Robert York present first-rate programs on balance and ring juggling. Jim Neff taught the basics of head rolls, and Francisco Alvarez demonstrated combination moves and balances with Rastelli-style juggling sticks and mouth sticks. Our annual paean to the beauty of three balls was led by Daniel Holzman and Andrew Allen.

 

Mike Vondruska conducted a session on teaching juggling for a living; Erika Pointer held daily practice dance classes; while Tilly chaired (and Robert Nelson the Butterfly Man superbly heckled) a session on street performing. Greg Dean held sessions on comedy writing and putting a show together.

 

As the kickoff for our Friday afternoon sessions, Robert Reed and the Rhythmic Rockers demonstrated breaking and popping. Forming a big circle in the center of the juggling room, we were next privileged to watch Nick and Anthony Gatto, Alan Tilove and Shawn Alexander present combinations of acrobatics and juggling.

 

It was heartwarming to see the team of Nick and Anthony, father and son, coach and student, working together. After showing us a number of ways to mount, Anthony juggled a solid seven ball cascade standing on Shawn's shoulders.

 

This exceptional workshop was followed by a perennial favorite, club swinging with 1983 U.S. Nationals champion Allan Jacobs. Allan took a large crowd step by step from the basic grips to such complexities as shoulder and hip snakes.

 

For the second year Lottie Brunn awed the crowd with ball spinning techniques. She was assisted this time by her son, Michael Chirrick, who demonstrated technique as Lottie described it. He eventually presented a mini-version of his Las Vegas routine, including a forward roll while spinning three balls - one on a mouth stick and one in each hand.

 

Lottie also participated actively in the Womens Forum. This event is detailed in a story on page 13.

 

On Saturday afternoon several special non-scheduled workshops were held simultaneously at the request of conventioneers. They included kicking a footbag, making beanbags (with Reg Boulton) and a two­hour mime class with Robin Taylor and Won Israel.

 

Plans for next year include:

 

· Payment of a small workshop fee, with proceeds going to the instructors.

 

· Creation of an active education commit­tee to plan and execute future workshops (representation of one member from each IJA affiliate is requested).

 

· Use of an appropriate, well-lighted separate space for workshops, with video­taping of most sessions.

 

· An early-in-the-week workshop to orient and help first-time conventioneers get acquainted.

 

Please write and send suggestions for educational activities or workshop topics and instructors for next year's convention.