Flair Lesson #17: Flip Stall
The Flip Stall is our first venture into what is called Exhibition Flair. I’m working on filming a video that explains the difference between Working Flair and Exhibition Flair, but if you’re reading this, then I haven’t finished or uploaded the video yet. Or, possibly, I forgot to link to that video. Email me and remind me. For now, what you need to know is that this move should only be done with a nearly empty bottle – anything more than 1/4 full bottle and you will end up spraying everywhere. Practice at home with a water-filled bottle and learn to recognize the sweet spot where you can do this without spilling.
I wish someone would have told me this when I was starting, but try using different empty liquor bottles while you work on this move. A bottle with a square body and bottom – like Jack Daniels or Jim Beam – can be much easier for some beginners. For me nowadays, a Bacardi 750 ml bottle feels like the perfect fit, landing on the back of my hand. Something about the shape of the bottom and the light weight. Either way there’s no right or wrong bottle, just try a variety and see what you like. Your goal is to be able to flip stall ANY and EVERY bottle you come across. Or mix it up while you’re practicing and try it with a tin, a martini glass, a beer bottle – really any item in a bar with a top and bottom that will fit on the back of your hand is worth trying. Great creative and have fun with this one. It can be very frustrating at first, but once you land it once with an item (be it bottle, glass, etc.) you’ll know you can get it again. Just gotta keep practicing.
Tips to landing the Flip Stall:
1) Make sure you are comfortable with the Pop Stall. Seriously.
2) To get a proper flip – just a single flip, no more – start with the bottle stalled on the back of your hand. Pull your wrist towards you and lift up.
3) Work on getting a proper flip without worrying about catching the bottle on the back of your hand. Practice the flip and catch the bottle with your other hand. Try getting the bottle to do one rotation, slightly above eye level.
4) Once you are comfortable with the “flip” part of the move, let’s work on the catch, or stall. As the bottle is not quite yet back to its starting position, place your hand underneath it. You will likely need to cushion the bottle, to adjust and move your hand underneath the bottle in order to catch it. This part is difficult but will come with practice.
The Discussion...
