Unless you really want to learn the "Secrets of Gravinipulation".
"Brian is a true performer, talented acrobat and juggler. He is reliable consistent and fun. His performances make you smile because it’s obvious he enjoys his work."
Michael Mormon, Director – Entertainment Universal Orlando
"Do or do not, there is no try."
Yoda, Jedi Master, Degoba
Admittedly, many of the mistakes that I have made have purposely found their way into my act, which is where my sense of humor comes from. My act would not be what it is today without my errant learning process. Another example, and this is a big part of my show, (don’t read this or it will spoil the surprise) one of my finale’ tricks is juggling knives while balancing on a double tube Bongo Board, that’s right two crossed tubes with a board on top. After fumbling my way through my show the audience never suspects that this bumbling idiot is ever going to pull this off and when I do they are truly amazed. One time, after my show, an elderly gentleman came up to me and said, "I’ve been in the circus my whole life and never seen anyone do that". I replied, "Yeah, it’s pretty hard" and he said, " No, it’s impossible, that’s why nobody is doing it, and the fact that it’s done in a comedy routine makes it more impressive". Another time a man identified himself as an engineer and told me that that trick was mathematically impossible because technically the point upon which I am balancing does not exist. I’m glad nobody told me that or I might never have tried it.
"Brian’s work ethic and overabundance of knowledge are matched by few… if any."
Les Shibley, Personal Trainer, Orlando, Florida
And here is the big secret…
You may have guessed it… Passion. You’ve got to love doing this! Learning something new is always great for your self-esteem and general well-being. My act states that I "defy gravity" when in reality I am "working with" gravity and feeling the power of that accelerating force of 9.8 meters per second squared pulling down through my body. And, let me tell you, expertly controlling the most powerful force in the universe in front of a live audience where you could seriously embarrass yourself creates a thrill that would make any adrenalin junkie cringe. I have the power, I feel the rush, the planets wheel at my command, I am a living…what? Oh… Sorry, I’m back now, where was I? Oh yeah, passion. And you will love doing this. Many of the skills are like riding a bike, you just have to take the time to learn . You will always improve and have revelations on how to improve even more once you begin. It doesn’t matter if someone has already done it, you haven’t, it’s yours. There is always someone better and often times people will remind you of that, but that’s their problem. I am reminded of an interview I once read about a juggler named Vladimir (Unpronouncable)ovitch who juggled 11 rings. One of the most common questions he was asked was, "Do you ever think you will do 12?" I couldn’t believe it. I can barely do 9 myself… what? Sorry, drifted again. Passion is the common denominator among all gravity related mediums.
Below is a list of gravity related mediums (props) and some basic techniques for their use. Some, I use in my show, some, I don’t. Through the years, I have acquired a wide range of skills in circus arts. Many of them I learned at Florida State University’s Flying High Circus. I have performed the Triple Somersault on the Flying Trapeze (Catcher), The Seven-Man Pyramid on High Wire and the 4-High Shoulder Stand on Teeter Board to name a few, but I have had my own revelations as well. I performed my Aerial Strap Act long before anyone heard of Cirque du Soliel (pat on the back).
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- JUGGLING: Practice with bean bags along side a bed or couch. It saves time on bending over and picking up (which can be tiring and frustrating). The less bounce something has, the quicker it is to chase down. If you want to use something with bounce (great for new tricks), don’t use tennis balls, they are too light and bounce out of your hand too easily. I recommend lacrosse balls, good weight and can be found at many sports stores.
- FIRE JUGGLING: Use charcoal grill lighter fluid. It burns well and is safer than gasoline and kerosene. I have found that the brand names “Royal Oak” and “Gulf Start” have the least offensive smoke and odor.
- DEVIL STICKS: This one is a no brainer. Practice. Period. It looks easy and it seems very difficult when you first try. But, this is one juggling implement that takes about a couple hours a day for about a week and you will easily master it.
- BALANCING OBJECTS ON YOUR NOSE: Half way up your nose there is a hard bony area, put the object on it, look straight up, move in the direction the object falls. The longer the object, the easier it is to balance. Be very careful in what you try to balance. It can slip off and into your eye.
- BONGO BOARD: Most people think that this prop is just a board and cylinder when, in fact, it is a board and cylinder and a base board. Carpet, tile, linoleum, wood and cement all have different rolling consistencies. A base board allows you to have a consistent roll wherever you stand.
- DOUBLE BONGO BOARD: This is really difficult but if you want to try, hold onto something. A counter or something solid (not a chair) and start with a board on a cylinder crossed on top of another board and cylinder. This will eliminate the twist that occurs with two crossed tubes together.
- HANDSTAND PRESS: I broke my collar bone and after healing (because of muscle loss) it took me 8 weeks at about an hour a day to get this back, so figure that as your timeline. You’ve seen how it’s done, just practice, your muscles will develop.
- ONE-HANDSTAND: I worked on this on the ground on and off for several years and always gave up because my wrist got really, really, really sore. Then one day I found out an easier way to do it. Do your handstand on a pair of “canes”. These are upright steel bars with wood blocks on top that are standing in a base support. They wobble a bit and this wobble is the key. Move your hand in the direction you are falling and it will help you balance easier. The first time I tried it on a set of canes was the best one arm I had ever done. Did I mention my wrist really hurt? It still did but this time I kept on (boy, was it sore) and the pain eventually went away. Never bothers me now.
- STRAP ACT: If it is extremely painful, you are probably doing it right. Get personal coaching, live demonstrations are the easiest way to learn this.
- TISSUE ACT: Your entire body will ache (even your fingers) the next day, but this is a lot of fun to do. There are many variations of poses that can be achieved from just 4 basic holds. Again, get personal coaching. This act is so much fun to practice.
So there you have it.
If you would like more complete information please feel free to contact me anytime.
Thanks for listening
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