The Juggling Edge - Reflection during practice.

pumpkineater23 - 2013-02-19 16:22:53 UTC #

Reflection during practice.

I'd be interested to know what you think. How important do you think it is? Is too much juggling into a mirror not such a good idea or the more the better? Do you find it more difficult or is it just something you get used to?

Thanks.

varkor - 2013-02-19 20:33:14 UTC - Vorredner #

Generally, when I juggle, I need to look at the props - I can't imagine juggling facing a mirror would help, as I wouldn't be able to get feedback during the event anyway. A good old video camera is the best way to improve based on visual feedback, I think.

Little Paul - 2013-02-19 21:54:16 UTC - Vorredner #

I think it depends what you want to get out of it.

If you're juggling for pleasure, or working on perfecting a particular pattern - then a mirror probably isn't very useful for reviewing your pattern. A video camera might be more useful.

However, if you're working on a performance and want to improve your movement, choreography, blocking or whatever then yes I'd say it could be useful. You'll be able to see the large movement in the mirror without having to stare straight at the mirror, so you'll still get to look at your pattern when you need to. To get the most out of it, you'll need a bloody big mirror though - like those found in dance studios.

Actually, I'd say if you don't have access to a dance studio - you'll probably do better with a video camera.

I used to use a mirror when practicing magic. Partly to work on my angles, and partly to try and break the habit of looking at my hands when I work. Unfortunately I found I was relying on the image in the mirror to guide me and without the mirror I fumbled. These days I rarely practice in front of a mirror, but do use one to check I'm going in the right direction from time to time.

But that's probably not a problem I'd expect you'd hit with juggling.

ldlux - 2013-02-19 22:21:48 UTC - Vorredner #

Early on, I had a go at that. It tripped me up. I imagine I could have made it work if I specifically practiced toward juggling while looking at my reflection in the mirror, but that is effort I could better spend on learning something else. If you personally want to do it for its own sake, then, by all means do; but I don't think it is going to help you in any other context. I don't think it will ultimately hurt you other than consuming effort.

As someone who does go in odd directions with stuff to see what they'll be like, I'll add that if you find yourself liking the mirror thing, you could go on to use two mirrors at a right angle so you'll see yourself as others do; swapped left to right.

Ditto what the others have said about a camera being better for practice/learning purposes.

Little Paul - 2013-02-19 22:33:31 UTC - Vorredner #

"juggling while looking at my reflection in the mirror" can be a useful skill though.

I'm specifically thinking of being able to look "through" the pattern at the audience, or at your passing partner.

emilyw - 2013-02-20 09:13:14 UTC - Vorredner #

I've done it to try and make things "tidier" when working on tricks where the lines are important, and also as a kind of "posture check". The immediate feedback gives it an advantage over a camera if you're trying to work on one specific little thing.

You have to have some idea what you're looking for before you start, though.

Another option is to team up with someone else, let them know what you're looking for and have them give you yes/no feedback on each attempt for a while. For example - you go for 20 catches of 5 balls; they shout "stop" the moment it starts to look untidy or your shoulders go hunched, and you drop the lot and start over. This has the advantage that you can't accidentally just learn to self-correct by looking in the mirror (resulting in a trick that can't be replicated away from the mirror).