Between Chinese Cultural Heritage, Spanish Invention, and Universal Symbolism, the Flowstar (also known as 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 infinite tricks while fostering a state of flow (Flow, also known as "the zone," is a mental state in which a person is completely immersed in an activity, with intense concentration and a feeling of complete control).
The Contemporary Invention:
Tai Dapero invented the modern 8-pointed star Dapostar (aerodynamic, elastic multi-layer fabric) in Barcelona in the early 2000s by Tai Dapero (Jesús Alcoba Recasens). Inspired by hacky sack, flair bartending, and frisbee, he started with simple square kitchen towels.
The revelation came in 2007 at the European Juggling Convention (EJC) in Athens (Greece), where he presented his first collection (still square). The enthusiasm launched its worldwide 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 the Yangko dance, a folk art from northeast China dating back to the Qing dynasty (17th-19th centuries).
In these comical and rhythmic duo performances, artists spin square or octagonal red handkerchiefs, creating fluid and expressive rotations – a technique that inspires modern fabric spinning.
A Universal Archetype (a primitive, universal symbol belonging to the collective unconscious). 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 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 illumination.
Modern designs: Sacred geometry (Flower of Life, psychedelic mandalas).
Perfect for meditative flow!
In conclusion, the modern Flowstar was born in Spain with Tai Dapero (boosted at EJC 2007 and by brands like Mougee), but is inspired by a rich cultural heritage – including Chinese via Errenzhuan and its Yangko dance – and a universal one. An object that connects tradition and contemporary creativity. Time to spin,
@Eskuajuggling
PS: Mougee Star (an American brand since 2019) has helped popularize the Dapostar or Flowstar in the United States, with innovations (various sizes, Classic/Air weights) and a large selection of designs. Its founder met Tai Dapero at a European Juggling Convention.
Sources:
https://www.elperiodico.com/es/sociedad/20170408/dapostar-juego-malabar-5960478
https://zirkolika.com/entrevistas/dapostar-o-las-ocho-direcciones-del-viento/
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Errenzhuan
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octogramme
https://www.youtube.com/@DapoStarOficial
https://www.youtube.com/@Mougee
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