When people think of circus acts, often the first things that come to mind are trained tigers, human cannonballs, and agile, airborne acrobats. Actual circus training, however, is far more grounded. Spectacular acts usually start with simple practice and mastering core tricks like balance, coordination, timing, and body awareness.
Classic circus props are at the core of building these skills. Diabolo toys, spinning plates, and juggling balls help beginners master basic skills but also refine technique and develop new tricks.
Diabolo Toys
The diabolo, often referred to as the “devil on two sticks,” is a traditional juggling and skill toy. Often compared to a yo-yo, but with a distinct flair, this toy is versatile, vibrant, and full of potential. It consists of two cups connected by an axle, spun and manipulated using a string tied between two sticks.
With origins in ancient China, the diabolo has evolved into a popular skill toy enjoyed by beginners and performers alike around the world. Today, tricks with this hourglass-shaped toy are often part of circus performances, including those from Cirque du Soleil.
Choosing diabolo toys available in different sizes for yourself or your child depends on the age and needs of the user. There is a variety of these juggling props, from lightweight beginner models to heavy, competition-ready designs. Size and weight affect how easy it is to toss and control them, but the axle type (bearing or fixed) determines spin time, learning curve, and the tricks you can attempt.
A diabolo toy with ball bearings offers a much longer rotation time than one with a fixed axis. Since it gains speed quickly and maintains its momentum longer, you can perform tricks without having to constantly restart it. This feature makes it an ideal choice for children and beginners alike, as it is easier to use.
Fixed-axis diabolos, on the other hand, require more precision and technique. They lose spin faster and need more frequent re-acceleration. This makes them suitable for advanced learners who want to refine their technique and take on more challenging tricks.
What’s more, these toys are well-suited for practising with multiple diabolos at the same time. The fixed axis allows for better control and more manageable rotation of the diabolos between them.
Spinning Plates
These are another classic circus prop. Traditionally made of lightweight plastic, spinning plates are designed to spin on the end of a slender stick or wand. This form of practice dates back to ancient China, where performers would balance and spin objects to entertain crowds.
Nowadays, these props are seen in many beginner circus classes, juggling workshops, street performances, and school shows. That’s because they are accessible, versatile, and great for developing core circus skills.
When it comes to types, spinning plates vary in diameter, weight, and material. Most beginner-friendly versions are lightweight and made of durable plastic. Advanced plates may feature rubberized edges or heavier designs for stability during complex tricks.
Again, choosing the right spinning plates depends on the user’s age, skill level, and intended tricks. Lighter, smaller plates are usually better suited for beginners, while larger, heavier plates are great for advanced performers seeking longer spin and more control.
Similar to diabolo play, plate spinning requires hand-eye coordination and a whole lot of practice. The best performers can seamlessly move from spinning a single plate to advanced feats, juggling multiple plates across various surfaces all at once.
Juggling Balls
Same as diabolos and plates, juggling balls form part of the foundation behind spectacular circus performances. They teach essential skills such as hand–eye coordination, timing, rhythm, and focus. Mastering juggling strengthens these skills and lays the groundwork for more advanced tricks.
Juggling balls come in a variety of sizes, weights, and materials. If you’re still quite new to the world of juggling, you can start with beanbags. They are soft and malleable, filled with seeds, grains, or plastic pellets. Their flexibility makes them easy to catch, and they won’t roll away when dropped, so practice is simple.
More experienced performers can refine their technique, timing, and control, using stage balls and combine them with other props for dynamic, multi-object performances. Stage balls are larger, hollow circus toys made of plastic or rubber. They are lightweight, have a smooth surface and come in various bright colours which enhance visual appeal.
Fire juggling balls are specialized props used by experienced performers to add a dramatic flair to their acts. Made with fire-resistant materials and equipped with wicks, fire juggling balls can be safely ignited and juggled by trained performers who have mastered basic juggling skills and understand proper fire safety techniques.
Between these two extremes, there are many other types of juggling balls to suit different skill levels and purposes. They all come with different textures, weights, and bounce characteristics to help performers practice different tricks and refine control.
