LETTERS 

 

In Defense of the Status Quo

 

I am writing in response to Andrew Conway's letter in the Fall issue. I have questions concerning his request for change. He seems to advocate making the one festival that is unlike all the others exactly like those now being held all over the country by local juggling groups. Why must the I.J.A. du­plicate what is already being done?

 

First of all, how many people attend your inexpensive festivals? 1,000? Can you imagine telling a college that we will be allowing people to sleep outside? What about toilet and shower facilities? Festivals do more than act as a place for jugglers to gather. Competitions do more than award prizes. Junior jugglers learn many things when they compete. Not the least of which is to smile and show they are having fun. Public shows do more than entertain. These events give us credibility in the eyes of lay people.

 

If I had to choose between the two types of events forever - inexpensive campout festivals or the more formal IJA annual festival - I would most certainly pick your "juggle cheap" festival. But why limit our options? Can't we have two kinds of festivals? Why abolish one type? If the IJA annual festival was just like local events, why would I want to attend?

 

Keep on with your budget-conscious festival. I, for one, am very grateful for your efforts. Nevertheless, if you look at other human endeavors, you will see many ways of conducting competitions and conventions. Magicians, dancers, cooks and goldfish breeders all have national competitions. Often, local qualification rounds must be won in order to advance to national contests. Our organization is beginning to evolve into a major association of practitioners. Is our method of running competitions and festivals perfect? No! But it seems good enough to attract over 1,000 participants at times.

 

My suggestion to those who want festival improvements is to work on a proposal for 1994. Include your sleep-tent option. Find a school that will allow this, and also rent us a theater and gym large enough, as well as dorm space for those who want it. Is it difficult to find a place that will allow us to invade their facilities for a week? Yes! But if you need any help, let me know. I would be happy to offer suggestions.

 

As far as "Juggler's World" goes, I am very proud of our publication. I enjoy some issues and articles more than others. But I believe that if you are truly advocating a return to the photocopied newsletter of pre-198l, you will find yourself in the minority.

 Mica Calfee Duncanville, Tex.