Isolation (illusion)
Encyclopedia
In contact juggling
, poi spinning, hooping
and other types of object manipulation
, an isolation is an illusion
whereby a prop appears to float in space, with the performer's hands and body
moving around it. In reality, of course, the performer is supporting the prop, and countering his or her movement relative to the prop.
Michael Moschen
is originally credited for developing several of the techniques for ball isolations (as well as hoops and other props) and since his original performance of 'Light' in the late 80s, the idea has developed into a wide variety of techniques. One of the most important developments was the combination of crystal ball isolations and body-popping
/locking
/waving dance styles, as seen in the styles of, amongst others, Nik Robson and Matt Hennem in the 90's.
Contact juggling
Contact juggling is a form of object manipulation that focuses on the movement of objects such as balls in contact with the body. Although often used in conjunction with "toss juggling", it differs in that it involves the rolling of one or more objects without releasing them into the air...
, poi spinning, hooping
Hooping
Hooping generally refers to artistic movement and dancing with a hoop used as a prop or dance partner. Hoops can be made of metal, wood or plastic. Hooping combines technical moves and tricks with freestyle or technical dancing, and is typically accompanied by music...
and other types of object manipulation
Object manipulation
Object manipulation is a form of dexterity play or performance in which one or more artists physically interact with one or more objects. These can be special props made for the purpose of the manipulation itself - such as balls, clubs, hoops, rings, poi, staff, devil sticks, etc. - or any other...
, an isolation is an illusion
Illusion
An illusion is a distortion of the senses, revealing how the brain normally organizes and interprets sensory stimulation. While illusions distort reality, they are generally shared by most people....
whereby a prop appears to float in space, with the performer's hands and body
Body
With regard to living things, a body is the physical body of an individual. "Body" often is used in connection with appearance, health issues and death...
moving around it. In reality, of course, the performer is supporting the prop, and countering his or her movement relative to the prop.
Michael Moschen
Michael Moschen
Michael Moschen is a juggler. He received a Fellowship from the MacArthur Foundation in 1990, has appeared on TV on PBS, and done ads for Motorola. Cirque du Soleil commissioned Moschen to create a new work for their permanent theatrical circus in Las Vegas, Nevada.Moschen is particularly known...
is originally credited for developing several of the techniques for ball isolations (as well as hoops and other props) and since his original performance of 'Light' in the late 80s, the idea has developed into a wide variety of techniques. One of the most important developments was the combination of crystal ball isolations and body-popping
Popping
Popping is a street dance and one of the original funk styles that came from California during the 1960s-70s. It is based on the technique of quickly contracting and relaxing muscles to cause a jerk in the dancer's body, referred to as a pop or a hit...
/locking
Locking (dance)
Locking is a style of funk dance, which is today also associated with hip hop. The name is based on the concept of locking movements, which basically means freezing from a fast movement and "locking" in a certain position, holding that position for a short while and then continuing in the same...
/waving dance styles, as seen in the styles of, amongst others, Nik Robson and Matt Hennem in the 90's.