The Vertax in Diabolo: Techniques, History and Juggling Revolution

What is Vertax and Why is it Fascinating?

Vertax , often referred to as Excalibur in the juggling community, is a revolutionary diabolo technique where the axis of rotation is oriented vertically, unlike the traditional horizontal style. Imagine a diabolo spinning like a top suspended in the air, one dome pointing skyward and the other toward the ground, kept in motion by constant fouettés and a circular dance of the juggler around the object. This style, born at the turn of the 21st century, takes its name from "vertical axis" and impresses with its dynamism and unique aesthetic.

Why is Vertax so captivating? For beginners, it represents a gateway to a world of creativity and technical challenges, accessible with a simple bearing diabolo . For specialists, it offers a field of infinite innovation, with complex figures like the Vertax Genocide or the Galexis . But beyond its visual beauty, a question arises: how has Vertax transformed the practice of diabolo and what perspectives does it open for the future? This article explores this discipline in detail, from its historical origins to its cultural impact, including essential techniques and the contributions of iconic diabolo players.

History and Evolution of the Vertax: From Ancient Origins to a Modern Revolution

The Roots of Diabolo: From China to Europe

THE diabolo has its origins in ancient China under the name of kouen-gen , a bamboo toy that whistled turning, used since the 4th century. Introduced into Europe in the 18th century, he was nicknamed "devil" for his noise characteristic, before being perfected in 1906 by the French engineer Gustave Philippart, who gave it its shape modern with conical caps and the name diabolo (from the Greek dia-bállô , "to throw across"). After a boom in the early 20th century, followed by a decline due to accidents, the diabolo was reborn in the 1980s thanks to innovations such as short poles and modern materials.

Birth of Vertax: An Innovation of the 2000s

It is in this context of renewal that the Vertax emerges in the late 1990s. If jugglers had already experienced vertical rotations, it was in 2002 that the discipline is formalized. The DVD Diabology , produced by the French Priam Pierret, Jean-Baptiste Hurteaux and Sylvestre Dewa, compiles hundreds of unpublished figures, including a repertoire structured by Vertax . Almost simultaneously, the duo German Tr'Espace (Roman Müller and Petronella von Zerboni) presents the first stage number entirely in Excalibur , marking a decisive turning point

Worldwide Diffusion and Popularization

After 2002, Vertax explodes thanks to the Internet and juggling conventions. Sites like DiaRhythm (Japan) broadcast the first videos, while forums and international meetings, such as European Juggling Convention (EJC) , become exchange platforms. The battles , inspired by hip-hop, encourage innovation, and in 2004, the World Juggling Championship in Las Vegas sees French diabolists like Antonin Hartz and Priam Pierret shines with figures in Vertax . Today, competitions like the Taipei Diabolo Cup or the Global Excalibur Diabolo Challenge (GEDC) devote this world-renowned discipline.

Techniques and Ways to Practice Vertax

Fundamental Principles: A New Physics at Play

Contrary to to the classic diabolo, where the horizontal axis rests on gravity, the Vertax requires a vertical rotation maintained by centrifugal force . To start, the juggler often uses a Chinese acceleration : the The diabolo is thrown quickly, then tilted by rubbing the string on its edge to tilt it into a vertical position. A Once standing, the player must turn around the diabolo, performing circular whip strokes to maintain its speed. Scientifically, it is the gyroscopic effect which stabilizes the object, a principle similar to that of spinning tops or satellites.

Emblematic Figures: From Simple to Spectacular

THE Vertax has adapted classic figures while inventing unique tricks. Here are some examples:

• Suns : The diabolo traces horizontal circles, a basic movement accessible to beginners after a few hours of practice.
• Orbits/Satellites : The diabolo spins around the body, requiring coordination advanced.
• Vertax Genocide : The Juggler Drops the Sticks and the diabolo, which spins in the air before being caught up – a figure invented by Jonathan P. Chen
• Infinity Suicide Vertax : A wand spins endlessly around the diabolo, popularized by the Japanese collective Higami

Specific Equipment: The Role of Bearing Diabolos

For excel in Vertax , the choice of material is crucial. Diabolos with bearings (ball axles) are preferred, because their freewheel extends the rotation up to 20 times longer than a fixed axle. Models like the Hurricane or the Hyperspin diabolo offer ideal inertia thanks to their size and weight. A shorter string and lightweight chopsticks also make it easier control.

Vertax vs. Traditional Diabolo: A Different Approach

THE Vertax stands out for its dynamism: the juggler constantly moves, unlike the static position of the style classic. Artistically, it evokes a flying top, but limited complex string figures (like knots) because of its mobility. On stage, it often serves as a spectacular finale

Impact and Positioning in the History of Diabolo

A Technical Revolution Comparable to Great Innovations

THE Vertax is one of the major developments in diabolo, such as multi-diabolo or bearings . Between 2000 and 2010, the repertoire of figures went from a hundred to several thousand, largely thanks to the Excalibur . Hybrid figures, such as the Galexis , illustrate this expansion

Influence on the Juggling and Circus Scene

THE Vertax energized conventions with battles and projects like Planet Diabolo , bringing together world artists. On stage, performers like Tr'Espace or Alexis Levillon included him in circus acts, enriching the aesthetics of the diabolo.

Bridges with Other Disciplines

THE Vertax inspires freestyle yo-yo (where "Excalibur" denotes horizontal figures) and borrows urban energy from hip-hop battles. His gestures are also reminiscent of figure skating or throwing hammer, mixing art and sport.

Emblematic Figures and Technical Innovations

The Tricks that Marked the Vertax

• Vertax Genocide : A complete turn in the air, invented by Jonathan P. Chen.
• Infinite Suicide Vertax : An infinitely rotating wand, by Higami.
• Vertax Integral : Throwing sticks in vertical balance, by Alexis Levillon.
• Switching to Vertax : Exchanges between jugglers, perfected by Éric & Antonin.
• Galexis : Two diabolos, one in Vertax, the other classic, by Levillon.

Some diabolists who have greatly contributed to the vertax

• William Lin (Taiwan) : World No. 1 in 2006, master of fluid genocides.
• Ryo Yabe (Japan) : Pioneer of multi-diabolo with Vertax.
• Priam Pierret (France) : Co-creator of Diabology , structured the repertoire.
• Alexis Levillon (France) : Inventor of Galexis and Vertax integrals.
• Nate and Jacob Sharpe (USA) : Popularized passing in Vertax.

Vertax, a Future Full of Promises

THE Vertax revolutionized the diabolo by expanding its repertoire, by energizing its practice and by inspiring unique artistic performances. For beginners, It is an exciting challenge; for specialists, a space of endless innovation. With perspectives like LED diabolos or hybrid numbers, the Excalibur promises to continue to amaze. So, take a diabolo to bearings , throw yourself into a sun , and Explore this art in motion – the Vertax will wait!