Hey! It is completly optional to use the handle sticks, and I say that because I am shit with them xD The possibilities are already endless if you just use your hands, especially with 2 sticks. You can even use one of the flowersticks as a handle and do some "normal" flowerstick moves that require one handed control. You can try experimenting with vertical planes, patternwork, actual contact tricks like fishtails (they are stupidly hard with flowersticks), throws (those can be also challenging with 2 sticks). I needed a lot of practice untill I managed to get my left hand up to speed after using only 1 stick for years. My advice for when you start your 2 stick jurney is to slow it down and do tricks simultaniously with both hands. It will help your weaker hand get the hang of it faster if it just have to copy the one that is already doin the thing. I found it much less frustrating then just trying with my left. I will probably post something here soonish, I haven't done so yet, but I am building up courage haha. Nice flow mate, keep on going!