The Fushigi Magic Gravity Ball- Is it for You?

The Fushigi Magic Gravity Ball might be past its peak appeal but there is a lot to be said for for this appealing intro to contact juggling.

You will probably have seen performers using balls that seem to defy gravity as they run across their bodies. The art is to make it seem that the balls are floating or running freely rather being controlled by the performer. If you haven't caught s show of this yet, try taking a look at the video below.

The Fushigi Ball does offer more than than most contact juggling balls though. Within the clear acrylic sphere is a metalized sphere, which adds a real wow factor. As light plays across the surfaces it has a mesmerising quality that grips the viewer.

Before you rush out and buy a Fushigi ball, though it is worth looking at what contact juggling has to offer and if it is right for you. For many people, this is a pastime that can fill a big part of their leisure time. For others, the novelty can wear off quickly.

Contact Juggling

Contact Juggling is a way of manipulating a ball that creates the illusion that the juggler has supernatural control over the ball. The ball appears to defy the laws of physics- often it appears to float in midair- and a really skilled performer can take your breath away.

Michael Moschen developed contact juggling to the art that it is today. A small part of his work is shown below.

What do you Need for Contact Juggling?

Any kind of ball can be used for contact juggling but, obviously, some are better than others. The guy in the video below runs through the pro's and cons of the various materials.

How Easy is is to Learn Contact Juggling?

If you good with your hands and can concentrate for long periods- say an hour at a time, you will have some impressive tricks to show off to your friends in a week. Most of us would take a lot longer to get up to the standard of Michael Moschen, of course!

Long Term Benefits

There is plenty of magic in this pastime for the performer as well as any audience. To perform well, the juggler needs to be relaxed and focussed. Movements need to be rhythmic and fluid. Mind and body need to connect seamlessly.

Achieving real mastery gives the practitioner a Zen like experience of connection and well being. This is a pastime where you can immerse yourself completely in the experience and forget everything else.

For anyone who has few opportunity for physical activity in their lives this can be a great option. Practicing outside is fun but if the weather is lousy this is something you can do anywhere!

What is So Great about the Fushigi Ball?

The first thing is that they look fantastic. Any light bounces off the metalized surfaces in a fantastic display. Another thing is they are cool. This can matter. No one is going laugh at you for playing around with a Fushigi ball!

There has been some criticism though. Some contact juggling purists reckon they are cheaply made of inferior plastics. This seems less than fair- the weight and size has been well calculated for the average person with three inch and four inch sizes available. Most people can get something out of them immediately.

One thing for sure- the eye catching design will certainly draw a lot more people into contact juggling. They might then want to go on and choose balls that are more suited to then as individuals.

Is Contact Juggling Dangerous?

Like everything else, some people just get too carried away.There is a time and place for everything...

Other Contact Juggling Balls

Clear and colored acrylic contact juggling balls can be just as showy as a Fushigi Magic Gravity Ball. They might suit your hand size better too. Trying to juggle with three Fushigi balls- even the three inch size- should be left to people with very big hands!

If you want to learn contact juggling you can join one of thousands of groups across the US or try the DVD below.