Page 7 May 1978
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FROM LINDSAY LESLIE I
have enclosed the original manuscript of my proposed grading system for
jugglers so that you may photostat several copies for an official
grading committee who may be voted at the annual meeting [I will make
several copies available for members' study at the convention before the
annual meeting -- ed.]. Having talked with one or two jugglers I have found that they agree that the IJA should publish definite names for tricks, orbits, and formation so that they will eventually become international. At present there is slight confusion especially in Europe. It has also been suggested that a grading system would require around six IJA officials to look after six sections of the Roster alphabetically to cope with the initial flood of applications for grading.
Another idea that came up was that an official 1.5 minute ball routine should be made up, so that jugglers could perform this in unison whether there be only two or 102. Even if very basic it could look good and catch the public's eye. If one used imagination there could even be an IJA signature tune used to perform a basic international 1.5 minute routine. I guess ideas are unlimited. Another point mentioned to me was the conflicting versions of the 3-3-10 passing sequence mentioned in the March/April newsletter, proving the point that the IJA must step in now and lead the way towards international agreement on the basics. Having watched several European club passers, it would appear they use a 4-4-8 passing sequence for basic passing. I wonder what the Chinese would prefer. ------ [Editor's note: Lindsay also sent a clipping from the April 13, 1978 issue of The Stage and Television Today which reported on Lindsay's plan to attend the Brighton mini-convention and specifically noted that it was "the first European Mini Convention of the International Jugglers' Association" . The clipping goes on to quote Lindsay discussing the need for TV to assist in the maintenance of live entertainment.]
FROM
"SQUE", New Castle, NH In the May Newsletter, I couldn't help but notice the news of Lindsay Leslie's proposal for rating jugglers and tricks. Since I cannot attend the upcoming annual convention in Oregon, I thought I should beat my drum now and be done with it. I
am a juggler. We are all jugglers, members of what I like to think of as
a big, growing family of people finding out a lot about themselves and
other people through the manipulation of objects in colorful, or flashy,
or interesting patterns. I for one do not want to tack any qualifying
label onto my title of "juggler" -- who needs it? Isn't
our society rated enough without dragging the ugly chains into a happy,
delighting art? Why should we segregate ourselves into achievement
groups like rats in a science project: "Hey, I'm a Group 4
juggler!" "Yeah? That last maze still has me stumped. "
Maybe I'm over-reacting. I'm sure Lindsay Leslie means well, but I like the idea of anyone being able to say "I'm a juggler" and knowing we're all in the same family, and we're all after the same end result -joy. I hope Robert Nelson's story about Caphir -- which ironically ends as the announcement of the rating proposal begins -- is read again before any voting on the rating system takes place. As for me, I need no banners of rank attached to my title. The office itself is an honor and a joy. P.s.,
Bravo, Robert Nelson! |