Humboldt Juggling Festival

2001 Workshop Schedule

 

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Saturday	Workshop Area #1	Workshop Area #2	Workshop Area #3
9:00-10:00 Warm Up Hour	Vernon Coffey "Warm up: Introductory Tai Chi"	Erik Jansson "Swiss Ball Warm Up/Work Out" (9:30-10:00)	Susan Jansson "Juggler's Yoga"
10:00-11:00	Jason Skjonsby "Creating Balloon Animals"	Audi Thoele & Shea Freedomhowler "Learning The Five Ball Cascade"	Jesse Talbert "Introduction to Devilstick"
11:00-12:00	Robert Wood "Green Rhythm Pattern Siteswaps"	Walter Beals "Beginner Club Passing"	Alex Zerbe "Advanced Footbag"
12:00-1:00	Mathew J. Harman "Tired of Dropping Your Balls?"	Roy Newman "All Shuffled Up!"	Jennifer Morgan "Choreography"
1:00-2:00	Clark Davis "Intermediate to Advanced Devilstick"	Jim Dorman "Beginning Club Swinging"	Daniel J. Fernandez (aka Duckie) "Breaking 3 Balls"
2:00-3:00	Jyl Hewston "Mime: Manipulating the Iinvisible, Too"	Roy Newman "Footbag Basics"	Sam Sampson "Brazilian Capoera"
3:00-4:00	Clark Davis "Intermediate to Advanced Diabolo"	Chaelan MacTavish "Improv"	Kiran Nichani "The Art of Mehendi"
4:00-5:00	Ben Schoenberg "Numbers Juggling"	Jim Dorman "Beginning Nunchaku"
Sunday	Workshop Area #1	Workshop Area #2	Workshop Area #3
9:00-10:00 Warm Up Hour	Vernon Coffey "Warm up: Introductory Tai Chi"	Erik Jansson "Swiss Ball Warm Up/Work Out" (9:30-10:00)	Susan Jansson "Juggler's Yoga"
10:00-11:00	Mark Davis & Roy Newman "Mill's Mess and Beyond"
11:00-12:00	Rudi Galindo "Slapstick"	Jim Dorman "Intermediate Nunchaku"
12:00-1:00	Ross Mackinney "Performing for Children"

(If you would like to teach a workshop, email jshsu@humboldt.edu)

 

 

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Intructor Bios & Workshop Descriptions

 

Clark Davis: Clark has been juggling since Fall 1985. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Resources Engineering from Humboldt State University. Clark's interest in the intimate bond between juggling and music has drawn him into a world of beating out rhythms in his juggling patterns. When he is not being dragged into a performance by his juggling partner, Walter Beals, he can often be found spending hours working on his devilstick and diabolo patterns.   "Intermediate to Advanced Devilstick" This workshop will focus both on learning new tricks with devilsticks and exploring the world of creating music by beating out rhythms with them (flowersticks users are welcome, but may find themselves limited to certain tricks.)   "Intermediate to Advanced Diabolo" This workshop is designed to take you beyond the basic diabolo tricks. Learn to make this ancient toy jump and dance between your legs, arms and around your body.   Back To Schedule

Rudi Galindo: (No bio available yet) "Slapstick" (No description available yet) Back To Schedule

Jyl Hewston: Jyl was introduced to mime by James Donlon & to juggling by Hovey Burgess. She currently teaches mime & movement, stage combat, acting, directing, mask performance, circus, Vaudeville, & related subjects, at Humboldt State University. She's made her living exclusively as a performer, director & teacher of theatrical stuff, nationally & abroad, for the last 27 years. If this workshop goes okay, she'll probably keep at it.   "Mime: Manipulating the Invisible, Too" A one-hour crash course in mime illusions to enhance your bag of tricks, characterization & stage presence. Be a magician with SPACE (as well as objects & time.) Back To Schedule

Chaelan MacTavish: Chaelan, a native of Portland Oregon, is currently studying at the Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre in Blue Lake. He has been acting for ten years and has always been learning along the way. He just recently began juggling and acrobatics and is using these skills to develop yet another acting style for his repertoire, that of a clown.   "Improv" This workshop will consist mostly of games used to teach the performer how to keep a scene/moment going onstage. It will cover the skills of listening to one's partner, how to take what you are given, how to deal with the unexpected, how to create the unexpected, and what an audience finds most appealing about the random, chaotic, and surprising possibilities you can bring them. Back To Schedule

 

Mathew J Harman: Mathew is a winsome 20 year young man. He is a student of Zoology, Marine Biology, and Philosophy, and likes peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. He also likes Nutella and tea. He's a Cancer and likes long walks on the beach (And he does fire poi too.)   "Tired Of Dropping Your Balls?" Discover the world of gyroscopic juggling. Poi... the fun hobby of twirling lengths of chord around your body. This sexy workshop will teach the basic "Weave" pattern along with other sexy "Poi" moves.   Back To Schedule

Roy Newman: Roy has been juggling for about four years. He first learned to juggle oranges while working at a country club, and has not stopped since. While three ball jugging is his main passion, he also enjoys playing with the stix, diabolo, cigar boxes, footbag (his original game), the unicycle, contact juggling, and clubs. His current goal is to learn to juggle five balls and ultimately the five ball Mill's Mess.   "All Shuffled Up!" A three ball shuffling workshop. Tricks will include: slow shuffle, fast shuffle, Luke's shuffle, shufflled Mill's, up-shuffle, Roy's shuffle, clawed shuffle and various variations.   "Footbag Basics" a workshop for those interested in learning to play the great sport of footbag. Topics will include: the basic kicks and stalls, some advanced tricks, an overview of the scoring system, and a brief history and who's who of footbag. So come on out and learn to do with your feet what you can already do with your hands. I'm sure you'll like it.   "Mill's Mess and Beyond" This workshop will focus on the basic three-ball Mill's, as well as more advanced techniques such as overhand Mill's, half-overhand Mill's, and 4-ball multiplex patterns. (plus whatever Roy will pull out of his hat) Back To Schedule

Walter Beals: Walter has been juggling for almost seven years. He first learned to juggle when he was living and working in Yosemite National Park. He has been mildly obsessed with it ever since. Despite his clumsiness he is starting to get runs of passing nine clubs. Of course these runs are rare events and only happen when he is at a juggling festival and can find someone good enough to deal with his sloppy triples (you know who you are!)   "Beginner Club Passing" This workshop will cover the basics of learning the standard six club, four count passing pattern. Depending on the skill levels, and how quickly people learn, the workshop may cover picking up dropped clubs, and learning the basic left and right handed double spin pass. It is recomended that the student have a relatively solid 3 club pattern before taking this workshop(in other words, they can make at least 100 catches while juggling 3 clubs by themselves.) Back To Schedule

 

Jim Dorman: After living as a ""toss juggler" for over 14 years, Jim's failing eyesight has forced him to choose between giving up the manipulation arts and changing skills. Being stubborn, he has chosen to pursue arts that don't require throwing and catching, including club swinging, poi, bullwhip, nunchaku, "...and whatever else I discover along the way." Jim is very interested in helping others discover & enjoy the manipulation arts, particularly those with disabilities. To that end, he has founded Neon Husky, a company that makes & sells "stuff you don't have to let go of." He is also embarking on teaching adventures to various schools and agencies, including those that serve people with disabilities.   "Beginning Club Swinging" Circles, circles! The various grips and basic circle placements will be covered. If progress is good, we will also get to the cross-follow moves, including the Fountain. Don't forget to bring clubs!   "Beginning Nunchaku" Why should martial artists have all the fun? Nunchaku are great for artistic swinging. In addition to all the club swinging & poi moves you can do with them, you can also add martial arts moves, which include catches and hand-to-hand tricks that are exciting for both performers & audiences. The beginning-level workshop will cover single nunchaku moves and basic helpful learning & practice techniques, as well as a brief discussion on safety and legal issues. Some "loaner" props will be available, but supplies are limited. "Intermediate Nunchaku" This workshop will review the basic moves, introduce a few more advanced single nunchaku tricks, then begin with double nunchaku exercises and combinations. "Loaners" are available, but supplies are limited. Prerequisite: attendance at Beginning Nunchaku and a bit of practice, or instructor approval. Back To Schedule

Ben Schoenberg: (No bio available yet) "Numbers Juggling" (No description available yet) Back To Schedule

Vernon Coffey: A native of Massachusetts, Vernon is in Humboldt for one year, taking classes at HSU. He is on exchange from UMass, where his major is Human Evolution. He has been juggling for about 4 years, and is finding that the art of object manipulation is becoming a larger and larger part of his life. He is also interested in other movement arts, such as Tai Chi and mime.   "Warm up: Introductory Tai Chi" An introduction to the ancient art of Tai Chi Chuan (Yang style). Tai Chi is a slow, graceful, moving meditation. It is an excelent way to warm up and relax at the same time, in preparation for a long day of juggling!  Back To Schedule

 

Audi Thoele: Audi learned to juggle as a little kid but really started to Juggle several years ago. He is a teacher here in Humboldt Co. Teaching and demonstrating juggling for kids and passing and sharing trade secrets with friends is what has kept Audi inspired with juggling. He would like to share one of the most addictive of juggling goals, the 5-ball cascade. "Learning The Five Ball Cascade" Workshop will include 3 and 4 ball exercises to learn to juggle 5 balls, learning various patterns that use 5 ball throws, and the use of partners to learn 5 balls. Basically we will throw everything we can at you to help you learn to juggle 5 balls in the hopes that you'll find what works for you. Possibility of working on some 5-ball tricks and site swap notations that use "5" throws. Students should be comfortable juggling 4 balls. Back To Schedule

 

Shea Freedomhowler: Shea is a Theatre Arts major at Humboldt State University. Originally from Marin county, he learned how to juggle at the Marin Shakespeare Summer Apprentice program. He has attended the San Francisco Circus Arts School, and has been juggling for just over two and a half years. Being a brand new five ball juggler, Shea is familiar with the struggle of learning this trick, and has a ton of information about the various five ball excercises, and the state of mind necessary to break into five balls. "Learning The Five Ball Cascade" Workshop will include 3 and 4 ball exercises to learn to juggle 5 balls, learning various patterns that use 5 ball throws, and the use of partners to learn 5 balls. Basically we will throw everything we can at you to help you learn to juggle 5 balls in the hopes that you'll find what works for you. Possibility of working on some 5-ball tricks and site swap notations that use "5" throws. Students should be comfortable juggling 4 balls. Back To Schedule

 

Jennifer Morgan: Jennifer is a 3rd year member of Velocity, HSU's jazz dance company, and has been studying jazz and ballet throughout her life. Currently she studies and teaches dance at the Academy of Ballet Arts, in Arcata. She is also student teaching at Eureka High School in the physical education department. Studying dance and promoting the kinesthetic ability in everyone is a great passion of hers. "Choreography" Jennifer will introduce the idea of formally putting movement to music as a dancer and physical performer. The workshop will be designed to explore not only the mathematical aspect of the music, but more importantly the expressive and emotional aspect of moving to it. The workshop will look at, and experience, movement to all different genres of music. Basically we are going to have fun and get our grooves on! Back To Schedule

 

Daniel J. Fernandez (aka Duckie): Daniel has been juggling for the past 6 years and performing for the past 5. He is currently enrolled in DellÁrte where he secretly transforms his juggling into what looks more like a drug induced flurry of movement and drops. When he is not putting his body in odd perdicaments for classes, juggling or napping Daniel likes to beat people with wiffle ball bats and run screaming maniacly through the woods hunting bears with his trusty pocket knife. "Breaking 3 Balls" This will be more of a discussion on using the things you know to go to the things you don't know to push yourself and juggling further. Into the realm of the new and experimental we go, where we end up is up to us.  Back To Schedule

Erik Jansson: Developer of Health Sport Health Clubs, his life long interest in health and exercise began with the first aid merit badge at age 11. He subsequently earned a M.D. degree; NSCA strength & conditioning specialist, A.C.E. personal trainer, and C.O.R.E. certificates. Envisages juggling as a model for balancing energy in the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual spheres to optimize health. "Swiss Ball Warm Up/Work Out" A fun way to begin the day. The swiss ball is lightweight, easily transportable, and a versatile tool to benefit balance, as well as spine, shoulder, hip, and leg strength, stability, and flexibility. By adjusting the ball position, exercises can be modified for beginner and deconditioned participants as well as for seasoned athletes. Back To Schedule

Robert Wood: Robert has taken the mystery and chaos of siteswap and numbers juggling and broken it down so that ANYBODY with a will to try can flash at least nine balls in their first year. He himself flashed nine balls in just eight months after learning to juggle. Genius and insanity mixed with a natural philosophers heart that loves rhythm and pattern are the basis of all mental writhings that create this man. Anything is possible and everything is simple and Robert will teach you this so that you will be able to imagine a fifteen ball cascade in your head before you attempt it. "Green Rhythm Pattern Siteswaps" This workshop will teach you the simplicity of numbers juggling and siteswap. You will be given a free mini-book on the laws, uses and possibilities for siteswap juggling and numbers. Many areas of siteswap will be covered incuding, synchronous patterns, multiplex patterns and pattern manipulation. Come discover the next step in the evolution of the juggler. You will never be the same. Back To Schedule

Alex Zerbe: Alex saw his first serious footbagger in 1995 and was completely blown away. In 1999 he started juggling/diabolo/devil's stick and attended his first freestyle footbag competition (Philly Open) and won the intermediate division. That year he went on to become the Intermediate World Champion. He has presented over 600 school assemblies on footbag/juggling and is currently working as a clown and is practicing his acting, comedy and juggling to become a professional performer. "Advanced Footbag" This advanced workshop will explain the various judging systems used, demonstrate and teach the basics of doubles freestyle, and teach tricks suitable for your level of play as well as concepts for building harder tricks. This workshop will also cover how to juggle two bags on one foot and the concept of the three ball cascade. Back To Schedule

Sam Sampson: (No bio available yet) "Brazilian Capoera" (No description available yet) Back To Schedule

Ross Mackinney: Ross has been juggling, telling stories, and studying folklore since his youth. He began perofming profesionally in 1979 and recieved a BA in "Communication of Oral Tradition" from San Francisco State University in 1985. He studied Celtic Folklore at UC Berkeley, and in Whales, where he found opportunities to perform at local festivals and for the BBC television and radio. Back in the States, he joined the Missoula Children's Theatre and spent two seasons bringing a one-week theater workshop to children ages 5-15. The tours stretched from Alberta to Arizona, reaching 41 communities and putting over 2,000 children on stage. Since 1988, Ross has taught juggling, drama, and speech to students of all ages in addition to his performing career. He currently holds a master degree in Speech and Communication. "Performing for Children" This workshop will cover performing for various age groups, age appropriate material, audience participation, and making a show appeal to all ages. Back To Schedule

Jesse Talbert: Jesse started Devilsticking about four years ago, when he recived a set of sticks as a Christmas present, he taught himself some simple tricks, and put many dents in his Mom's hard-wood floor. Then last fall Jesse discovered the Juggling and Circus Clubs at H.S.U. (kind of like how Columbus discovered the New World) and has become increasingly obssesed with all forms of juggling. "Introduction to Devilstick" The basics of Devilsticking, how to get the Devilstick into the air and keep it there, simple propeller and helicopter tricks, and tosses. Primarily for people with no or very little experience with Devilsticks.  Back To Schedule

Jason Skjonsby: Jason is a birthday party clown, avid juggler and all around physical comedian from San Francisco. He has been living in Humboldt for six years and has been actively performing community shows after having graduated from Humboldt State with a BA in Theatre Arts. His goal in life is to be the first man to juggle on the moon. "Creating Balloon Animals" This workshop will teach begginers the "Ins and Outs" of balloon animal construction and how to handle 17 screaming kids who all want a pony! Back To Schedule

Susan Jansson: Susan is the co-owner and General Manager at HealthSPORT, a multipurpose health club in Arcata. She has been leading group exercise and personal training for 12 years. "I have also juggled off and on for 20 years and can juggle 3 balls, 3 clubs and pass but not all at the same time." I have had my own yoga practice for 3 years, and traveled to India last fall to study yoga and meditation. I am now working to integrate yoga into my life helping me to stretch my body as well as the way I see the world. "Juggler's Yoga" Yoga can be a warm up for your body and your state of mind. In this 1 hour workshop you will practice simple yoga stretches that will help to unlock tight tissues, increase range of motion, decrease chronic stiffness and improve athletic performance. Leave with focus and strength to enjoy your day. Back To Schedule

Kiran Nichani: Kiran is more of a klutz than a juggler but she can do mehendi! She took an interest in the art of mehendi during her trips to India as a child. She began practicing on her friends during college and loves the intricacy and beauty of the art. She hopes this workshop will help to bring the fun and challenge of mehendi to all the participants! Kiran is a San Diego native. "The Art of Mehendi" This one-hour course will start with some background on mehendi, its origins, uses, etc. This includes a discussion on making the mehendi and where to find it. It will begin with the basics of creating the tools for application (cones) and techniques for application. Many designs will be incorporated so no experience is necessary. Beware that mehendi is messy and it STAINS! Please wear appropriate clothing! Back To Schedule

Mark Davis: Mark learned to juggle three balls from an Austrian guy while backpacking through Mexico. He has been juggling now for about two years and recently started juggling five balls. Numbers, torches, clubs, unicycles, and contact juggling are his current fascinations. He is interested in all forms of juggling and learning as much as possible from all of the amazing people out there. "Mill's Mess and Beyond" This workshop will focus on the basic three-ball Mill's, as well as more advanced techniques such as overhand Mill's, half-overhand Mill's, and 4-ball multiplex patterns. (plus whatever Roy will pull out of his hat)   Back To Schedule