Tutsday – Frank Fortney – Diabolo – Changing Directions

Hey there folks!

We are back with another tutorial from the archives at the Flow Arts Institute.

This week we have the multi-talented Flowhio flow artist, Frank Fortney.  Frank is an organizer for multiple FAI events including Kinetic Fire, CampFire, and Fahrenheit.

Frank is here this week to show us how to change directions with a Diabolo.

Every so often, you will find yourself not facing your audience.  It’s important to know how to fix this issue cleanly.

In this turning technique, Frank uses a combination of the friction of the string along with proper stick placement against the bowl of the diabolo to turn the prop to whatever angle he chooses.

In the example, Frank turns the prop to his right by touching the back bowl with a stick by a series of actions.

  • Take the stick from your right hand and loop the attached string over the stick in your left hand from front to back.
  • Use the tension to hold the prop suspended as you touch the inside of the back bowl with the stick in your right hand.

To turn left, do the opposite.

  • Take the stick in your right hand and loop the attached string over the stick in your left hand, this time from back to front.
  • Use the  tension to hold the prop suspended as you touch the inside of the front bowl with the stick in your right hand.

With this technique, you will be able to move around to face your audience wherever they are.

Thanks to Frank Fortney and Dawn Dreams Circus for the tutorial!

You can follow Frank at Frank Bliss Instructor & Performer.

Thanks for checking out this week’s Tutsday!

We hope to see you again soon!

<3

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