2009 Melbourne Juggling Festival Review

 

The Melbourne Juggling Convention is now in it's third year, and it is continuing to grow. Convention organiser Christian Parr outdid himself once again producing an event full of character, talent and fun.

This year the convention ran over 4 days at Collingwood College, not too far from the hip Brunswick St and Fitzroy suburbs in inner north Melbourne. Its an excellent venue ... it has two large basketball courts for practice and workshop space, several classrooms for smaller workshops, on-site catering and a dedicated theatre for the public show. There's plenty of outdoor space too - though the weather wasn't quite so co-operative this time.

MJC was very pleased to have Matt Hall, Juggling Sensei as a special guest this year. Not only did Matt star in the public show, he also compered a night of renegade, and ran a whole load of workshops on multiplex club throws, ball factories, and a bunch that were too advanced for me to even start thinking about!

The public show was full of top class acts. There was a really nice mix of juggling, comedy, diabolo, acrobalance, cigar boxes, hat manipulation, hula hoops, and parasol balancing. As well as a jugglers show in the evening, there was also an afternoon show for the general public.

A juggling festival isn't complete without the Olympics. The NZ contingent were happy to clean up in the combat, with Pauly, Marky, and Des each taking out a round. After the festival had packed up on the Monday there was an after party that had been organised at a local bar. This was a really nice opportunity to relax and hang out for a final catch up before heading back home.

An excellent festival. Next years will be great too ... save up your dosh!

Hannah Sutherland