I always thought Flourishing was different from manipulation.
Manipulation is something like
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVe7chIgn0w while flourishing is more like showing skill and card juggling without the magic, meaning and structure! of an "old school" manipulation act.
I could be wrong, but that`s how it is shown by the flourishing generation today. Well, most of what I`ve seen. Just go to a magic convention and see how much people are more enjoying card juggling instead of showing something meaningful.
Nothing wrong with that, just not what I enjoy watching. While a good manipulation act is really entertaining to me.
The word "Flourishing" isn't embracive enough - as it implies, simply, flourishes. Little accent moves or complimentary motions to an otherwise non-manipulation effect or performance.
"Card juggling" is just antiquated and silly. If you know the definition of the word "juggle", you'd know how silly it is to call someone doing a fan, an armspread, a charlier, a sybil, etc "juggling" - and spectators would look at you like you were nuts. x)
"Manipulation" is a more embracive term and, as Christopher pointed out, accurately describes any dexterous performance with the hands and an object (or objects).
Additionally, no part of the definition of "flourishing", "manipulation", "cardistry", "XCM" or god knows whatever else includes the words "without meaning and structure". We're having a civil and scholarly discussion on the topic, I'd please ask that no one enters with
too much bias and with the intention of insulting or degrading another's art. Please excuse me if I come off testy, but these types of statements irk me in their absoluteness (stating such things, as above, as simple
facts, rather than simply an observation or opinion) and ignorance of what is possible in
any dexterous medium.
That said, yes, it's the vast majority of what you see in the online sphere. However, it's hardly all that is out there, and is
very hardly all that is possible - as has been the subject of this thread for 3+ pages.
This is my issue with cardistry; I have yet to see anything beyond an exhibition of skill, and nothing approaching a real performance with any theatricality, easily appreciable aesthetic value, drama or comedy.
I can't blame you - those types of performances are extremely rare! That said, they exist, and people who work to craft those types of performances exist as well.
For example, right now I'm working with two musicians / singers / magicians / manipulators on crafting a cabaret-style show to pitch to the Magic Castle. The show - and at least my section of it - will be pure manipulation, but theatrically composed, choreographed, musical and comedic.
Best,
Vince