The Juggler’s Juggler
Posted By thecircusblog on August 24, 2011
Val Setts, one of the few great jugglers. His juggling clubs were made by Van Wick and they are considered the very best that you can get. I inherited mine from my father, who bought them in 1940. We did quite a few shows with Val, the greater majority of them being variety stage shows. This was way before I was involved with chimps. Every chance I got, I would stand in the stage wings and watch him, just in the hopes that I might learn something. Val’s unique style of juggling, combined with comedic chatter, proved him to be one of the greats. I remember once, while watching him during his performance, he looked over at me and said “Trying to steal the act, kid?” My whole body sank into the stage floor. Later in the dressing room he called me over to him. He then gave me three La Cross balls and said we will start with these. I knew how to juggle somewhat, but I needed better timing , which he taught me. From there, I became a pretty fair juggler in my younger years. I still have my Van Wick clubs and the three La Cross balls. Oh yes, and the Henry family rolling globe that my father and uncles worked on as kids in their father’s circus.
David Cain has posted a very interesting comment,one that all jugglers should read.
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thecircusblog
My name is Ivan M. Henry and I am the 4th generation of a circus/show business dynasty. I hope you enjoy the blog.Comments
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My name is David Cain. I’m a professional juggler and jugging historian. I’m currently putting together an exhibit of historical juggling props that will travel to juggling and circus festivals and conventions. One of the main features of this exhibit will be what we believe to be the greatest collection of rare and historic juggling clubs in the world. We are currently looking for sets of Van Wyck and Lind clubs. I wanted to see if you might have any interest in donating your set to the exhibit. We would certainly recognize you as the donator of the props and would honor the legacy of them. This exhibit has the backing of many of the world’s greatest jugglers, including Dick Franco, Albert Lucas, Anthony Gatto, Francoise Rochais, and many, many others. Please let me know what you think and if you have any questions. Thanks.
David Cain
Please check out our new website at http://www.historicaljugglingprops.com to see our ever growing collection. If you have any old juggling equipment, especially hand made props or props from famous jugglers, we would love to hear from you.
David Cain