(Part 2) Top products from r/juggling

> Are there any must-read books or is watching youtube videos enough?

This used to be an easy answer, but juggling has advanced so quickly in the last decade that even the best books show age. Charlie Dancey's Encyclopaedia of Ball Juggling is the best book I can recommend. Only a couple names have gone out of style since its publishing, and it's a very charming read.

There are a couple videos that are essentially glossaries of juggling patterns - I have to leave now, but I'll edit this post later with them.

Edit: here's the one I was thinking of for all sort of standard tricks, and here's Steve's 101 Mills Mess Variations video.

Here's a classic - Dr Dropo's Juggling Buffonery.

https://www.amazon.com/Dropos-Juggling-Buffoonery-Bruce-Fife/dp/0941599051

If you're looking for inspiration in general, check this out - The Clown Omnibus.

https://www.amazon.com/CLOWN-ACT-OMNIBUS-Guide-Clowning-ebook/dp/B00B2E1YVC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525205604&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=clown+omnibus&dpPl=1&dpID=51VXTd9cZ0L&ref=plSrch

I'm not going to say that any of the material in these are particularly good, but if you're looking for examples of acts that have apparently tested well in front of kid audiences, these are probably a good start.

Note about kids shows (with the added note that I'm not a kids' entertainer) - when you do these kinds of gigs, you're usually also performing for the parents - even if it doesn't seem like they're paying much attention. If you're looking to break into the kids/birthday/whatever market, those half-watching parents are the ones who'll refer you to others. Being polished and having a plan might not make a difference in the kids' enjoyment, but it'll have an impact on your success in the long run.

What do you think about these? They're some decent looking ones I found on Amazon. They might be a bit light though. I like using Amazon cause of the money I save on shipping and the 2 day shipping time as well.

You realize if you do this you're obligated to learn 'chops.'



But really. Look into a lightweight camping axe. Grind the sharp edge down but leave the sharp looking bevel. The axe I linked to there has a hollow fiberglass handle that you could easily stuff with filler and then load with lead shot to counter balance. It'd still be pretty heavy though. But it'd look rad.

Edit: cheaper/heavier you could use the classic hatchet with the rubber/leather-ring handles, chop out a few rings by the butt and replace them with lead (easy to hammer too).

I buy playpit balls from Amazon 100 at a time, and fill them with reptile sand to 70-80 grams total mass. Electrical tape works great to seal them, or you can scrap a clear ball to make patches that you glue then solder over the cut mark. Usually I can make up the costs pretty quick by selling sets of balls to people. Probably comes out to over a dollar for 7, they're like 35 cents each to make last time I did the math, but that was with a different product than what I currently have: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005O1VQCG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.RQHzbSZR1WR7

There are larger versions out there too. I prefer wiffle balls now http://shop.ctstore.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=17

I've been using these for a while and I really like them. They're good for the price! ($30.50)
http://www.amazon.com/Juggling-Clubs-Colors-May-Vary/dp/B0008G5IX0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1376428005&sr=8-4&keywords=juggling+clubs

This is the best one I have.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/155209121X?keywords=how%20to%20juggle%20book&qid=1451968391&ref_=sr_1_6&s=books&sr=1-6

Zeekio Satellite Juggling Ball Set of 3 - Millet filled-67mm-125g - Great Grip - 12 Panel- 3 Ball (Blue with White Stars) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078PQLKHB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uOnqDb0PBFAXS

The same balls are available cheaper on amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Charlie-Danceys-Compendium-Club-Juggling/dp/1898591148

This is the stuff

Get some Lacrosse balls, I actually prefer them and they are cheap (6 for $17 on amazon).

It was this: http://www.amazon.com/Juggling-Step-By-VHS/dp/6302571855#

There is a new book out called DIY Circus Lab for Kids that includes instructions for a few of these (at least flowersticks and diabolo).

Dick Franco's "Three Ball Digest" is a great resource with many tricks listed in order of difficulty, as well as tips on how to build a routine. I read this book two or three times when I was beginning.

http://www.amazon.com/Three-Ball-Digest-Juggling-Mastering/dp/0917643046/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462984175&sr=8-1&keywords=three+ball+digest

Unfortunately, the first time I reached out to Mr. String was two months after his passing.

Here's some good links in case you missed them:

Vorvick knew Mr. String and this video basically shows Bruce Cate's work through Vorvick: https://youtu.be/sAX2Xhd1ZiI

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/bruce-cate-obituary?pid=137963449

https://www.amazon.com/Knot-Throwing-Square-People-Really/dp/1887774041

https://www.toddstrong.com/miscjuggling/knot_throwing.php

https://youtu.be/GRmzJgo7YGs

http://whatknot.tripod.com/knots/knotthro.htm

http://dev.juggle.org/history/archives/jugmags/48-2/48-2,p28.htm

As I find related links, I curate them here: https://pinboard.in/search/u:djuggler?query=brucecate