Page 6                                             Summer 1986

 

Foreign guests will join American stars in San Jose at 39th IJA Convention

 

A galaxy of international juggling stars will attend the IJA's 39th Annual Convention July 22-27 in San Jose, California. Dai Shu Cheng of the Heilong Jaing Acrobatic Troupe in China and several European artists will be there, including ball spinner Francois Chotard from France and "Duo High Fidelity," Michael Genahr and Karin Johnson, from West Germany.

 

American-based jugglers who plan to be there and perform in one of two featured shows include Airjazz, Tommy Curtin and Anthony Gatto. Robert Nelson, the Butterfly Man, will emcee the "Juggling, and Other Delights" public show in San Jose's 2,700-seat Center for the Performing Arts. The "Sensations of '86" private show will be emceed by Scott Melzer and John Park, the American Dream team.

 

Competitors aiming at the $1,000 top prize in the U.S. Nationals include Gatto, last year's winner Andrew Head and regional winners Larry Merlo and Benji Hill.

 

In addition to those shows, the convention includes a wide variety of workshops covering aspects of juggling from how to sell your act to manipulation of specific props. Allan Jacobs, renowned as one of the world's top club swingers, will present a pre-convention three-day workshop in that specialty. To register call Holly Greeley.

 

Convention co-chairmen Barry and Sue Bakalor assure convention goers there won't be a dull moment. "We've tried to take the basic structure of past conventions and add some special events we think people will really enjoy, " said Barry. Besides the private show, those touches include a street performer's competition, costume ball, parade in downtown San Jose and a Saturday evening banquet. The more than 120 members of the San Jose Juggling Society are expected to pitch in to make sure things run smoothly.

 

IJA championships will be held throughout the week. The Numbers Challenge will feature new rules designed to give competitors a better chance to reach their potential. The monetary prize for the IJA Nationals has been raised to $1,000 for first place, and for the first time there will also be prize money for the Teams Championship. Juniors and Joggling champions will receive medals, but no cash prizes.

 

IJA business matters will be considered at a membership meeting Friday. Election of 1986-87 officers will be held immediately thereafter. Other topics of organizational interest will be discussed in workshops about the IJA's 40th Anniversary Celebration, and care and nurturing of affiliates and other juggling clubs.

 

Conventioneers will never be far from the action. Dorms, the eating commons and championships auditorium are all located within five minutes walk. The package plan, available to IJA members for $200, covers room, board and all convention fees and activities for Tuesday through Sunday. Arrangements have been made to allow for registration and juggling facilities as early as Friday, July 18.

 

Special deals available for IJA members from Eastern Airlines, Alamo Rent- A-Car and the Holiday Inn Park Center Hotel will help cut convention costs further for many people. See ads for those businesses in this issue of the magazine for more details.

 

For more information on the convention, call the Bakalors at 408-247-3123, or write them at  Sunnyvale, CA 94086. If you'd like directions to San Jose State, please send them a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

 

Convention Schedule

Friday, July 18 - Monday, July 21

Preconvention. Dorm rooms and meals available starting Friday evening. Gym available for open juggling starting Saturday. Preconvention club swinging workshop (additional charge) Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

 

Tuesday, July 22

3 p.m. - Convention officially begins

8 p.m. - Welcome Party

 

Wednesday, July 23

1 p.m. - Parade

2 p.m. - Street Performers Competition

7 p.m. - Numbers and Juniors Champ.

 

Thursday, July 24

10 a.m. - Joggling Races

7 p.m. - "Sensations of 1986" Show

10 p.m. - Costumed Ball

 

Friday, July 25

1 p.m. - IJA Business Meeting

8 p.m. - Teams and U.S. Nationals

 

Saturday, July 26

4 p.m. - Banquet

8 p.m. - "Juggling, and Other Delights" Public Show

 

Sunday, July 25

5 p.m. - Farewell

Airjazz and beach balls (l-r) Kezia Tenenbaum, Jon Held, Peter Davison

Airjazz and beach balls (l-r) Kezia Tenenbaum, Jon Held, Peter Davison

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