OH, YOU KIDS!

by Bill Giduz 

One of the brightest spots of the IJA's Rapid City festival last summer was the presence of 13 young members of the Wise Guys Juggling Club. They were unmistakable in their matching club t- shirts, practicing enthusiastically in a corner of the gym to reassure old timers that theirs is not a dying art. Also present were about 10 young members of the St. Ignatius High School Circus Company. 

These two groups were notable because of the rarity of finding organized companies of young people at many juggling festivals. One of the major challenges for the world of juggling is to maintain and develop the interest of young people - juggling's future - in the art. 

This story focuses on several individuals and groups who seem to be doing that successfully. Among the keys they cite for successful management of a youth juggling program are structured practices, performances, achievement rewards, increasing challenges, parental involvement and interpersonal relationships. 

Juggling is featured in three of 18 weekly after-school and summer youth groups that Paul Arneberg has directed for three years for more than 200 tuition-paying "Wise Guys" in Edina, Minn. The program, which operates under the authority of Edina KIDS Club and Edina Public Schools, strives to involve students in team building, friendship and individual skills activities such as art, soap box derby, ping pong, field trips and now juggling. 

"It's activity based, but it's the kids' relationships with each other that really keeps it all going," Arneberg explained. "Juggling is the vehicle, but it's their relationships with each other and me that keeps it going. We create an extended family, and have fun on road trips because everyone already knows each other well." 

More than 50 students in grades four through seven attend one of three juggling sessions per week. His "IJA club" of the 20 best youngsters meets for 90 minutes on Wednesdays. Participants there must be IJA members and are motivated by receiving priority for performances and trips to festivals. 

Arneberg also convenes a Tuesday afternoon group for girls only and a Saturday afternoon gathering. All three begin with a 10-15 minute meeting to discuss upcoming events and fund-raising projects. The rest of the time is spent in informal workshops, open juggling and a finale Combat session. "There's a big emphasis on records and personal progression and I think that's healthy," Arneberg said. 

The IJA club members also rehearse toward two big events during the year - a May show at the Edina Community Center and the annual IJA festival. This year's big show on May 28, which should attract almost 1,000 paying patrons.. will involve all students from at three groups for two hours of carefully rehearsed solo and group routines. The better jugglers receive solo spots in the show, and Arneberg helps them develop a routine with music, character and costume. Regardless of their role, at the end of the show Arneberg introduces them all individually to the crowd. "The shows provide focus for the kids and keep them coming back," Arneberg said. 

Club members must sell two show tickets each to get a club t- shirt, and IJA club members can reduce their charge to attend the summer festival iri Pittsburgh by selling more show tickets. Other profits go toward buying equipment for the club. Students must maintain an 80% attendance record to be in the show, and those who want to attend the IJA fest must be in the group for a year and raise money. 

Members of the IJA club are also rehearsing for a presentation they hope to showcase in Pittsburgh, and several individuals are practicing routines for the Juniors Championships. "My dream is that one of the Wise Guys will win the juniors some day," Arneberg admitted. 

The promise of promotion is another big motivator for the Wise Guys. Members of the recreation club and the girls club can move up to the IJA club if they show steady progression and commitment. In addition, Arneberg appoints a captain for each group who helps Arneberg decide how to spend equipment money and plan routines for the show. There's also a monetary incentive to being captain, since they get priority at paid performances. Arneberg gets frequent calls from people looking for a show, and all who perform share in the $200 set rate that the club charges for such appearances. 

Despite all Arneberg's efforts, some students do drop out. He said attrition is inevitable. "I try to keep things interesting and let each kid feel like they're contributing to the club. But realistically they have to have an inner drive, I can motivate and inspire, but they're the ones who have to improve." 

Art Thomas, director for the past 11 years of the St. Ignatius (Cleveland, Ohio) group said its 25 members are motivated by competition with each other in the technical arena, and by attending juggling festivals. The club meets once a week at the private, all-male college preparatory high school, and presents a major show entitled "Suspended Disbelief" once every two years. 

Representatives of the group perform about 200 times per year for outside events such as church picnics and scout dinners - but never on school nights. Their proceeds from paid performances helps purchase equipment, and they also are expected to present for pro bono shows at nursing homes and city schools. 

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