New Approach to Juggling: Harmonic Throws Method

Book sold individually. Book format of 64 pages in A5 format.

Presentation of the Harmonic Throwing Method

The Harmonic Throwing Method is an innovative book that offers a new approach to learning to juggle in time with music. Designed by circus artist and teacher Jonathan Lardillier , this method offers a gentle, fun and artistic way to discover and master the art of juggling. Rather than focusing on static technical figures and boring exercises, it favors progressive learning through a series of rhythmic exercises and moving sequences.

A fun and artistic approach to juggling

The Harmonic Throwing Method (HLM) revolutionizes the learning of juggling by emphasizing fun and creativity. The challenge is no longer to accumulate technical figures, but to work on the quality of juggling choreographies in harmony with the music. This approach promotes a more sensitive and artistic practice of juggling, allowing practitioners to fully express themselves while developing their skills.

Here is the video that was used to launch the project of this book on Ulule. The images speak for themselves to understand this book.

A writing system allows access to the repertoire

Another major innovation of this method lies in the access to the repertoire. Thanks to a dedicated writing system, it becomes possible to read a score, learn it, juggle it, and have fun, in the same way as one would play a musical instrument. We are no longer limited to improvisation or the simple repetition of traditional figures, but can now take advantage of the choreographic know-how of experienced artists.

Learn to juggle in time with music

Based on simple, rhythmic principles, MLH facilitates fluid collaboration with other jugglers, dancers or musicians based on a fixed pulse. It offers a fun way to explore the art of juggling in connection with other rhythmic artistic practices. Thanks to an innovative writing system, it is possible to read, learn and juggle scores, thus opening access to a rich and varied repertoire, just like in music.

A content-rich manual for all levels

This first volume of the Harmonic Throwing Method focuses on the fundamentals of a ball. Through its 64 A5 pages , you will discover the basic gestures of rhythmic juggling. The book contains:

• Exercises to master the basic movements with a ball.
• Choreographies to put these fundamentals into practice.
• A collection of choreographies mixing the concepts covered.
• Access to online resources via a QR code:
• Dedicated musical compositions.
• Musical playlist adapted to the practice of Harmonic Throws.
• Videos of the choreographies to guide and correct you.

To write a show

In 2020, to test and push the limits of this writing system dedicated to juggling, Jonathan and his team designed the show "TACOMA", mainly built from scores. With 4 jugglers and 4 musicians, they managed to reduce the creation process to only 5 weeks, compared to an average of 12 for circus companies. The result: a one-hour show harmoniously combining juggling and music, in a true orchestrated performance.

Our opinion on the Harmonic Throwing Method

The Harmonic Throwing Method is a real breath of fresh air in the world of juggling. Jonathan Lardillier offers an accessible and creative approach that puts pleasure back at the heart of the practice. I had the opportunity to participate in a workshop by Jonathan on this method and even with over 35 years of experience in amateur juggling, I took great pleasure in doing things that start simple and evolve without really realizing that we are doing complex things. The fact of being able to learn with other people of all levels including people who have never juggled is quite amazing I think.

Additional Resources and Digital Support

In addition to the book, a QR code printed in the manual gives you access to online resources:

• Musical compositions specially created to accompany the exercises.
• A musical playlist suitable for practicing Harmonic Throws.
• Videos of the choreographies to help you visualize the movements and correct them if necessary.

Author Information – Jonathan Lardillier

Jonathan Lardillier is a renowned circus artist, performer and director. A graduate of the Fratellini Academy in 2011, he received the silver medal at the Festival mondial du cirque de demain in 2012. In 2018, he founded the company L'Expédition , with which he creates and performs shows combining juggling and live music. A recognized teacher, he teaches in various circus arts training centers such as the CNAC, the Fratellini Academy, the CRAC, Katapult, and the CIAM.

Since 2015, Jonathan has been developing the Harmonic Throwing Method in collaboration with experienced jugglers and adapting it thanks to the feedback of hundreds of beginners. His goal is to share a more unifying, sensitive and accessible vision of juggling.

Who is the Harmonic Throwing Method for?

MLH offers a very progressive educational path, which makes it particularly suitable for beginners . It is not necessary to know how to juggle or to have advanced musical knowledge to start. Experienced jugglers will also find it of interest, by discovering a new way of approaching juggling, focused on choreographic and rhythmic aspects. This method is ideal for:

• People who want to learn juggling in a fun and artistic way.
• Artists looking to collaborate with dancers or musicians.
• Those who want to develop their creativity and sense of rhythm.
• Circus arts educators in search of new teaching approaches.

Why book format rather than video?

Jonathan Lardillier chose the book format for several reasons:

1. Clarity of Explanations : The book allows for the details of the movements and principles, which is sometimes difficult to perceive on video due to the speed of the juggling.
2. Learning Comfort : It offers an immersive experience, away from screens, allowing you to fully concentrate on practice.
3. Active Learning : The book promotes understanding of movement rather than simple mimicry, which leads to better mastery of the fundamentals.
4. Autonomy and Creativity : By understanding the principles, the reader can become more autonomous and give free rein to his creativity.