Compendium of Soviet Juggling Wisdom

Foreword by legendary juggling coach Yuriy Pozdnyakov

This compendium assembles the seminal works of the greatest Soviet masters, serving as a portal to the illustrious juggling history of the Soviet circus school, renowned for nurturing some of the world's premier jugglers. It is essential for anyone seeking an in‑depth understanding of juggling, as it preserves the techniques and insights of jugglers who thrived within this demanding circus system.

Historical Lineage – The journey begins with Enrico Rastelli, born in the Russian Empire in 1896, and widely celebrated as the greatest juggler of all time. This collection traces a direct lineage through jugglers like Alexander Kiss, Nikolay Bauman, and other performers who epitomized an era of excellence in Soviet circus arts.

This compendium contains:

“If You Are a Juggler” by Alexander Kiss

Offers philosophical insights into the art of juggling.

“The Art of Juggling” by Nikolay Bauman

Explores the technical aspects of juggling.

“Paradoxes of Juggling” by Michael Staroseletsky

Investigates the scientific and nuanced elements of juggling.

“Systematic Training for Juggling” by Mikhail Rudenko

Provides a structured training methodology to master the skills described above.

These works reveal the diverse aspects that propelled their authors and fellow Soviet jugglers to legendary status. For the first time, these texts have been compiled and translated into English by Niels Duinker, and enriched with images from Karl‑Heinz Ziethen’s and David Cain’s juggling archives. This collection offers an unparalleled look into the golden age of the Soviet circus, a time when the circus was a crucial component of national culture.