INTRODUCTION
SPOKEN WORD
CLOWNING
In my twenties I lived in southern Germany, and instead of being such a good student I discovered juggling. Norbert taught me in his evening classes, with a few extra curricular lessons…I have to admit I wasn't very good. I'm still not great, but it's silly, fun, and by my bumbling so gracefully I inspire others to learn! And yes, I do know how to teach juggling in an easy and satisfying manner!
At the Michigan Women's Music festival one evening I was gob-smacked (an English term but you'll see what I mean). On stage, the New Zealander cook who had been feeding us for days performed a fire-breathing strip show. Amazing! Breath-taking with the stars behind, the fire across her body, the huge flames she breathed out. I need to do that! So Dawn and I persuaded her to teach us the next day. (Look to the Spoken Word page for more stories about Dawn and I.)
My first spring in Santa Fe, NM stilt walking became another of my skills. In the park on East Alameda Street, I met my friends. As I sat on the roof of Janice's Toyota truck, Sarah strapped me into the wooden stilts. Her and Emily stood me up. I held on tight. " Keep your feet moving, oh, and don't fall on your bum!" They then walked off and left me.
Since traveling in the States I found myself busking (street-performing) as I wandered around. Since settling in NM I would clown, juggle, stilt-walk and breath-fire at various festivals, shows and even in the circus. Generally my clowning is informal, simply reflecting my audience's interests. I play with my audience, both adults and kids.
PLEASE CHECKOUT THE GALLERY TO SEE RECENT PHOTOS OF CLOWNING.
You can contact me at info@sleam.com if you have questions about my performing at your festivals and gatherings.