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How to Balance Spinning Plates

Expert plate spinners can spin several plates at once --- one of the primary tricks for jugglers, clowns and other circus professionals --- and some can even juggle the plates as they go. Although it looks easy to do, spinning plates is actually somewhat difficult and takes some practice to really get down. Fortunately, both the materials and the technique are relatively basic. You probably have everything you need right at home and can get started as soon as you learn the basic skills.

Things You'll Need

Plastic plates
2-foot dowels

Instructions

- 1
  Buy plastic picnic plates with a ridge around the bottom and an indented dimple in the middle. The best way to go for beginners, this structure allows you to use the sticks optimally.
- 2
  Hold the stick in the middle and out in front of you. The top of the stick should be lower than your neck but right in front of you.
- 3
  Place a plastic plate face up on the end of a dowel stick. Keep the dowel against the ridge on the bottom of the plate and on the inside of the circle.
- 4
  Open your hand completely, and spread it over the top of the plate.
- 5
  Give the plate a spin with your hands by turning your wrist as you hold the plate from on top.
- 6
  Raise the stick immediately with your other hand, moving the top of the stick in small circles to balance the plate.
- 7
  Keep the plate spinning by spinning the stick against the inside of the ridge at the bottom of the plate. Once the plate is spinning fast, raise it even more and move the stick to the central indent, allowing the plate to balance and spin.

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