Page 31 Summer 1987
Other Notable Women Jugglers Selma Braatz: One of the earliest European supports of the IJA, she later emigrated to the U.S. where her home was a port of call for touring jugglers. Her act included clever moves with hat, cane, and gloves. She juggled five and six balls, did 3 pool cues and finished her act with color-chaning torches thrown in continuous back crosses. She died under such sad circumstances that there was no money for a headstone. Many members, led by Dennis Soldati, remedied the shame with an IJA fundraising effort.
Lottie
Brunn: A woman of unsurpassed accomplishments in the field of
juggling, she learned the art with her brother, Francis Brunn, in
pre-war Germany. At age 14 she could do eight rings. She came to
America
with Francis in 1948 to play the Ringling Brothers circus. She began
working solo in 1951, and appeared alone in Ringling's center ring in
1957 as "The World's Fastest Woman Juggler." Her son,
Michael Chirrick, also became a professional juggler. She now lives in
New Jersey, performing only occasionally. Francine
and Rita Rose: Billing themselves as the Juggling Gems, these two
women were surely the youngest and most accomplished jugglers to join
the IJA at the time. Coached by their father, Tex Rose, a veteran of
western acts, they sprang full-blown onto the juggling scene
almost too early. In order to continue
their education, they often had to turn down contracts, once even
passing on an offer to replace Francis Brunn, surely a "highest
low point" in a career.
Shelby
Howe: Another prodigy, she was only 10-years-old and juggling on a
high unicycle for TV when Harry Lind signed her as an IJA member.
Dell
O'Dell: So talented as a juggler and a magician that both
communities claim her as their own. She married Charles Carrer,
another professional juggler. As Dottie O'Dell, she was Pryde
Shannon's first partner before he teamed with Alice Daye. She had a
weekly TV show in
Judy
Finelli: Not of the early era, but our first female president
deserves the final bow. She is now working with the Pickle Family
Circus out of Violet Carlson Beahan: Daughter of Harry Lind's second wife, Violet was a linchpin of IJA administration from the beginning as secretary, "Newsletter" editor and later as historian. An accomplished juggler herself, she performed briefly with Lind and Joe Hardy in New York City. She was a single parent for several years, raising Bud Carlson, Stu Raynolds's juggling partner, alone until her marriage to John Beahan, a juggler and song-and-dance man. Her dedication and efficiency on behalf of the IJA are still remembered.
Trixie
La Rue: One of the finest female jugglers ever, her specialty was
ice shows, where she featured attractive costuming and six-plate
juggling while bouncing a ball on her head. Born in
Eva
Crosby and Amy Dunham: Two wives. of active members, they were
everywhere when needed, particularly in the chaos of conventions. |
Fitzgerald's Club Juggling Girls |
Selma Bratz |
Selma Bratz |
Lottie Bronn. Photo
courtesy Bachman.
|
Judy Finelli &
Wendy Parkman. Photo counesy Terry Lorant. |
Trixie. Photo
courtesy Paul Bachman. |
Diane Shelton. Photo
courtesy Bachman. |