How to Twist and Separate Cigar Boxes in Juggling

Twisting and separating cigar boxes is a combination of the balancing skills you know from performing easier cigar box juggling routines. Being able to twist and separate is an essential element in longer programs, as certain tricks will take you out of position for others. This trick will allow you to smoothly reposition yourself and look entertaining at the same time.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Three juggler's cigar boxes

1. Hold your cigar boxes end to end between your hands the same way you begin any cigar box juggling trick.

2. Position your hands in the traditional, edge-of-the-box position you began with. This means you should grip the box with your thumb and forefinger. A strong tension and dexterity in the hand is essential to performing this trick without any snags.

3. Begin by releasing your dominant side box and leaning the remaining two slightly toward the opposite direction for balance. Twist your hand so the box flips completely over in your grip. Your hand will be on the underside of the box now.

4. Clamp the boxes together as you would after any other trick. Repeat the twist and separate with your other side.

5. Shift from using your right and left sides rapidly until you can fluidly move between the two and are confident you can alternate between them during a program.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with applying the twisting and separating into other tricks. If you are confident enough, there is a lot of opportunity to alter the traditional twist and catch routine too.
• Attempt a 180 flip or switch hands while still twisting into an alternate grip. Think of yourself as an Olympic high diver, there are lots of different dives, but it's only fun to watch when people combine and transition into a lot of them.