Forums > Beginner Staff Moves > What's the BEST way to spin a staff?
Login/Join to ParticipateSILVER Member
member
13 posts
Location: Brighton, Australia
member
13 posts
Location: Brighton, Australia
Posted:
I'm reasonably new at spinning my stick and I've developed a method of twirling hand over hand... It's similar to the method shown in Xaeda's staff animations, but it's not the same.. Instead of using the right hand to spin clockwise, I use the right hand to spin anticlockwise! (if you look at the animation, just picture her using her right hand to spin the staff in the opposite direction and you'll hopefully know how I mean)
I've been doing it for a few months and I'm very comfortable with it but now that I want to learn more complex tricks I'm worried that it'll be impossible because of my chosen method of spinning... Am I going about it the wrong way? Is there only one proper way to spin a staff? Should I unlearn what I've learnt?
I'm reasonably new at spinning my stick and I've developed a method of twirling hand over hand... It's similar to the method shown in Xaeda's staff animations, but it's not the same.. Instead of using the right hand to spin clockwise, I use the right hand to spin anticlockwise! (if you look at the animation, just picture her using her right hand to spin the staff in the opposite direction and you'll hopefully know how I mean)
I've been doing it for a few months and I'm very comfortable with it but now that I want to learn more complex tricks I'm worried that it'll be impossible because of my chosen method of spinning... Am I going about it the wrong way? Is there only one proper way to spin a staff? Should I unlearn what I've learnt?
DIAMOND Member
The Ministry of Manipulation
2,523 posts
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
The Ministry of Manipulation
2,523 posts
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Posted:
Xorn, there is no right or wrong in staff.
I see what your doing.
I would recommend that you learn to do it both ways.
Have more options.
be kewl
Drew
_______________
Happy beginner
Xorn, there is no right or wrong in staff.
I see what your doing.
I would recommend that you learn to do it both ways.
Have more options.
be kewl
Drew
_______________
Happy beginner
member
1,551 posts
Location: the arms of the Ganja Goddess
1,551 posts
Location: the arms of the Ganja Goddess
Posted:
not at all. when you go to learn new moves you will be learning reverse moves. which for you are not reverse moves because that is how you spin. If all else fails get some of the local twirlers to help you
not at all. when you go to learn new moves you will be learning reverse moves. which for you are not reverse moves because that is how you spin. If all else fails get some of the local twirlers to help you
You. Its whats for dinner!
As time passes, you realise all the mistakes you amde and the ones you wish you never did make.
The wave crashing on the beach
BRONZE Member
Corporate Circus Arts Entertainer
3,989 posts
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Corporate Circus Arts Entertainer
3,989 posts
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Posted:
As mentioned by the previous two people, do what feels right for you.
After a while, try to do the same stuff backwards...
And no, there is no "wrong" or "right" for firestaff. Firestaff is quite simply...Doing stuff that looks cool with a stick!
You don't even have to spin it if you don't want , try doing liquid moves , throwing it up flat and making silly face before catching it again , prentending to hit yourself with it , use it as a ventriloquist's dummy and get it to say jokes etc etc
It really doesn't matter, if you are using a firestaff, and you enjoy it and/or it looks cool, thats it.
As mentioned by the previous two people, do what feels right for you.
After a while, try to do the same stuff backwards...
And no, there is no "wrong" or "right" for firestaff. Firestaff is quite simply...Doing stuff that looks cool with a stick!
You don't even have to spin it if you don't want , try doing liquid moves , throwing it up flat and making silly face before catching it again , prentending to hit yourself with it , use it as a ventriloquist's dummy and get it to say jokes etc etc
It really doesn't matter, if you are using a firestaff, and you enjoy it and/or it looks cool, thats it.
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Ninja Rockstar!
1,100 posts
Location: Denver, Co. U.S.A.
1,100 posts
Location: Denver, Co. U.S.A.
Posted:
Well, if you're looking for more ideas.....
Personally I don't like Xaeda's method for basic spins (I assume that you're talking about a basic hand over hand rotor, spinning the staff directly in front of you) I suppose it works for her, but it seems to me to be way more complicated than it has to be.
Here is a very basic spin:
Begin holding staff horizontle in front of you with both hands palm down.
Let go with left hand.
Rotate staff clockwise with right hand until the staff is verticle (let your hand open up so that your palm is now facing up, and you're holding the staff against the side of your hand just with your thumb).
Now bring your left hand underneith your right and catch the staff between your thumb and sid eof your hand (the best way I can think to explain this is to "make a birdie" like you would make a bird for shadow puppets, but with a staff in between your thumbs).
now let go with right hand and continue the rotation with the left and return to the beginning point with both hands palms down holding the staff horizontely. Then repeat as neccessary.
This method makes it much simpler (especially in the beginning) to transfer into other moves. It is also much easier to hold onto when you're nervous so you won't drop your stick as much saving you some embarassment. But there are a few variations on this basic spin (Xaeda's being only one) that change the speed, force, and amount of rotation in the spin. It cosists mostly of changing hand at diffirent points in the staffs rotation. Anyway I hope it helps.
Well, if you're looking for more ideas.....
Personally I don't like Xaeda's method for basic spins (I assume that you're talking about a basic hand over hand rotor, spinning the staff directly in front of you) I suppose it works for her, but it seems to me to be way more complicated than it has to be.
Here is a very basic spin:
Begin holding staff horizontle in front of you with both hands palm down.
Let go with left hand.
Rotate staff clockwise with right hand until the staff is verticle (let your hand open up so that your palm is now facing up, and you're holding the staff against the side of your hand just with your thumb).
Now bring your left hand underneith your right and catch the staff between your thumb and sid eof your hand (the best way I can think to explain this is to "make a birdie" like you would make a bird for shadow puppets, but with a staff in between your thumbs).
now let go with right hand and continue the rotation with the left and return to the beginning point with both hands palms down holding the staff horizontely. Then repeat as neccessary.
This method makes it much simpler (especially in the beginning) to transfer into other moves. It is also much easier to hold onto when you're nervous so you won't drop your stick as much saving you some embarassment. But there are a few variations on this basic spin (Xaeda's being only one) that change the speed, force, and amount of rotation in the spin. It cosists mostly of changing hand at diffirent points in the staffs rotation. Anyway I hope it helps.
Jesus helps me trick people.
SILVER Member
member
13 posts
Location: Brighton, Australia
member
13 posts
Location: Brighton, Australia
Posted:
Ahh! Thanx for the infow! I'm going to stick to my method. It's what I'm most comfortable with and I'm fairly sure I'll be able to branch out and develop more funky moves.
I'm going to a local folk festival this weekend, so I'll pick the brains of some of the twirlers there.
Cheers!
Ahh! Thanx for the infow! I'm going to stick to my method. It's what I'm most comfortable with and I'm fairly sure I'll be able to branch out and develop more funky moves.
I'm going to a local folk festival this weekend, so I'll pick the brains of some of the twirlers there.
Cheers!
member
786 posts
Location: The Phire Kru
786 posts
Location: The Phire Kru
Posted:
The BEST way to spin a staff.............hmmmm
With your hands I guess!!! LOL (Sorry, couldn't resist)
If you're right handed then just spin it which ever way feels easiest and smoothest for you, then just reverse it for the left side
The BEST way to spin a staff.............hmmmm
With your hands I guess!!! LOL (Sorry, couldn't resist)
If you're right handed then just spin it which ever way feels easiest and smoothest for you, then just reverse it for the left side
whats up with all the limitations?
DIAMOND Member
The Ministry of Manipulation
2,523 posts
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
The Ministry of Manipulation
2,523 posts
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Posted:
The BEST way to spin a staff.............hmmmm
Without your hands I guess!!! LOL (Sorry, couldn't resist)
contact staff every time
Glass
The BEST way to spin a staff.............hmmmm
Without your hands I guess!!! LOL (Sorry, couldn't resist)
contact staff every time
Glass
member
91 posts
Location: Canada
91 posts
Location: Canada
Posted:
Just like everyone says, there is no right or wrong way to do it.
But make sure that whatever it is you do do, do it backwards and forwards (both ways), with both hands. Too be ambidextrous will make you a great staff spinner, no matter which way you spin. Good Luck.
Just like everyone says, there is no right or wrong way to do it.
But make sure that whatever it is you do do, do it backwards and forwards (both ways), with both hands. Too be ambidextrous will make you a great staff spinner, no matter which way you spin. Good Luck.
newbie
23 posts
23 posts
Posted:
Figure 8 is what i do.
Figure 8 is what i do.
"if i jump in the fire, will you?"
633 posts
Location: USA, wishing I was in SA
633 posts
Location: USA, wishing I was in SA
Posted:
Glass , your so funny
Glass , your so funny
i like breaking the Law 
, of Gravity 
!
GOLD Member
ZORT!
3,045 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia
ZORT!
3,045 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posted:
but he's right!!
but he's right!!
"Here kitty kitty...." - Schroedinger.
GOLD Member
still can't believe it's not butter
6,978 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
still can't believe it's not butter
6,978 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posted:
the *best* way to spin a staff is while ya wearing a dress.
the *best* way to spin a staff is while ya wearing a dress.
Laugh Often, Smile Much, Post lolcats Always
SILVER Member
sleeping with angels
508 posts
Location: anaheim CA usa
sleeping with angels
508 posts
Location: anaheim CA usa
Posted:
there is no proper way toi spinn a staff it is up to you bro
there is no proper way toi spinn a staff it is up to you bro
SLEEP WITH ANGELS muckieha
BRONZE Member
Returning to a unique state of Equilibrium
3,289 posts
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Returning to a unique state of Equilibrium
3,289 posts
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posted:
The best way to spin a staff is with the flow and not in isolation from the rest of your body. All else will sort itself out, but flow is crucial
Josh
The best way to spin a staff is with the flow and not in isolation from the rest of your body. All else will sort itself out, but flow is crucial
Josh
--
Help! My personality got stuck in this signature machine and I cant get it out!
GOLD Member
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posted:
The only way to spin a staff is the best way.
In staff lesson 2, the vid of Xaeda spinning is very advanced imho.
Read Bec's description, I think it is different to the vid, and it’s a good place start, as is Bec and Elke’s staff book
Cheers
btw, in Bec's description (well in the book) the staff is held vertical, Xaeda's seems more horizontal, i think.
EDITED_BY: Stone (1098327895)
The only way to spin a staff is the best way.
In staff lesson 2, the vid of Xaeda spinning is very advanced imho.
Read Bec's description, I think it is different to the vid, and it’s a good place start, as is Bec and Elke’s staff book
Cheers
btw, in Bec's description (well in the book) the staff is held vertical, Xaeda's seems more horizontal, i think.
EDITED_BY: Stone (1098327895)
If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh
GOLD Member
just lost .... evil init
2,474 posts
Location: Adelaide, Australia
just lost .... evil init
2,474 posts
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Posted:
its all about the feet hands are so last year
its all about the feet hands are so last year
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourself, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous and talented? Who are you NOT to be?
BRONZE Member
stick boy!
117 posts
Location: Tampa, FL, USA
stick boy!
117 posts
Location: Tampa, FL, USA
Posted:
and remember to move around, dont just stand in one place and spin, move around a bit, i like doing throws, next you will be able to juggle staves....lol
M
and remember to move around, dont just stand in one place and spin, move around a bit, i like doing throws, next you will be able to juggle staves....lol
M
Will bite you (unless you tickle behind my ears)
188 posts
Location: Neverneverland
188 posts
Location: Neverneverland
Posted:
keeping the hot bits away from any burnable bits of your body, that you're wanting to keep unburnt, works for me.
keeping the hot bits away from any burnable bits of your body, that you're wanting to keep unburnt, works for me.
...tick tick tick....
GOLD Member
still can't believe it's not butter
6,978 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
still can't believe it's not butter
6,978 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posted:
there would be much more firedancing if more people subscribed to this.
your advice is always appreciated, oh he of short name but long dreds.
Written by: Josh
The best way to spin a staff is with the flow and not in isolation from the rest of your body. All else will sort itself out, but flow is crucial
Josh
there would be much more firedancing if more people subscribed to this.
your advice is always appreciated, oh he of short name but long dreds.
Laugh Often, Smile Much, Post lolcats Always
SILVER Member
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
Posted:
Has no one else noticed the date of the original post?
Has no one else noticed the date of the original post?
BRONZE Member
Classically British
5,689 posts
Location: Epsom, Surrey, England
Classically British
5,689 posts
Location: Epsom, Surrey, England
Posted:
Ah - perhaps someone did what they were meant to and "Did a Durb"
Ah - perhaps someone did what they were meant to and "Did a Durb"
Burner of Toast
Spinner of poi
Slacker of enormous magnitude
SILVER Member
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
15,417 posts
Location: South Wales
Posted:
Can I do you Durbs?
Can I do you Durbs?
DIAMOND Member
The Ministry of Manipulation
2,523 posts
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
The Ministry of Manipulation
2,523 posts
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Posted:
UCOF for future reference this is how one might conjugate the verb to Durb:
I Durb
He Durbs
They Durbled
She Double Durbled
We have been Durbed out
All the would is Durbing
UCOF for future reference this is how one might conjugate the verb to Durb:
I Durb
He Durbs
They Durbled
She Double Durbled
We have been Durbed out
All the would is Durbing
BRONZE Member
Classically British
5,689 posts
Location: Epsom, Surrey, England
Classically British
5,689 posts
Location: Epsom, Surrey, England
Posted:
I miss you Glass
*hug*
[/offtopic]
I miss you Glass
*hug*
[/offtopic]
Burner of Toast
Spinner of poi
Slacker of enormous magnitude
GOLD Member
ZORT!
3,045 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia
ZORT!
3,045 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posted:
doing a durbs? you see, ive heard that reference the context of music copying, searching, coloured flames, and general sexual innuendo... im so confused as to what it means any more!!
doing a durbs? you see, ive heard that reference the context of music copying, searching, coloured flames, and general sexual innuendo... im so confused as to what it means any more!!
"Here kitty kitty...." - Schroedinger.
newbie
23 posts
23 posts
Posted:
It was meeee who revived the thread
[/evil]
Muhahahahaha
It was meeee who revived the thread
[/evil]
Muhahahahaha
GOLD Member
ZORT!
3,045 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia
ZORT!
3,045 posts
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posted:
no,
[/sad]
would be the more appropriate ubb code ending.
no,
[/sad]
would be the more appropriate ubb code ending.
"Here kitty kitty...." - Schroedinger.
Pooh-Bah
2,354 posts
Location: Away from home
2,354 posts
Location: Away from home
Posted:
Glåss, if you had a spare lady would you have to dance Durble bug?
and don't spin the stick - romance it (not even vaguely dodgy before anyone starts)
Elasta can show you how
Glåss, if you had a spare lady would you have to dance Durble bug?
and don't spin the stick - romance it (not even vaguely dodgy before anyone starts)
Elasta can show you how
DIAMOND Member
The Ministry of Manipulation
2,523 posts
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
The Ministry of Manipulation
2,523 posts
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Posted:
ooh
romancing the staff - fond memories of bristol
ooh
romancing the staff - fond memories of bristol
newbie
23 posts
23 posts
Posted:
Figure 8 is clearly the best :P
how many other people here spin figure 8?
Figure 8 is clearly the best :P
how many other people here spin figure 8?
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