...Geno...

Do you think you were ever paid less because you are a woman'?

 

.. . Lottie. ..

Yes. I've never made the kind of money that Francis did. However, in the circus I am able to do well. I work alone and can make as much as an act with more people in it.

 

...Geno...

You are certainly a pioneer in the field of juggling, but were you influenced by any other women jugglers?

 

... Lottie...

Absolutely no one. The way I work is my way and my style. I have never really had time to see any of the other women jugglers, except for Trixie once. I find that other jugglers come to me for inspiration, and I appreciate their admiration.

 

After being with Francis so long and seeing him so many times, to tell you the truth, I wouldn't go too far to see anyone else. Francis is the best. I do admire all the good jugglers, but Francis has been my only inlluence.

 

...Geno. ..

Would you like to see more women become professional jugglers?

 

... Lottie...

Yes. But I don't know where they would come from. Maybe from Europe . I've heard they have some good ones in Russia - maybe China , too ­ but it would probably be a different type of juggling than I do. When someone really gets into juggling seriously, it takes everything. I never remember being a teenager. I just remember from the time when I was ten: JUGGLING.

 

...Geno...

I imagine it must be very helpful to have your husband so in tune with what you do. and to be so understanding of your lifestyle.

 

... Lottie...

It's the hardest thing for me if Teddy isn't there. He is a part of the act. He gives the cuts and cues for my music, which is very important. With him there, the music is always right. In Japan and China he led the band. Teddy also acts as my emcee sometimes.

 

He is the best because he knows my act so well.  Timing is very important in bringing an act on and off the stage.

 

...Geno...

How did you two meet?

 

... Lottie...

We met at a circus. He was a ringmaster with the Polack Circus since he was 12 years old. He booked Francis and me to work there. and broke up the act when he married me. He knows the circus business inside and out.

 

...Geno...

I am interested in the changes you've noticed in the circus. How have the conditions changed?

 

...Lottie..

Every act used to be a center ring quality act, but it seems more like pageantry now. In the big cities, people don't pay attention like they used to.

 

The kids run around - not like in Europe . though night shows are better than matinees. But, I think the circus still gives you a lot for your money. Indoor circuses are still good to work. though.

 

... Geno. ..

Do you ever worry that jugglers in the audience will steal parts of your act?

 

 ...Lottie...

You can steal tricks and ideas, but not a person­ality. Francis is copied a lot. but nobody can be like Francis. Besides, not many people are willing to work that hard. I think that straight juggling is the hardest because there is nothing to hide behind. and I prefer that kind of intensity.

 

...Geno...

What do you do in a show if something drops?

 

 ... Lottie...

If it is an easy trick, I just keep going. When I mess up the first time, I do it the second time and usually get a bigger hand. If I miss a big trick I always do it again. I was in a night club in Atlanta once and dropped five big balls. When I did it on the second try the house came down. The owner came back and said, "Please keep it in your act.  You make everything look too easy." What I am saying is that it is to your advantage to make things look harder. Otherwise, people other than jugglers don't realize the difficulty.

 

 

...Geno...

Do you think the public is able to tell a good juggler from a great juggler?

 

... Lottie...

Not as much as in the past. I mean. there arc no more shows like Ed Sullivan - no more big variety shows on television. no more music halls and cabarets where you can see acts to compare them.

 

...Geno...

Do you find camaraderie among the top jugglers of the world? Or is it competitive?

 

... Lottie.. .

I think there is plenty of room for anyone who is really good. If you have a good act, you will find work. I find that there is friendship and respect, even though we often never meet.

 

...Geno...

Does it bother you that so many people are gening into juggling!

 

...Lottie...

No. Maybe it's good. I can't believe that juggling is getting so popular. I just hope that II lasts. because people seem to find real enjoyment watching it and participating.

 

... Geno...

Do you have any particular future goals?

 

... Lottie...

Not really. I am still working and making a living. I feel that I have done about all that a woman juggler could do. I have worked center ring in Circuses, the best night clubs and music halls all over Europe and the United States .

 

Maybe someday I will teach. Occasionally I teach a class or a lesson now. but it gels a little boring and I get restless. I have little patience to teach beginners. but if I could find someone with real talent I could enjoy it. I could enjoy having a disciple some day. More than just teaching. I would be good at helping jugglers put their acts together.

 

...Geno...

Do you have any advice for aspiring jugglers?

 

... Lottie...

You have to practice every day. Uyou are serious. you have to have talent and practice it. You also need charisma. Remember that people don't care how many you do - it's how you present yourself.

 

... Geno...

When you finally retire, and I hope you never do, how would you like to be remembered?

 

... Lottie...

As the fastest woman juggler ever. I hope that people will remember and understand what I have done. I feel that other jugglers do. and find that the audiences that appreciate what I do most are the audiences that have seen a lot of other jugglers.