Between Chinese Cultural Heritage, Spanish Invention, and Universal Symbolism, the Flowstar (also called Dapostar, Mougee Star, or Spinning Star) is an addictive flow art object, perfect for festivals, raves, and fluid juggling. Portable, hypnotic, and meditative, it allows for endless tricks while promoting a state of flow ( Flow, also known as "being in the zone," is a mental state in which a person is completely immersed in an activity, with intense concentration and a feeling of total control ).
Contemporary Invention:
Tai Dapero invented the modern 8-pointed star-shaped Dapostar in Barcelona (made of elastic, aerodynamic, multi-layered fabric). Created in the early 2000s in Barcelona, Spain, by Tai Dapero (Jesús Alcoba Recasens), it draws inspiration from the hacky sack, flair bartending, and frisbee, starting with simple square kitchen towels.
The breakthrough came in 2007 at the European Juggling Convention (EJC) in Athens, Greece, where he presented his first collection (still square). The enthusiasm generated launched its global distribution. Back in Barcelona, Tai refined the star shape for greater stability.
The open-source concept then exploded in Europe, Israel, India, Bali and the USA.
Cultural Roots: The Chinese Influence of Errenzhuan. A connection with Errenzhuan (二人转), and Yangko dance, a folk art of northeastern China dating back to the Qing Dynasty (17th-19th centuries).
In these comical and rhythmic duo performances, the artists spin square or octagonal red handkerchiefs, creating fluid and expressive rotations – a technique that inspires modern fabric spinning.
An Archetype (a primitive, universal symbol belonging to the collective unconscious) Universal The rotary manipulation of light fabrics exists in many cultures:
Flamenco (Spain), Cueca (Chile), Ghoomar (India), Morris Dancing (England)... This enriches the Flowstar with a global and timeless vibration.
The Symbolism of the 8-Pointed Star (Octagram)
This shape carries a millennia-old symbolism of balance, rebirth, and cosmic harmony:
Mesopotamia: Star of Ishtar (love, fertility).
Hinduism: Star of Lakshmi (prosperity).
Islam: Rub el Hizb (divine order).
Christianity/Buddhism: Regeneration and enlightenment.
Modern designs: Sacred geometry (Flower of life, psychedelic mandalas).
Perfect for meditative flow!
In conclusion, the modern Flowstar originated in Spain with Tai Dapero (boosted at EJC 2007 and by brands like Mougee), but draws inspiration from a rich and universal cultural heritage – including Chinese influences through Errenzhuan and its Yangko dance. It's an object that connects tradition and contemporary creativity. Now it's your turn to spin!
@Eskuajuggling
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