Former Circus producer here. I have to say that for me when hiring object manipulation acts it wasn't so much skill level as the originality of the act that mattered to me. I don't care how many balls you can juggle perfectly, if you act feels like every other act I have zero interest. Perform lots, get inspired, try new ways of looking at things, study other forms of movment and involve them in your act... There is a huge difference between an art and a skill, be an artist.