LOTTE BRUNN SEEMED OVERwhelmed as she walked into the gym at Purchase. 'I tell you, I've never seen anything like it!' she exclaimed.

 

She wasn't just talking about the number of jugglers before her. Brunn, the most famous female juggler in the world during her 40-year career, was impressed with the level of juggling skill. She said, 'These kids are terrific. They do things now that I never thought was possible. They do 7 balls like nothing and 5 clubs behind the back... these things are very, very hard stuff!'

 

Brunn participated heavily in this year's convention. She faced more than 400 jugglers as a workshop leader, talking about her career and performance in general. She also served as a judge in the U. S. Nationals championships.

 

The public attitude toward juggling has changed since Lotte and her brother, Francis, began practicing together. The widespread popularity of juggling as sport rather than performance is completely new, Brunn said.

 

Brunn demonstrated some of her tricks, including an abbreviated version of the Brunn finish. (juggling rings, spinning a ball, balancing a pedestal and spinning a ring around the leg).

 

She was performing until 6 months ago, but problems with her shoulder following 82 center ring performances with the Texas Shrine Circus have cut out performances -- probably forever. 40 years of touring is enough, she said.

 

She said her act, more than her talent, made her famous. 'It's my personality, music, the way I present it to the people.'  That showmanship rarely develops naturally, and Brunn derives great satisfaction from teaching it to others. What she wants to do now is teach eager jugglers the style they need for success.

 

One of the first to seek her advice was Andrew Allen of Seattle, last year's Juniors Champion. He planned to study with her for a week immediately following the convention.