Cigar box (juggling) facts for kids
Cigar boxes are special blocks used for juggling. They are a type of prop that jugglers use to perform amazing tricks.
Long ago, people thought that juggling with wood blocks started with Japanese prisoners. They used small wood blocks as headrests for sleeping. Later, in the United States, juggling with cigar boxes became popular. This was between the 1880s and 1920s. It was a famous act in vaudeville shows. A famous performer named W. C. Fields helped make it well-known.
At first, jugglers actually used real boxes that cigars came in. They would nail them shut to make them solid for juggling. But today, the cigar boxes used for juggling are made specially for it. They are usually hollow blocks made of wood or plastic. They often have soft padding, like suede or foam rubber, on their sides. This padding helps jugglers grip them better.
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How to Juggle Cigar Boxes
Juggling with cigar boxes is a unique skill. Most tricks are done with three boxes. You hold one box in each hand. Then, you toss and flip the third box between the two you are holding.
Jugglers can do many different routines with cigar boxes. These can include:
- Quick tricks where boxes are exchanged in the air.
- Balancing tricks.
- More complex moves.
Some advanced jugglers can even use more than three boxes!
Stop-and-Start Style
Unlike juggling balls, which often looks smooth and flowing, cigar box juggling has a "stop-and-start" style. This means that after most tricks, the boxes return to a "home position." This is usually three or more boxes lined up, with their smallest ends touching. The boxes stop there before the juggler starts the next trick.
The Bounce Trick
Many cigar box tricks use a special bouncing motion. Jugglers usually bounce up and down by bending their knees. They try to keep their arms in the same place relative to their body.
The trick starts at the highest point of the 'bounce'. Then, the boxes are held firmly in the home position as the juggler moves down. They try to end the trick at the same height they started. This makes it look like the boxes are connected by an invisible wire. Or, it can seem like the boxes are magnetic! This is just an illusion, though. The boxes are not actually connected in any way.
Amazing Records
Jugglers have set some impressive records with cigar boxes!
In 1977, a juggler named Kris Kremo set a Guinness World Record. He released one box and caught it after spinning around four times (a quadruple pirouette).
Later, in 1994, Kristian Kristof broke that record. He released all three boxes and caught them after spinning around four times!
The world record for balancing the most cigar boxes on the chin is 223 boxes! This amazing feat was achieved by Ashrita Furman from the USA. He set this record in New York City on November 12, 2006.
How Juggling Boxes Are Made
In the old days, vaudeville performers used real cigar boxes. But today, the boxes used for juggling are usually built just for this purpose.
They can be made from different materials, such as:
- Plastic
- Plywood
- Even wall paneling
Sometimes, the ends or sides of the boxes are padded. This padding can be made of suede, foam rubber, or a soft, felt-like material. This extra padding helps create more friction. This makes it easier for jugglers to catch and hold the boxes. Some people even use foam yoga blocks because they are the right size and shape!
