many to be the world’s greatest juggler.

Juggling has a long and colourful history that goes back to almost 2000 B.C. Most historians think that juggling began in Egypt. Also, evidence of ancient forms of juggling can be found anywhere from the Pacific Islands to the Aztec Empire of Mexico