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 infinite tricks whether you are a beginner or an experienced juggler, all while fostering a flow state (Flow, also known as "the zone", is a mental state in which a person is completely immersed in an activity, with intense focus and a feeling of total control). ,
The Contemporary Invention:
Tai Dapero invents in Barcelona The modern 8-pointed star-shaped Dapostar (elastic, aerodynamic multi-layer fabric) was created in the early 2000s in Barcelona (Spain) by Tai Dapero (Jesús Alcoba Recasens). Inspired by the hacky sack, flair bartending, and the frisbee, it started 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 launched its worldwide distribution. Back in Barcelona, Tai refined the star shape for better stability.
The open-source concept then exploded in Europe, Israel, India, Bali, and the USA.
Cultural Roots: The Chinese Influence of Errenzhuan. A connection to 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 comic 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 (symbolic, primitive, belonging to the collective unconscious). The rotational 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 millenary 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 the EJC 2007 and by brands like Mougee), but it is inspired by a rich cultural heritage – including Chinese via the Errenzhuan and its Yangko dance – and a universal one. An object that connects tradition and contemporary creativity. It's your turn to spin,
@Eskuajuggling
PS: Mougee Star (an American brand since 2019) has contributed to popularizing the Dapostar or Flowstar in the United States, with innovations (varied 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
