Baton twirling has a history in many different cultures, each one with a unique style. One of the earliest forms of baton twirling is devil sticks. This form of juggling consists of a balanced baton accompanied by two smaller handler sticks used to lift, strike, and flip the main baton. Traditionally wooden, the sticks can also be made from fiberglass, aluminum, or plastic. They are typically covered with an elastomer that increases grip and protects against repeated drops. Flower sticks are a version that include added poms at each end of the baton for more balance. Other variations include firesticks and illuminated devil sticks. Thought to have originated in China, the real history of devil sticks is a bit more clouded. Some claim that the sticks hail from ancient Egypt, earlier than 3000 B.C., and the juggling act followed the Silk Road to China in the East. Others believe that the Greeks have been juggling for more than 2,000 years due to the Greek word “diabolo” literally translating to “across throw.” Diabolo today is the name of a similar juggling act, the Chinese yo-yo. Although most believe that devil sticks were used in traditional dances as early as 2000 B.C. in China, written records show that Indian jugglers Mooty and Medua Samme debuted what they called “Chinese stickplay” in Prague, 1820. As Western traders brought the juggling act back with them, devil sticks gained popularity. By the late 1980s, devil sticks leaked out of circus acts and common folk incorporated the batons into their dancing. In the 1990s, devil sticks were a hot ticket Christmas item. Today, devil sticks are common sideshow acts that can be seen at the beach or music festivals. To learn more about twirling and what gear you need to get you started juggling, read our blog or visit our store online!

Posted: 8/21/2019