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The Decline of Discipline

During the intermission at the Akron convention's Old and New Vaudeville Show, several of us old-time professional entertainers began an interesting discussion that we continued throughout the convention. The subject was, 'What has become of the entertainer's sense of responsibility to the audience?"

Comments included, "What has become of discipline?" "Why do they insist on practicing in public?" and "All that talent and no act..."

There can be no question of the phenomenal development of juggling technique in recent years. Yet one should realize that Jack Green did four clubs in one hand many years ago. Dick Richton, it is said, did ten balls. And the ring juggling of the Chiesa brothers at the first IJA meeting in 1947 has barely been surpassed to this day.

It seemed very obvious to us that the discipline of juggling, the carefully counted and precisely routined passes, are no longer a part of juggling. It is a freestyle, catch-as-catch-can brand of juggling today. It is truly fantastic and obviously a product of new plastic light-weight clubs. However, from the standpoint of public presentation, grave questions arise.

Those involved in the discussion felt that some sort of effort should be made by the organization to educate jugglers as to their responsibility to the audience for the sake of juggling as an art.

If juggling is to be considered only a competitive sport, then it should not be presented as entertainment. The audience should know in advance that what is being presented is competition in which all but a few will fail. If, on the other hand, it is presented as entertainment, then those who perform should concentrate on doing what they can do as nearly perfectly, tightly, and carefully routined as possible.

We all agreed that the only difference between a professional and an amateur is that the professional KNOWS what he is doing and does not do it unless it has been perfected and properly placed in the routine.

If we are to continue to consider juggling as an art, and there are many places in IJA literature to suggest that we do, then we are obliged to realize that art is for the audience. Music without the audience is but practice and development. Literature

is for the reader. Dance and drama are produced strictly for the audience, and even painting without the observer is useless.

Therefore, it seems mandatory that we educate jugglers that if they wish to exhibit their abilities to an audience, they have the responsibility to present a finished product to that audience. That means a demonstration of the art in a professionally prepared package - a routine with a beginning, a middle and an ending that has been perfected. Never an exposure to practice.

The performer should consider a commitment to perform before an audience as a sacred and moral trust, regardless of fee, regardless of size of the audience. Professional performers honor that trust despite personal feelings. Professionals are considered "artists" because they know that performing before an audience is to display their art. Juggling IS an art!

Art Jennings San Antonio , Texas