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CALIFORNIA

By Bill Giduz

They appeared to be unlikely leaders of a movement when they first appeared in California parks and on street corners 20 years ago. Young men and women lugged bags of props and unicycles to public places, staked a claim on the passing public's attention with loud voices and fire, and started the modern tradition of juggling in America .

Twenty years ago they were keeping an eye peeled for policemen who may not appreciate the show as much as the crowd. Now they're keeping an eye on the clock to make sure they don't miss a plane to take them to the next engagement at a regional theatre, comedy club, television show or college campus. What began in California as a renegade interpretation of a particular circus skill has become a corporate way of life for many jugglers today.

But those 1970's California street jugglers not only found mainstream success, they also inspired a whole recreational juggling movement that will be found full flower July 17 -22 on the campus of UCLA. It will be the 43rd annual festival and championships of the International Jugglers Association, an organization that was near extinction in 1968 until the fresh breeze of California street juggling revived it.

More than 1,000 jugglers from around the world will gather at UCLA to celebrate their art with workshops, a Cascade of Stars public show and championships events. They will compete to see who can run the fastest while juggling three balls, keep the most objects up in the air the longest, and present the best combination of artistry and skill on stage. The colorful, action-packed event has become a highly successful and highly publicized occasion. But it was not always so...

Times were leaner for jugglers through the 1940s, 50s and 60s. A few high quality performers, such as Ohio 's Bobby May, found a good career in nightclubs, ice shows, circuses and industrial shows. His good nature and skill at tricks such as standing on his head and bouncing three balls off a drum head upside down earned him engagements in America and throughout Europe , where variety theatre had remained stronger.