When I say Diabolo Siteswap, I start from siteswap as a shared juggling language: a transpositional notation that defines the time of return until the next throw. A sequence describes a temporal structure, and from there different physical readings can be built.
What interests me in this lab is expanding this framework, because diabolo—as I practice it—doesn’t end with crossed throws. In some notations (such as Diabology), the values 2, 4, 6, 8 are interpreted directly as crossed throws. For me, this shifts the problem too much: it simplifies the language at the cost of losing parallel throws and patterns where a diabolo can go out and return to the same hand.
The proposal I make explicitly considers both hands and incorporates time on the string into the notation. The string comes in as a controlled surface (retention, impulse, return), which makes it possible to describe double-channel patterns, parallel patterns, and combinations where hand roles and returns are not left implicit.
In practice, I keep siteswap as a temporal structure and add a layer to indicate hand roles and returns via the string. I use F to mark these returns (in line with forced bounce), allowing me to distinguish types of retention (dwell) on the string.
With this base, I can write patterns more faithfully, compare variants, and build progressions toward more complex material.
In diabolo, there are already siteswap applications based on the “one-handed juggling” model: one throw per beat, regular rhythm, and numbers as flight time/height. It’s a useful base for describing aerial carousels and many combinations.
Writing to understand and play
What we want to achieve with Diabolo Siteswap
Shared language
Sharing a language to connect the diabolo community with other juggling arts.
New doors
Opening new ways to document and expand the limits of diabolo tricks.
Describing complexity
Developing a notation that reflects the true complexity of modern diabolo play.
In motion
Siteswap applied to diabolo
Complete research and documentation
Want to go deeper?
At diabolositeswap.com you’ll find the complete research on this adaptation: the notation (asynchronous and synchronous), how to define the string (_F), and examples for 1, 2, 3, and 4 diabolos.
You’ll also find a specific 1 diabolo section where the nomenclature includes the sticks: what each hand does and how the string enters the notation when the pattern goes through the string.
In addition, there are transition tables, a passing section, and a guide to configuring Juggling Lab to represent diabolo patterns.
I decided to put it on a separate website so the documentation stays organized, is easy to follow, and can be updated with new material.
If you’re interested in working on this in person, I run in-person workshops.
Project process
Diabolo Siteswap on the blog »
