The Juniors were better, all around, with  a few exceptions. Danny Mulligan's juggling  was one of them. Great mastery and control, and good tricks, but golf bores me. Bob Whitcomb's color changing life preservers were great.

 

The Teams Championships were notable for some dazzling juggling. The winners, Benji Hill and Chuck Gunter, were amazing, and it looked like, given another three months practice, theirs would have been a flawless performance. Without the drops, I would have given these boys a gold medal, plus all the change I had in my pockets - American and Canadian! It was a pleasure to see some straight-forward spectacular juggling, presented in a classically tasteful manner.

 

The Seniors and Teams were basically divided along the same lines as the juniors: some competitors were clearly polished professionals, while others looked like they worked out their routines at lunch hour, or while waiting for their programs to run. And the weird thing was, both "styles" of performance got medals. Yeah, I like drama, denouement, beginnings and endings and stuff, but just having a plot does not constitute motivation for anything except possibly audience groaning and eyerolls.

 

The awards presentation was an exercise in international diplomacy and self-congratulation. I felt like I was at a school play, and I didn't even have a kid in the show! I found the speechifying excessively boring. Spare me! I do not mind thanking those who put so much effort into organizing the convention, no matter how problem-fraught it is, nor do I hesitate to pay tribute to historically important, great and inspiring jugglers. But please, keep it brief. And don't keep the flowers wrapped in plastic!

 

The public show, with fantastic antics by emcees Sam Kilbourne and Michel Lauziere, also was worth the (high) price of admission. With few exceptions, it was an evening of solid talent and entertainment. The director did a beautiful job with it, and I think everyone enjoyed themselves.

 

What more can I say? The comics ruled at this fest. It was nice having an international flavour. Bernard Dubreuil's dual-voiced Tuvan singing was really cool. Thanks to Risa Davis for the entertaining balloon creations at the theatre. The theatre itself was great, though I fear the jugglers rather abused it. The poster and t-shirt design were spectacularly good, and very colorful, although it's a shame the quality of the shirt is poor. Let's look for bound seams next time, guys, and thicker fabric, OK? Lotti Brunn was a delight. Kudos and more to the Renegades for the midnight shows and the beer. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to provide us with this big blowout annual event, and shame on those who lift routines, whether they be from MM, Fritz, or anyone.

 

But please, no more dances at these events, OK? Call it a party, and provide lots of food and drinks, and then we can just juggle and schmooze. After all, that's what we came for!