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AMATEUR CIRCUS
LIFE
ATLANTA
MACMILLAN &
LONDON
CO., Limitbd
BOMBAY CALCUTTA
MELBOURNE
THE MACMILLAN
and
Girls
of professional acrobats
BY
ERNEST BALCH
Nrm fork
^i
(k^i
Copyright, 1916.
up and
electrotyped.
T^^sr^i
The
illustrations in this
My
of physical training.
Cloyne House
Gymnasium and
School,
Newport,
St.
Thomas Chapel
and
girls of
who
The Author.
504ii.i3
CONTENTS
PAGE
CHAPTER
I
Tumbling
....
III
Tumbling
IV
II
V A Show
VI
VII
VIII
IX
of Simple
36
...
62
....
71
at a Boarding School
Clown Work
78
Fake
Elephant.
Thrillers
Fake
Lion
Act.
Training Animals
88
Out
of Doors
99
.
107
129
134
144
162
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
The Curtain
Rises
Frontispiece
FACING
PAGE
FIGURE
2.
Salute No. i
Practising the Roll.
3.
Headstands
14
14
1.
4.
5.
6.
7.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
12
Salute No. 2
.15
The Wheelbarrow
8 and 9. The 2-High Fall
The Method of Teaching a Bender Used
BY Archange Tuccaro
Pyramid. Adoration
Pyramid. Path to the Stars
Diving
A Star Diver Landing on the Mat Just
Before He Ducks His Head and Rolls
Hoops. No. 2 Salute
....
.
15.
16.
17.
21.
22.
Planche
Practise Throws
18, 19 AND 20.
Double Walk
Double Roll
...
Easy Pyramid
27.
19
24
25
28
29
30
32
33
33
24.
26.
18
19
46
23.
25.
13
...
....
47
50
51
76
76
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
FACING
PAGE
FIGURE
28.
Elephant Hook.
Sample
Buttons for
Eyes
76
77
77
.
77
84
85
46.
47.
BETWEEN
The
PAGES
Serenade (Encore)
Director E. C. Ostlin and a Tumbling Class in a New York City
86,
FACING
PAGE
Gymnasium
48. 49,
52
AND
54, 55
57
and
50 AND 51.
53.
and
58.
Floor Rolls
Advanced
96
Work
56.
87
97
.
.136
137
AMATEUR CIRCUS
LIFE
TUMBLING
Tumbling
is
known
physical development.
all
gymnastics.
It
is
Occasionally
advanced amateurs
are made.
to
it
or attempts
is
at
taught to
teaching
it
The
to beginners
tumbling
tricks, the
somersault in the
*air-turn' as it is called.
To
air,
all
or
muscular
among
remittingly.
indeed.
The
fine art of
tumbling
is
generally
at-
AMATEUR CIRCUS
LIFE
is
hardly ever
would most
What
is
benefit
needed
by
is
who
it.
who
and
sufficiently difficult to
its
remain interesting
At
various feats,
still, if
there be opportunity, to
one
who
method
this
book
is
the simpler
atise
written.
It proposes to
movements
as
and
classes,
employ
of tumbling, system-
utilise the
Therefore
so
girls in
in a
word,
CHAPTER
II
graceful.
The
he or she
point
about
is
is
more
is
less
well, strong,
become
to
and
so,
and graceful.
it.
to
do what
this
book will
tell
you
to do.
or
drill.
enough games
this
who
book
is
So
written to explain
lack time
to
make
AMATEUR CIRCUS
4
up
LIFE
needed.
The
a
tise,
one
if
is
worth a
lot of prac-
and
is
the
result
strength
get
and
might put
instructor
grace.
it,
Or
an
as
brain.
It
is
not
nec-
much with
one's
mind and
will
scribed.
amount of games,
find that
day
in a year
you get a
in school
little
and a
With
wish
to
Good
do
in life will
dancing,
star
be just so
tennis,
work
in
an
much
easier.
good work
office,
you
in
shop, or
which are
short,
in
efficiency
the things
all
much
common
is
This
For
boy or
muscle
is
soft
girl the
when
is
not true.
What
flexed.
is
needed
and
is
this
soft
opment
He
body.
flexed
muscles
did
it
patience and
much
By endless
him
a muscle of the
practice and
His muscles
by light work.
wonderful
call the
separate control
of.
Also, a
stick too
You
who
become
stale.
much; or
AMATEUR CIRCUS
6
boxers
who do
boy or
girl at fourteen
quick in
The
should be
full of life,
Instructors have to
movements.
all
LIFE
this.
it
best
When
you
from instantaneous
trol of the
it
good
results
con-
you will
if
steady, conscientious
in the circus.
Amateurs who
spur of the
try to
do something on the
fools
you know
To know
act or
it,
you do
to
Either
not.
you can do
of
it
at
know
any time.
every
little
movement
make
your points.
In the ^Tath
boy
at the top of
up on
monkey and
hands and
feet
he looks
When
his
must stand
So
solidly.
It
is
it is
All the
and must
to present before
necessary to learn
it
prop-
and thoroughly.
is
to really
master
will here
make
member
good show
of the class
CHAPTER
III
We
much
study and
work
oughly and
delightful.
that
If
in
it
the
thor-
be interesting and
Get
required.
is
all
it
thoroughly
to do.
is
The
unnecessary to learn.
these elements
is
to
enough
fortunate
best
way
it is
to learn
have
to
an
The
last
Two
working
other
nine
elements.
Remember
that
more than
is
six times a
the price
week,
mined
As
do
to
have
this
That becomes
by playing games.
as
to little
time enough to
boy or
ment
clear
girl of
Once
the
at ten,
and
it
you need
As
far as I
know, there
you are
to
and
no good book on
All that
is
all,
the air-turns
half-twisters.
back,
Very good
if
how many
who work
to practise;
but
go
to school
boys
or
In no other
way
AMATEUR CIRCUS
lo
it is
enough
Nearly
little
slip or balk,
time to practise,
you get
I
to college,
it is
The
them
you
best
you
tricks
to give as pretty a
like.
way
to practise a class
to
is
form
the trick.
little
first,
is
and there
show
Leave
turns altogether.
be very
to
the accidents
all
turns.
Also, on ac-
tricks.
LIFE
class
is
best
in turn to try
composed
of
two
medium
is
sized for
girls.
many
in the line,
it
takes too
is
standing
still
too long.
Eight more or
less
green boys
the right
is
broken in
ii
a while,
side.
The
to
first
upon
settle
mids and
Falls, the
all
the
For pyra-
Topmounter.
Topmounters ought
and brave,
to
as light as possible,
be intelligent
and
also strong
and obedient.
of these Topmounters.
If they
mastered are:
The
do theirs.
tumbling
The
Salute.
that
is
do not know
The
is
to
Roll.
be
The
Diving.^
mids.
The
Salute.
You will
This
is
very important.
The order
to the
is
the
first
three.
in
at
AMATEUR CIRCUS
12
LIFE
ing thanks
applause
for
if
It
is
Girls learn
boys.
number
it
more
easily.
There are a
ordinary use.
Feet
The
first is
opened
shown
in illustra-
heels
tion
I.
body
raised,
the
of
and bent a
out,
little at
hand toward
gether.
ful
is
The whole
and balanced.
trying to do
it,
arms
the
together,
audience,
and thumb
hands
close to-
and there
is
class
something wrong
Probably
this class,
an exceptionally clever
this
lot,
effort.
and exactly
in
line
with them,
m
%^^
1-4
<
bo
easy balance.
It
is
thumb
13
hands
closed,
especially useful at
Now we
and two
in
by three
feet
wide
Such a mat
and other
the best,
is
(Only for
fif-
style
which
it,
about
costs
accessories, such as
The
Roll.
Place your
(Illustration 2.)
In doing
this
roll
on your
feet,
draw-
All
striking the
the roll.
ders.
mat
You
is
it
from
hit the
mat
first
learn
to
carry
When
straight
it,
and evenly up on
feet,
to
your
stand up
AMATEUR CIRCUS
14
LIFE
If
Do
you.
pletely
Do
it.
You need
and correctly.
and
it is
mat
until
not go
roll
com-
the roll to
best to learn
it first.
smooth, easy
the head or
roll,
bumping
made without
the back
striking
Do
of
it
practise,
faster
and
slowly at
faster.
first,
The hands
legs, as in illus-
tration 2.
The
Headstand.
Having made
is
sure of
to learn to stand
on
your head.
Mark
Place
The
instructor
may
take hold of
straight.
Push
3.
4.
HEADSTANDS
5.
Middle Position
Cartwheels
in
15
When
the forehead
point your
can do
if
put your
body
the
up
legs
straight
is
straight
and
toes.
this alone.
to tell
you
used
upside-down position,
the
to
fuses you,
con-
to,
sition.
The
At
first,
Also, at
you will
first
your
Do
Two
have
it,
roll
it
if
over to
you can-
in three weeks.
When
you
push
all straight
however, nor
to
do
position.
it
pointing the
Not
for long,
AMATEUR CIRCUS
i6
Nothing
boy.
is
more
LIFE
silly or useless
than to
try that.
Cart-wheels.
mat
the left
up
left
is
or
right,
the
cart-wheel
first.
hand on
in the air;
the mat;
jump with
Place
up
legs being
first
and land
The
left.
stiff,
and,
shove
else,
as
happen except
floor.
The
to
stiff,
waist.
As
nothing can
true position
is
wheel, and,
arms and
The
when you
right cart-wheel
is
nately,
this
takes
effort
17
though
a great
lefts
is
alter-
worth
the
deal of practise,
and
well
smoothly.
Handstand.
stiff;
up
as far as
feet to-
you
much
at the waist as
as
can.
At
in practis-
first,
you
wall.
in position.
Then
eighteen inches from the wall, or whatever distance suits your height.
Keep
the arms
stiff;
down on
the floor
first
so as not to
head on the
floor.
Keep
the
arms
as
much
as
AMATEUR CIRCUS
i8
LIFE
(See
23.
so
Do
this
can do
it
you.
begin,
little
by
to
help
little,
to
To
Handwalking.
trick called the
tion 6.)
roll.
^Wheelbarrow."
class
(Illustra-
stand on their
first
doubles walk in
the mat, and
file
on each
side,
up and down
handwalking double
four
steps to
the strong
staircase of
little
two treads
down
The
After coming
Double Work.
double work,
is
The
first
thing to teach in
the shoulder-mount.
Take
A
W^m.
i^^
JJij"
st
lo.
The method
of
teaching
1st Position
Falling.
9.
No. 2 Salute
He
in illustra-
shown
19
Pull
him
body
as
he can
(illustra-
He
erect, steady-
your head.
20
AMATEUR CIRCUS
them
just
below
the
smile
always
Topmounter
your neck
mounter
he
scared.
so
so
ful not to
the
long,
straight,
the
over
all
Top-
the
to
at first), the
forward
If
first
loses his
him
At
and
his arms,
practise smiling.
is
stand
The Topmounter
his
Both
knees.
straight as in illustration D.
must hold
LIFE
he can jump
Be
to the mat.
Topmounter
keeping close
Before
will learn to go
to the
care-
up
Understander.
not straighten up
Topmounter has
his left
up
begun
to pull
are in
good balance,
forward and
to position.
as
both
Both lean
keeping
fall,
As soon
in a straight line
and 9) until the Topmounter cannot stay any longer on the Under(illustrations
7,
He
stander's shoulders.
and both do a
the
roll,
illustration.
jumps
coming
In
this
to
the mat,
to the salute as in
picture
the
less
He
is
nor in balance.
in line
is
ahead in the
first
21
position.
mounters are in position and ready, the manager gives a signal for the
at
One
fall.
pair
is
produced.
fall,
Topmounter's legs
to
defect in
little
it
so as to trip
The
clearly.
wishes
is
to
hold the
him when he
jump.
Handsprings.
handspring
is
The back
flip.
This
is
enough not
to cut,
soft
Fasten
line of
little
in the
middle
AMATEUR CIRCUS
22
about
three
feet
long.
LIFE
These
ropes
are
to pass
two long
single
and one
It
is
and attached
feet apart)
to
in
one hand,
Now
your
At
feet,
first
so as not to
that,
first
to the mat.
instruc-
Be
sure to
to get
over alone.
back
jump with
stiff;
flip alone.
little until
Always
you can do
practise on a
this
mat
at
feet.
23
ten enables
you
to
easier.
is
Walk
to the mat,
as
stiff.
If
which
is
better at
The
first,
push
as
you go over.
first,
in learning the
handspring.
Professionals as a rule teach the bender
flip.
Hold
placing his
as possible.
When
he can do
this
without be-
easy.
and the
little
jump needed
his
is
book on
AMATEUR CIRCUS
24
LIFE
He
little illustration
this the
instructor's leg
man
In
of his method.
or big boy,
and
make an admir-
For
gives
(Illustration lo.)
it is
common
for the
seemed
the back
If a
me
to
the slowest
method
flip.
boy
is stiff,
around
which
of teaching
is
is
under
his knees,
to his feet.
used
to
turning in the
air,
to
learn.
Then
his
arms
as
stiff
him
over.
is
knock
enough
as
his head,
you help
back
flip.
do spotters or a string of
Pyramids.
There
are
flips.
many
of
these.
Rugen
II.
PYRAMID. ADORATION.
Rugen
12.
PYRAAIID.
Lighted balloon
is
balanced on Topmounter's
right
hand.
"Path
the
25
to
the
Adoration.
their hands
arms braced
salutes,
The two
The
steps.
goes up quickly
seconds dive
three Understanders
close together,
The Topmounter
the same.
roll.
Two
across.
Three on
n.)
(Illustration
mat and
This requires
down and
roll.
All form at
roll.
salute; run
practise.
back
If
to the
the
Un-
Path to the
pyramid
if
well done.
staircase (as
in
the
Stars.
shown
strongest
This
Form
a very pretty
a solid
and even
Understander.
is
The Top-
less)
walks up
stander,
staircase
firmly.
The
To
AMATEUR CIRCUS
26
Topmounter
the
is
handed a
LIFE
sort of
paper bal-
and a lighted
He
taper.
on right hand,
lights
it,
down
ofjf.
The
balloon burns
the
to
But
smile.
shower of
The
lights are
and drops
lights).
it,
just be-
{cue for
silver stars
the rest
to the
roll,
Fall,
Diving.
up
have
steps.
portant of
all
the
tricks.
AFTER YOU
ROLL,
let the
Walk up
to
it
slowly,
Be
to strike
your
to
it
Each time
up on your
roll
them
a little
in.
27
the stick
If
draw
raised
is
is
On no
class
account stop
can go over
it
easily
balking or bumping.
in future tricks, so
Now
it.
on
Much
depends on
as
this
As well
it.
you
can, without
bending
At
first
the instructor
Turn
it
Lay
the chair on
show
diving.
same over
by the instructor
its
vance
Later you
side,
it.
and
When
bumping
and not
let the
these
neither
before, ad-
AMATEUR CIRCUS
28
The
All form a
Horses.
LIFE
line, the
leader
and
as in illustrations 13
dives over
ber one.
high
as
as
you can
The
large
^'horses."
this act
Hoops.
Begin
play-hoops.
or bump.
Then
until
it
to
Let
one.
w^ith
hoops.
second boy-
tle,
The
him and places himself beside numThe third the same, and so on un-
you get up
til
14.
it
lit-
or use two
strips of
held out
stiffly,
After
The
duck
head and
roll as in illustration
15.
class is
An
it
ready for
of Death."
Take
lasts
to
hold
it
Soak
by.
At Cloyne
fore using.
hoop was
lights,
the hall.
lit
dived through
it,
rolled
charged the
up
all
came
if
and
were back
on,
class,
to the feet,
After
Before
be-
little just
Down
in alcohol
hoop
it
29
It
in
and you
better
is
applauded.
Thompson
is
joints
all the
after-
to
at the joints.
The
best
is
pairs
at.
wrap
which
fit
to
buy the
out-
snugly together.
Laying the
paper
work
of pasting.
For a
AMATEUR CIRCUS
30
LIFE
When
method
you desire
is
to
to so
build up
as
you
By
that I
mean
weary
as it proceeds,
One
show
and
it
finishes well.
is
due
thing goes
planned
to
to the style
and
smoothly and
look well.
if
finish.
all
This
the
style
Everyacts
and
are
finish
if
the acts are pretty, the fact that the tricks are
easier does not
much
matter.
there
is
It
is
If
may
get
you un-
must do
it
appointed.
moment
company
of the
star
each one
in something, every
member
One boy
him
by the
class,
end with
monotony of
and
31
in
it.
make
Another the
Begin with
a quick one.
all-class acts
that his
a slow act
Break the
by ^^brother acts"
following
chapters.
double work
it is
In
to save his
That
is
Topmounter
will
not have
Otherwise the
confidence
and
right
is
moves
fine
to
say.
see
boys
for
the
moment, but
it
move
Topmounters on account
of
the
AMATEUR CIRCUS
32
sidered.
LIFE
Has he courage?
Has he
Will he be obedient?
head?
a swelled
sullen-faced boy
mid
or in a brother
act.
especially
know
not what
and
as
to
nervous women,
make
a pleasing im-
It
is
erly.
for
if
your audience
as well stay at
is
not pleased
style,
you may
home.
to
be a theatre
Any amateur
lar
and go on and do
act
his or
and
former declined
dragged him
off.
stop,
to
her
the
If the
act.
all
if
yell
the per-
stage
hands
acts,
is,
style or finish,
19-
Throw No.
First
Position
Throw No. 2
Second Position
20.
Walk
Both these practice throws are useful, especially in training Topmounters. Learn them always on a soft mat. No. i is more easilylearned than No. 2. At first in swinging up No. i let some one
put a hand at his neck so that he will not fall back. Soon he will
No. 2 has to push hard on the
get the time and land on his feet.
mat at the pull up of the legs. Do not let go of him the first few
When he has the time, throw
trys or he is sure to land on his nose.
his feet over, he pushes his hands hard and comes to second position.
THE. TEN ELEMENTS
33
Perhaps
fast.
ers generally
fast
they go
make
at
it
as if
first
half of the
So
to
avoid
all this
little
in all
difficulty
so
acts," as
that
is
Here
points
head and
on.
round,
first
you
the in-
By
mously.
will polish
all
desire
Many
good
up your work
until
it
act
if it
becomes what
were competently
made
would
Do
a really
criticised
act.
and
head and
listen.
work
until
you have
The
needed here.
it
is
will be
AMATEUR CIRCUS
34
who
much
LIFE
masters the
do well, pretty
anything.
Another caution
Do
Topmounters:
to
not
Stray people
who
you
see
Understander's
and
bruises
spoils
like to try
work
at
part.
This
your form.
in
results
After practis-
and
this
is
You
important.
gain nothing by
When
all
much improved by
fall
and know
Do
the
again
all roll
fall,
roll,
and
salute.
to
number
Fall,
if
2.
there
at
each end.
The
four
down
35
to
be very
diffi-
Topmounter
stays on as long as he can and when he jumps
The
is but a short distance from the mat.
As
cult.
however,
roll,
is
Understander
backwards.
is
If the
him or
Topmounter
trips
him fall
damaged it
lets
is
good
stander
who
The
Now
then
faithfully
we may assume
followed
that
you have
directions
the
in
this
is
fitting that
may
"Amateur Circus
you how
best that
may
be done.
CHAPTER
IV
SHOW
PREPARATION FOR A
Suppose that a Y.
M.
C. A. or
Boy
Scouts'
months
to get
ready
in.
Wherever
it
ar-
is,
command.
best.
If
you have
electricity
old-fashioned
flare
lights,
must have
footlights
lit
such
stage,
that
is
with the
as
peanut
however,
properly.
liv-
to enclose
good shows
too.
Of
course
36
if
you have no
show
37
is
Benches, planks,
the Ring.
from Barnum & Bailey
Size of
interesting.
Show on Earth
March
21, 1916.
Ernest Balch,
New York
City.
Dear Sir:
Answering your
feet in diameter.
is
The
is
42
is
optional as
it
However, they
Very
truly yours,
Barnum &
Messrs.
Barnum &
42
is
feet.
But
this size is
to
be ridden
feet
Bailey.
diameter.
it
may be
gait.
as small as
20
AMATEUR CIRCUS
38
LIFE
carpet.
If
effect
is
it
your ring
is
Dig out
to three inches,
remove
or stumps.
sifted
all stones
If
you give
tickets for
it.
smooth and
This
the
for tumbling
stuff.
as
is
as
good
any mat.
sell
to
be
movies.
Many
performance.
that
to get.
Ticket
The main
company giving an
The advantage
a boy or girl
seats.
who
at 10,-15,
a fake
sellers
thing
is
interesting
of the stage
animal
act,
is
or
39
and
stale recitations.
is
haps a donkey.
You
will
make
the most
money by giving
three performances.
The
First at night.
bill,
little
change
There are
number
part in
the
ring,
'The
of
"Box
&
ring,
Preparation?
a burlesque
Should be Allowed
I
would say three
of
it,
for the
Red
Cross or something.
If
you
must give
sell
tickets at 25
a very
AMATEUR CIRCUS
40
If
ration.
LIFE
girls
If there
saved.
act
may be
who have
much time
is
put in or a dance.
show goes
A
It
is
this
with
is
to
programme has
be
to
made
interesting.
The
acts.
audi-
amusing and
pretty.
is
like a
my
describe very
many
is
act
is
the
there space to
may
be learned by ama-
is
it.
intention nor
of time
good
real solid
is
It
It
In a word, you
two or
To
he
Lack
practise an
sure of
it
is
is
41
book.
effect
acts
upon one
or dangerous
difficult
feat,
lights
or expensive costumes.
furthermore
we do
we can do
and best of
all
we
are free
from the
the profes-
life of
sional.
If the
shows a year
he will wish
is
about
is
to do.
To embark
in the business
is
given to few,
Any boy
and
is
who
learns here
whole
is
lot
what he
exacting master
can
The
life is
a master
an
teach.
Professional acrobatic
business.
all
work
is
very serious
AMATEUR CIRCUS
42
LIFE
first-class
to-
tion.
He
is
anywhere.
getting
week or
less
in
one
never
to
come back.
Travelling
all
over the
world and seeing nothing and knowing nothing about the best things in that world
hold the
life of
an acrobat.
Brother Acts
This
families or brothers.
The
name is
venient custom.
which
is
be-
act
is
is
is
performed by
simply a con-
owned by some
a sort of trade-mark
managers.
it
or
and
"Brown
reputation
known
to
which
is
valuable.
to do.
They
the place.
are
and able
If one of the
else is
hired to
is
43
work
to
Two or
These brother
difficult
the actors.
according to the
In Chapter
V a show
is
may
acts
skill of
described
Two
Once
possible.
tricks,
Each
list
of combinations
act should
comprise three
roll
little
trick nearly
The
fol-
and
and
salute.
Understander on
his
mounter
sits
him up
in the air.
on his
feet.
Top-
Understander kicks
Topmounter
shoots up,
AMATEUR CIRCUS
44
dives,
and
up
rolls
to
standing position.
2d
No. 2
to
salute together.
and
rolls,
back
to back.
^d Trick,
No.
rolling
is
Topmounter
Un-
in opposite direction.
give No.
Un-
standing position.
Topmounter
Trick,
LIFE
Salute.
2.
The
Encore.
Topmounter on
Turn.
Double
top.
They
Understander
is
bridge,
turn so
Topmounter same on
his back.
to
Top-
Bal-
Understander
gives
one
hand
to
Top-
his
feet.
Topmounter
shoulders.
his
foot
feet
up
other,
is
to
rise
up on
When
and
to
Understander
solid,
is
well up on
stander's hands.
up
this stand
45
straight,
2 salute.
Top-
practise.
making
the turn.
three things:
in
best,
Do
rule.
trick,
fill
It
is
trick, in case
composed
also so
as
and
the
to interest
acts
it
tricks, if possible,
is
tration
16
to do,
and No. 2
this
shoulder mount.
the shoulders the
quickly.
desirable to combine
in-
In brother
to
planche
salute.
As
follows
in illus-
well
the
Topmounter
sits
on the Un-
pulls
AMATEUR CIRCUS
46
his
LIFE
The
to a balance.
roll.
No.
Salute.
2.
lustration
4),
bly*
the Understander
supposed by an audience
the work.
little
As
his feet
to
is
(il-
invaria-
be doing
all
ing, since
it is
Topmounter
This
in this position.
is
prop-
Topmounter
does a handstand and handsprings off.
Understander does a snap up.
Both salute. But
if
this,
the
to
fair combination.
little
Two
roll.
They do
not look well for big boys and are too easy.
Double Walk.
Face
to
No
2 jumps.
22.
DOUBLE ROLL
Russak
feet
close
Russak
23.
first.
Front boy takes position second. Back
Handstanders come down first, then Topmounter. All roll
Topmounter goes up
boy
and
last.
salute.
EASY PYRAMID
hooks
his
No.
feet.
through No.
I's legs,
Achilles tendons,
No
shoulders up.
No.
Stop.
pulls
Both
position.
No.
I's
back
to
the mat.
standing
(Illustration 21.)
No.
on his back.
lies
No.
head.
and No.
Each
No.
head and
his
raises
salute.
Double Roll.
backward
and
and
waist,
I's
bends
47
No.
takes
2 does a roll
No.
Three
rolls
back.
2.
Salute.
(Illustration 22.)
An
improvement of
this:
Wheelbarrow
on the mat
as
tration 6).
and
taking
rolls,
kles.
Proceed
in
the
hold
in the
of
double
No.
roll
(illus-
2's
an-
down and
back.
The
who wish
to
We will
make
the
AMATEUR CIRCUS
48
The
LIFE
roll,
and
2-High
Fall,
the
stand.
The dog
two
has learned to
rolls in succession, to
sit
up, to do one or
walk on
jump on
assisted
2-High
Fall.
sit
his front
his
head
there, then
do a
The dog
time.
is
taught as
much
described
in
Chapter IX.
We will
name
the act
THE SANREYES
(Properties required, a mat)
As explained such a name is a sort of trademark and has nothing to do with the real
name of the performers. We will suppose
the
dog
liable
learned
to
that
all re-
when he
gets
his oue.
The
to
If he runs
be coaxed he
You would
and
49
bill it so
THE SANREYES
George
Harry
Billy
First
and
floor
put on the
The mat
else
is
needed for
this act.
or the third,
Nothing
conveniently placed.
is
he
if
is
No.
mount.
Both
George
I.
No.
No.
2.
Harry.
Shoulder
Salute.
Planche.
No. 2
Balance.
roll.
and
2 Salute.
and 2-High
Fall.
They
the
mat on two
on
Harry's back,
sits
2-High
Both
Fall.
bridge and
Shoulder-mount
mat
down
feet.
Billy
jumps on
roll.
AMATEUR CIRCUS
50
No.
Billy
on
LIFE
3.
his shoulders
are
in
balance,
When
Harry
All
(Illustration 16.)
roll.
George
Encore.
on
and
hands
knees.
All
Bow.
roll.
up
more
difficult
brother
tricks.
it
as fast as
This
is
they learn
true
of
all
acts.
table 22 inches
Clowns
by 22 inches by 32 inches
high.
I
high
I
to seat.
high
to seat.
Russak
24.
Riissak
25.
Fall.
"This
is
the
life."
51
slightly notched to
slip-
ping.
Clown
piles
them up and
sits
on the top
chair.
ist
business.
you wish
fall
to
fear, etc.
on your
feet
and do
This
fall.
If
you
fall
back
You
(illus-
do a back
Mats
At
first
should be practised
first;
AMATEUR CIRCUS
52
This
is
properly a clown
changed
to
fit
climbing up
be
an independent act
piling
is
up the
chairs
and while he
to his place
and
is fall-
lot of
business
The
table should be
legs.
shaved down
more
will tip
at the
made with
big,
heavy
is
easily.
Contortion Work.
Contortionists smk^
children.
Among
may
ing, both
when
but
act,
While No.
boy.
as
LIFE
This
boys there
is
is
to
be double
broken
are
sometimes one
who
has
This
may be
wrist.
If
contortion
you can do
this
Any
one
who
53
The main
tise.
was
to
Juggling.
work
There
easily attained.
and
apparatus
However,
it,
do
but require
lighting
would recommend
boy
effects.
to learn
an accomplishment useful in
balls, as this is
is
very good
As
Boxing.
tant thing to
gramme.
this,
do
Boxing
is
to
is
a very
good way
to
do
est boys.
old
If
who know
afraid to be
little
punched a
bit
Let one
much
it
make
You
AMATEUR CIRCUS
54
Rounds should
round
go on solely
is
two pairs
first
as
matched and
one round.
little
It is
they
Two
are evenly
One
is
rounds
last
LIFE
if
they
If they
really good.
hardly necessary
box
to
to say that
if
he cannot
little
hammer-
ing.
Pantomimes
tion
circus.
many
of the
can be
tales
again.
make
world
good one.
little
There are
sketches of I
know
distinguish in
making
sary to consider
a choice.
what each
It
neces-
story requires in
is
changes.
puts
it,
many
The
cases.
tale of
famous old
so
in
55
a most effective
pantomime but
it
would
re-
many
people.
The culminating
which
King
the Gilded
scene in that
mountain lake
washing
bathes,
waters.
as
an offering to the
off
which he
covered
in
God below
is
the
whereas the
Difficult to reproduce,
is
"Jack and
the try-
the Beanstalk"
the
"Cinderella."
tle
pantomimes or comedies
a trained
and
One could
write
lit-
dis-
what
difficult.
Any
little
comedies.
make up one
They may be
all
of these
in panto-
"Cinderella"
begins
on
the
stage.
56
AMATEUR CIRCUS
which two
side
by side may
LIFE
to the ring
easily walk.
The
Two
One, the
sets are
on
cot-
other, the
The
The
Prince
Prime Minister
Fairy Godmother
Proud Sister No. i
Proud Sister No. 2
Herald
As many more
people as desired.
Courtiers, attendants,
guards, etc.
Act
I.
Scene
Scene
ball.
Proud
2.
i.
Cottage of Cinderella.
Proud
sisters
sisters
have gone
Act
Clock
Goes
II.
it i;i.
to the ball.
Cinderella trans-
rub
to
coach in the
to the ball.
Scene
strikes.
I,
(Onstage.)
The
ball.
Scene
2.
(On
the
stage.)
finds the
(On
III.
Trying on the
ered.
Stage.)
Cinderella
slipper.
End with
entrance.
This "Cinderella''
Kitchen
to ring
is
scene.
discov-
and out
grand wedding
57
to
scene.
is
comedy because you can use many or few people and make it simple or gorgeous according to the resources of the company. I saw it
done once
sixty
Mexico by
in
An
odd.
company
a circus
of
Another pretty
it.
part.
mimists.
famous
Another
The Proud
homely.
Sisters
There was
nies,
liveries
The
in
drawn by two
cocked
little
hats,
wigs
Shetland po-
Godmother summoned
When
to
take
the Fairy
AMATEUR CIRCUS
58
LIFE
the ponies
crowded
ball.
There was
a pause, a clock
poor
little
down
the
runway through
covered and
Act
Proud
III.
down came
up
is
dis-
the curtain.
Curtain rose on
first
kitchen
set.
Cinder-
ella
weeps
ter,
the ring.
in the corner.
Scene
discovered.
The
2.
59
Palace again.
The Coach
plays
ella
wedding march.
descend
to the coach,
Orchestra
to the great
applause of
happy they
as
The
looked.
applauded, sighed a
In
this
little
ants
much
and machinery.
mind
that
so
The
fairy at-
it
is,
much
simpler setting.
The Hotel
requires no scenery at
all,
and
Two
broken tumble-down
fortable one.
affair, the
other a com-
6o
AMATEUR CIRCUS
front
at
distance,
little
twelve
say
woman who
marks from
her,
come
tramp
feet.
The
beds
LIFE
Enter an old
After some
re-
in a lodger in a sort
Dialogue.
costume.
of
ridiculous
He
business.
funny business.
row between
second goes out for a mo-
This leads
to a
The row
in-
them both
The
In
this
comedy
the
whole
effect
little
pro-
business.
As
comedies or pantomimes of
this
In clever hands
a rule
is
it is
to
At
the end
somewhat and
all
it
in
is
6i
not
sufficiently ridiculous
a half
greyhound.
nificent
little
Never
Legree and
mag-
CHAPTER V
A SHOW AT A BOARDING SCHOOL
Cloyne.
camp, which
is
So we began
Then
it.
after-
starting
not give a
an hour every
to practise
we
to
do
this
and that
is
were with
and
moreover, eleven
for a class.
eleven, four of
tle training,
giving.
many
whom
just three
But there we
had had
weeks
to
to
drop
out,
62
lit-
Thanks-
worked well
who
AT A BOARDING SCHOOL
made
class
boy
make
disobey and
to
63
disorder.
suppose he
I let
him
resign.
to
now you
we were down
see
were
except
and a well-balanced
right number,
that
the
two
trifle
so
lot they
Understanders
heavier.
Fortu-
suit-
symptom
delayed
we were
good work
at the
and the
down
The
be
show.
it
happened that
class not
In practising cartwheels
of enlarged head
did.
So we made
and
this
cleared and
Tom
Then
the floor
was
AMATEUR CIRCUS
64
all
had
Had we
floor.
spotted on
LIFE
the
effect,
due
to the contrast
As
done in sight of
is
amount
class
to
nothing at
Excuses
Moreover,
all.
this
must say
which
at all nervous,
tise in
work
this
same
class
at their next
much one
None
manager Sam.
of stage
would work
show, for
learns
it
a
is
whole
the less
lot better
surprising
how
ence.
One of
With
it
a week's
all right.
more
Not
he was unwilling
practise
it
in the least
to try
it,
and I
AT A BOARDING SCHOOL
It
insisted.
65
little.
As we had but
we
programme
One
difficulty
it
and
all
worked
Here
it.
went a
was agreed
de-
acts
the stage
that they
his business
Afterwards
fast.
is
the rest of
manager knew
to settle
Thanksgiving show.
time,
became time
of this
In the sec-
flip.
little
that the
show
too
is
Like
gloomy and
all
pessi-
mistic.
"That's a
fact,
they cannot do
much
in three
now
is
down
to eight,
and what
finish.
AMATEUR CIRCUS
66
make allowances
You
short preparation.
LIFE
for the
"Suppose Craik
(One
gets rattled?"
of the
Topmounters).
"Well, he won't; he
is
day."
little."
matters,
Turner Brothers
"Yes, he will
he
is
in
act."
he has not a
lot of style
but
always reliable."
"What
"Tights, of course
tume for
little
we can
get
up
a fine cos-
money."
The costume
purchased
described in Chapter
VI was
wore
chest, a little
below the
left shoulder,
left leg
and a
below
effect of so
AT A BOARDING SCHOOL
much
Every one
blackness.
else
was
67
in even-
Now
style.
tree."
tle picture.
It
is
very important
to
start.
with an embarrassed
If
impress an
you slouch
lit-
is
in
depress-
ing.
Meanwhile
made.
ranged the
the
class in line,
stage
manager
ar-
in front
Understanders
Behold a nervous
at the ends.
moment behind
down
and the
The
in front.
situation
by marching
punch
The
went up
a rock.
foot-
and the
(Frontispiece.)
AMATEUR CIRCUS
68
LIFE
(il-
lustrations 48,
lute.
tive entrance
The
We
Finish.
cade"
to
to
"The
selected
This
do the
Cas-
simple
is
All
roll properly.
The
hind
it.
The
orchestra,
line
if
formed be-
Up jumped
down
the
steps in single
file,
rolls
down dropped
tive.
It
the curtain.
Simple but
effec-
Now we
but the
The
two brother
Brothers,
acts,
helped;
Stires
was
AT A BOARDING SCHOOL
needed, so
we put
biggest boys
that the
first,
in a
boxing
69
The two
act.
two smallest.
minute.
Chapter IV.
lot
and helped
This
is
to
programme
the
two
as it
model
for
finally car-
was
and
it
will serve
forty-minute
to
one-
acts
TUMBLING CLASS
CLOYNE HOUSE SCHOOL
Newport, Rhode Island
Thanksgiving, 19 15
Stage
Manager
Decorations
Lights
Costumes
AMATEUR CIRCUS
70
LIFE
The Company
Messrs. Lewis Kerr,
Music
The
1.
Grand
2.
3.
Horses.
4.
Headstands (four).
10.
Double
5.
Double 2-High
11.
Brother Act.
6.
Pairs.
Handwalking
The Wheelbarrow.
(The Class.)
12.
Boxing.
13.
Pyramids:
Brother Act.
14.
Entree.
(The
7.
8.
Diving.
Hoop
(The
Class.)
9.
Fall.
Class.)
Cart-wheels.
Path
The
Roll.
Cascade.
It all
remembrance of old
little
acts,
the finish
they
peated
people
Did
Immensely
the
the
the
applauded
who had
went
Class.)
few minutes.
Adoration,
to the Stars.
(The
if
Fiery
of Death,
Cascade twice
a long time,
seen everything.
re-
those
CHAPTER VI
COSTUMES AND DISCIPLINE
sleeves,
For the
It
is
feet use
important
nor too
loose.
Expensive
black colour
fits
in
White
except white.
The
tights
are difficult to
The
best
and
shirt.
According
to
your
same colour or
the
silk.
Topmounters
not.
taste use
trunks of the
Distinguish, however,
as this looks
71
well in pyra-
AMATEUR CIRCUS
72
It can be
mids.
LIFE
specialties to
arranged
to give
desir-
able to use a
it
cos-
programme must be
change
it
Girls will
know how
to
arrange an effective
to trip
In measuring
tights,
this last is
The
inside
The
may
be added.
Shirt
belt or cord
this until
and
on a light
73
around
tights or
all.
and of obeying
rector
This
actly.
als
and
there
that
manager
is
so important
a
"goes"
and hard
good plan
at the
manager
is
the
emphatically.
to
understand
book.
One
What
to success.
says
might be
it
stage
is
no other way
is
stage
This
is
is
is
better than
none.
clearly,
when you
arrive at
Only
reason
is
simple enough.
and appropriate
in
What
is
The
becoming
room appears
differ-
AMATEUR CIRCUS
74
LIFE
and the
to
should be obeyed
If the stage
reasons.
well of
it
that
manager
stage
is
is
ager
is
Do
at once.
That
enough.
manager
the
does,
what
is
good
effect as the
artist.
There
is
Nothing
may
stage
may
look well or
mitted in these,
copied from
effects
to
not.
be observed.
costume, make-up,
jokes, or
pantomime.
Colours and
stage
and
styles
must
in the ring.
Amateurs
easily
is
on the
make
not sur-
who do
For
grown
not
make mistakes
are scarce.
people's
and
girls'
or
75
may
be used.
Black
gloves
are
better
able.
if
black
because
dirty,
but the
is
well.
men
in fancy dress or
The
five in
clothes
fine.
nicely.
in
the
shown
in
Of
Chapter V.
dirty
Clown costume
show two styles:
A Clown
Buy
is
easy.
Costume for
The
illustrations
$.75.
ground.
for neck.
sides
Double
Split
in the middle.
up ends
and insides of
legs.
to
form
Carry up
sew up
split
above
AMATEUR CIRCUS
76
to
enough
so as to enter
Each
sleeves.
The
elastic.
far
top.
ruff
down
enough
catch.
LIFE
at
straight
makes
may
be white,
figures of animals or
what you
each sleeve.
green or red.
Cut out
little
Sew on
the cotton
Hat is ordinary coneshaped clown effect made of pasteboard and white muslin
with coloured dots pasted or sewed on. They
may be purchased in New York for five cents.
cloth.
may
and
coloured dots,
be
made
one leg
this cos-
is
may be
strong yoke
is
effective.
The
sewed
in the
If a
26.
Way
to
First
and sewing.
Russak
27.
Clown
Ruffs.
Hoops.
Pair of
28.
29.
31.
EASY PYRAMIDS
DEAD MAN
30.
32.
sistance
77
Clown Ruff
Strip of crinoline or coarse mosquito netting
boy or
inch wide.
facing.
Fold
girl.
it
Length of
strip
to tie.
should.
36
to
is
one
then four
50 inches.
Colours
up
White, blue,
as a
Clown's ruff
mosquito netting
cents.
is
Pleated this
green, or yellow.
terial,
in accordion pleats
very good.
Stiff
Cost about 25
CHAPTER
Vir
CLOWN WORK
Clown Make-up.
sider
Here we have
is
to
work.
to con-
In the big
clown
is
unknown
cannot be heard.
work
is,
in a one-ring circus or
however,
little
His
is
on a
stage.
There
and
sawdust ring.
man
in all
with red.
His make-
up to a peak in
covered with white, mouth outlined
The costume was the conventional
Mexico.
built
He
CLOWN WORK
had
79
He worked always in
photographer and
duced a singular
so
told.
all
effect
why
He
once
each season,
him
especially
the gallery
and
same jokes
same way,
were not
So every year
it.
body.
asked
stuff
the
to
at the
Yucatan,
little acts,
with
in the
A great man
Bell,
When
the greatest
in his
line I
have
seen.
there
was
waves of
so for
at
each
clown has
little detail
to
of voice,
Poorly applied
AMATEUR CIRCUS
8o
make-up
LIFE
To
is
lines
of study and
For
is
The
and baggy.
front with
to a
^wide
peak
plug hat
much
quires
up
hair built
costume
study.
It
it
also re-
must be "foolish
applies
to
all
not
This
saying
coat.
is
in
make-up.
The make-up
dabs of red in
a poor effect!
many
I
gym
or hall.
is
Putting
work
is
the size
done be-
As
it
is
little
difficult to
decide
all these
points
eye
is
invaluable.
made up
as
it
CLOWN WORK
done by the boys themselves.
8i
not clown-foolish.
pear simply
silly
tries to;
may
use
experience of professionals.
vantage, no elaborate
to little,
all that is
ad-
necessary.
is
makes
a specially
their use.
this
delightful clown.
in
make-up
amount
With
is
is drill, drill
and more
is
bored audience.
to
it
so
have seen
M.
C. A.
the slapstick
funny.
Result,
practise,
artistic
tend
many
is
invaluable
one
who
will at-
"Too
fast,"
AMATEUR CIRCUS
82
LIFE
if
work
as a rule,
in twos
or
is
bling to do a
roll, a dive,
he can walk on
his
and a headstand.
hands so
much
If
the better.
funny
falls are
easy.
same way
preliminary part
The
the
must speak
^^gets
it
clearly
fast so that
If there
is
in turn.
Chapter
it
all
the points.
such as
of
little acts
in
Chapter IV.
In
CLOWN WORK
83
If
If the
banjo, or sing,
it is
an effective change to do a
As
have
said,
violin, cornet or
an encore.
when
best they
ordinary
is
known
and
girls,
pantomime and
better
The
it
At
fail'.
cir-
in
the
In any
to do.
explanation of this
is
that untrained
For
needed
;.
but in
talking clown
help rather
all.
The Reader
On
it
the table
is
a newspaper,
AMATEUR CIRCUS
84
funny business
down on
not
ond clown
tiptoes
out
enters
Then No.
arm on
first
little
away
Both do
Sec-
No
sits
table, be-
funny business a
First
chair.
Finally
up behind
table.
much.
too
coming absorbed
LIFE
back
paper and
roll,
him
a shove.
Business
all.
Chair Act.
of the mat.
floor.
on
No.
over the
rolls
to the chair.
He
it.
with
so satisfied
is
While he
rolls
No.
2 rolls back,
funny
other.
fall.
Both have
used so the
down and
sits
sits
roll
to
falls are
on
tip-
down on
it.
of course has a
a trick
know how
and funny
this
standing
is
up
falls.
to
on the
do the
The mat
it.
33-
Fishface discovers
reading.
Koko
34.
I]ut to
36.
the
table.
make him
fall
at last
THE READER
37-
Fish face
amuses
himself
39.
And Koko
triumphs.
CLOWN WORK
Both do funny
No.
ness.
aims,
makes
cracker in his
crushes
would be
85
and No. 2
a noise,
This trick
fingers.
busi-
and
as in all
is
it.
The two
Koko and
Fishface.
The
One
acts
given in these
riin
about eight
it
an audience.
by
itself
is
to ten or
long enough.
Or,
if
split
or without dialogue.
either with
Clowns may
it
can be
an entry
boys
to-
also be used to
advantage
to
help
may
begins with
AMATEUR CIRCUS
86
LIFE
The Dialogue
this
way.
their
own
KOKO.
much
make up
dialogue.
am
hypno-
tist?
FiSHFACE.
KOKO.
I'll
I did not.
Come on and
(Illustration 40.)
show you.
[Drags him forward.~\
Illus.
he's
41.
See
how
Illus. 42.
I can
KOKO.
do anything
him on
Now
I like
he
hypnotised.
is
with him.
I'll
stand
his head.
Illus. 43.
Illus. 44.
feet.
[More
business
and
talk,]
back on his
fect control.
KOKO.
control.
[This
Perfect control.
sir.
Perfect
the point.
The
return slap
of
HF^
^
^/
J K^^^^^H
^^'^
^^fW*-^^^^^^^^m
^1
Vi^
^^^^K^^k
?-**''
40
'
'IflP^^^^^H
W^
^^^H
B^'i K
1 lk^\
'
ll
'
^H
^H
irfl
kI ^h
^H
SI
41
43
HYPNOTISM
CLOWN WORK
Koko by Fishface must
great noise.
roll
said
be quick and
make a
~\
{Loudly,^
Fishface.
You
87
[^Slaps
it.
Koko,
(Illustration
45.)
Both do a back-
and grin^
If an encore
is
is
backroll,
the jokes.
No.
No.
Koko is
the work
and No.
2 clown.
The
in
jokes
may
list
given
Chapter X.
joke.
CHAPTER
FAKE ELEPHANT.
Vlir
THRILLERS
With
the aid of
is if
The
6'
4"
to 6'
is
for an elephant
is
New York.
in height, then
Museum
of Natural His-
Jumbo
will be a
little
over
5'
6"
6' 4''
correct.
ELEPHANT HOOK
The
elephant
strength.
is
If he gets
FAKE ELEPHANT
do much damage.
easily
89
for
to
Fix
a place
hook
it
when
in
Having
leading
hook
(illustration 28).
him
to control
to
on.
him we
will pro-
14''
slope
to point
where
2"
Height over
Length over
all
6'
4"
all
6'
4"
Width
6'
.
23"
5'
2'
of ear
i'
2'
3'
to
2'
stomach
Backbone
4'
2'
3'
End
of backbone
Diameter of
The
feet,
down
about
legs
to tail slope
6"
3"
i'
2"
12"
the drawings
AMATEUR CIRCUS
90
One
Backbone.
Face of
in
One
skull.
wood
piece
sidepieces of skull
Top
of skull.
Two
One
x 3" x
i" thick
One
skull.
piece
Two
4'
LIFE
wood.
...
12" x
i''
x shaped
piece to size.
ders
of
leg-boys,
One
spring 12"
y^" bolt
Ribs to
Two
thick, bored
with four
holes.
suit.
Two
Cotton
cloth, say
ft.
width.
Assembling
frames
to the
and secure
all
backbone
all this
while building.
head on the
sides
the forehead.
It
on a couple of saw-horses
The head
Trim
out the
this
Shape
FAKE ELEPHANT
Nail on top of the head.
91
Nail, or screw
on cotton
cloth, stuffing
it
Now tack
to give the
rounded
Only
the
lid of
an elephant
bone.
Mould
is
as the
lower eye-
down
the
head
is
the
shape,
With
level;
when
cloth.
if
the
The spring is to give the characteristic up and down swing of the head when the
front boy pushes it up and down with a stick.
phant.
AMATEUR CIRCUS
92
If the spring
LIFE
is
pad
of
bone.
The rubber
tion.
restless
movement
stall.
of
Also you
floor.
it
By
hook be hidden
will catch
in the
if
a wire
and carry up
to the
mouth some
wisps of hay.
Bend and
fasten to the
ribs
on a
less,
side,
Cover and
Legs.
stuff
stuff
Take two
doing
this,
the boys
legs.
to
who
elephant shape.
In
are to be front-legs
FAKE ELEPHANT
93
and back-legs must put on the shoulder supports and get into the boots.
Make and
fall
back
stujff
flat
Insert into
to
Another pair of
forward either or
A similar stick in
both ears.
him
to flap
hind-
to the
boy
to
upper
wink
the
Hind-legs
Baby Jumbo
down (hind-legs sits down)
ears, tail
can dance,
sit
and
eyelids.
all
paper on the
his ears,
When
floor,
and wink
all is
his eyes.
some places
sewed and
it
wag
may
In
in others glued.
Try
to
make
join-
AMATEUR CIRCUS
94
LIFE
ings
Shape the
seams.
over
with
elastic,
them.
Fasten around the right foreleg an iron ring
much use)
attached when he
(polished by
chain
is
Put on enough
ribs
to
is
which Jumbo's
in his stall.
so
your
The
cloth skin
proper places.
and
and
patches
little
few
Jumbo's
eyelashes
gummed on
will
the
the cloth
improve
baby
looks.
Do
the best
difficult.
If
The
eyes,
beautiful.
which
are
a naturalist to help
you so
FAKE ELEPHANT
much
95
the better.
book
The mouth
It
surprising
is
how
will
Jumbo
natural
bow
his
if
your
Two
As
see.
elephant
this
is
He
can easily be
made
fatter
designed to go
is
by pushing out
the ribs.
if
Jumbo
there
one.
dress.
is
He
the ring.
be
If not
by some one
in evening
The
first
as serious as if
should try to
he were
make
his
real,
movements perfectly
natural.
For example:
a plank,
sit
trainer.
Walk
on a chair.
down; second
Seesaw on
first part.
time,
sit
on him,
etc.
Jumbo
front are
AMATEUR CIRCUS
96
The
LIFE
cov-
if
is
may
be used to
The
rect.
If
denim
is
used, rub
it
is
it all
That
off.
will tone
Build
the stage.
as natural
less
inside.
a great
clatter.
in as
The
.possible.
as
He
carries a big
whip.
in
any public
pany roar
like lions
rises
have
behind the
all
li-
act.
the
com-
The
stage.
the trainer
ters the
cage with
many
precautions and
en-
much
L^
'^^
IM WB^
U^\^
4^
g^^ %
4.
13
4%
IP"'
48.
49.
51.
,/f^f%
mm
50.
After learning to roll on the mat this is the way to roll on a hard
without a mat. The arms protect the taeck and back.
floor
52
The
imM:'^
w
m
i-;
a.
Innocent
Child
Act.
Class
dives
through
on to
mat.
^.mr,
53
Same
but
more
difficult
as hoop
is higher.
*fc^'1
^1
km
ADVANCED WORK
give fine names to tricks. This was named
as the small boy with the hoop might get a
swift kick if the diver is careless or mischievous and he is therefore
placed with his back to the diver so he will not flinch. As a matter
of course only practised divers are allowed to try it.
The spectacle of the small boy on the mat holding the hoop alwavs
makes the class laugh, the opportunity is clear and tempting. The
low position is much easier than the high.
Boys in
class
like
to
FAKE ELEPHANT
evident fear while the lions
act,
makes
and
can,
Two
slips
as
much funny
business as he
Do
97
assist,
(to
applause
act.
if all is
If
up the
it
well done)
lions
on the stage
the centre.
Run
the curtain
or twice.
fails to
acts practical
describe them.
Fake Thrillers
that
is
what
gives the
thrill.
Example
non.
like a
cannon out
AMATEUR CIRCUS
98
round
up
LIFE
wooden frame,
this
High
screened by a curtain.
sur-
is
put head
and levelling
it
up behind
little
platform.
If all this
is
many
in the
audience.
When
the
I saw
details
it
done
in Brooklyn,
however,
You
off, as
was no
CHAPTER IX
TRAINING ANIMALS
You
animals.
quire too
re-
of
The amateur
The
horse
is
is
reduced
to
and dogs.
This
One
memory.
I recall
me.
"What you
t'ink,"
morrow
night."
the Great
It
act,
Which meant
Roland
signals.
that
bill to-
just arrived in
99
AMATEUR CIRCUS
loo
LIFE
do?''
went
I rehearse all
remember
see
He
his act."
and
it
horse
by the audi-
ence.
I later learned that
Roland had
swing
"yes,"
his
swing
to
The
his feet,
his
head
The pawing
He
ence.
remem-
to
side-
of the
was a beautiful
be afraid of an audi-
saw him
at the circus,
one
paw
to
as a
Of
won-
United
States.
good
am
told
TRAINING ANIMALS
The amateur
ibr
he
it
is
trainer
the
signal,
instance,
you
introduced,
dialogue
is
For
does.
him
give
his
bark
to
dive
is
an answer,
the
for
Billy barks.
that
so
so.
Billy?"
ladies,
there
if
Signal.
Holds
*^Come on then."
hoop
put.
You
fire a
gun
at
him.
He
down and
falls
The
Rabbit Hunt.
head over
his
The
little
The two
as a hunter.
When
supposed rabbits
lowed him.
The
As
dead.
fol-
made
of
The
effect
is
AMATEUR CIRCUS
102
LIFE
moment.
right
If
to
at the
you can
make an
it is
easy
A fire company,
etc.
Birds are
all
gence,
They
to illness.
are so obstinate.
little intelli-
gence.
Monkeys
To
much from
also suffer
To
illness
train an ape
which they
is
an end-
bite badly.
signal
is
not sc very
difficult, if
him
and
to sit
walk on
up and beg,
his
to stand
hind or front
on
to teach
his head, to
legs, to
jump over
jump.
whip him,
When
try to
unless he
is
It
is
not necessary to
to do.
But
it is
TRAINING ANIMALS
103
likes.
Regular everyday
A dog
is
he will learn.
"The Sanreyes."
would suggest for amateur work
called
I
lowing training.
tise
him
to sit at
to the prac-
one side or on
him
the
girls of
same
This
which
is
for
boys and
the fol-
If he
hit him.
and not
As soon
as
lie
He
When
should
sit
practise
up
all
is
the
down.
this
first.
would
to a boy, explain-
Patiently giving
les-
AMATEUR CIRCUS
I04
and do
it
himself.
Form
importance, so as soon
the signal, nothing
Then
as
more
LIFE
in his case
he gets a
is
roll
of no
over at
required.
is
him
to stand
on
his
walk on
his
hind or front
teach
head and
legs.
time.
him
the
and reward
first
few
last
all
to sit
to
do a back
air turn.
In
this
necessary
it is
him and
strapped around the chest. Never let him get
bumped. Tell him to jump; and when he
jumps, throw him over, precisely as you would
to use a small
help a boy.
for a small
mechanic
fitted
to
roll,
In hoop diving
diving
roll after
hoop
little
TRAINING ANIMALS
on a low jump
If the act
gramme
105
hoop diving
dog
If the
taught to go
is
first
sure of applause.
is
if
dog
there
any choice
is
Even when
to select.
this is
the
he can be
tricks
and the
tricks taught
may be
varied ac-
After that
is
needed trick
may be
obtained
is
dog that
with
taught.
the better.
is
act.
essential.
patience
The
It
less
any
punish-
A dog in good
it
AMATEUR CIRCUS
io6
is
apt to be excited.
LIFE
work-
come
It
uncer-
is
tain
an audience; but
it is
and
is
wildly
the
it.
phant
to
one
out.
Indeed
it is
difficult to get
With
this done,
tricks
an
ele-
and cut
at times will
rely on
Chapter VIII
after
whenever
desired.
CHAPTER X
THE OLD-FASHIONED MINSTREL SHOW
The
a delightful entertainment.
v^onder.
it
or
is it
Have
the
mov-
Certainly
the
combination
of
minstrel
show
If the talent
may
is
available, a minstrel
be used alone or
or an afterpart.
circus ring.
a
is
This
as a short act
It
is
is
on the stage
the songs
show
can sing.
107
io8
AMATEUR CIRCUS
LIFE
Entire Company.
River."
girl
John Smith,
now."
Harry Jones,
Quartette.
Wm,
Brown,
John Smith.
Harry
Jones.
Finale.
Entire Company.
Second Part
Monologue
or
Stump
John Smith.
speech.
Harry Brown,
The
is
The
rather elaborate.
quartette, or singers,
ties,
suits
with white
and standing
collar's,
common
wigs.
The end
fancy coloured
ties
109
and
cos-
For
better.
in
to
may be
omitted.
face, use
charring
Moisten
corks.
the
hands
with
it
in the
becomes a thin
when
some
it
dries,
is
apply
it
to the skin;
if
to get a
paste, then
soft substance.
nomical way,
up,
palm
made
it is
about
as thick as
cream,
way
Never
and
in this
mix
If
you wish
to represent
Be
AMATEUR CIRCUS
no
LIFE
you wish
to
have the
deeper red, or
lips a
Running
paint.
it
down produces
a surly
expression.
I do not
it
washes
with the
Get
good
bear in mind.
It
is
necessary to impress
at the rehearsals,
and impa-
Select
with
some member
whom
curtain.
It
must
to act as
rest all
stage-manager,
power behind
the
make up
programme,
any
of the
derstanding that
to settle
may
arise as
the order
little
he
misun-
may
best
in
Two
to insure a perfect
performance,
when every
one taking part should dress for each character they are to assume
up precisely
lar
as they intend to
may be
gramme ought
to
at the regu-
defects, if they
The
corrected.
exist,
do
entire
pro-
minds of the
Arrange your
actors.
row
Have
them can
so that
on the
row
When
show,
if
in the
it
the second
enough
those sitting on
well to cor-
fresh in the
is
it
perform-
first
same manner.
a professional coach
AMATEUR CIRCUS
112
LIFE
if
you decide
to
Pick out
have a quar-
practise
or songs together in
not do too
especially,
work.
much
you have
If
will no doubt be
six
good singers
make
a hit with an
it
If
you want
it
like lightning.
members
thing else
and
be used and
For instance
made
if
as the
circle,
deck of
garden."
forms, a
If
"camp scene"
is
around the
company
113
all sitting
table.
show
The
de-
jokes should be
practised over and over again, every one getting thoroughly used to
when you
face the
when
good
ries.
The
interlocutor, or
most important
man with
middle-man,
He
part.
should be a boy or
answer.
He
gramme and
another
a dignified
is
it is
ready
in his
should
have the
entire
pro-
show
is
The
on his shoulders.
following
years ago.
jokes
were printed
fifty
no
man knows.
They
AMATEUR CIRCUS
114
LIFE
humour
is
Good
elemental.
old enduring
finer, fresher
may
all.
They
clown work
This
in the ring.
one
through
the
changed,
if
class, to
Ned.
used
before
may
jumps
rider
the
works with
be
tumbling
What
is
he going
to
loon?
Jump through
Ned. What, horse and
Master. No, you blockhead, the
Ned. Without bursting the paper?
Master. Certainly; he will have
Master.
it.
all?
rider.
to burst
Ned.
jump through
it
it.
without burst-
Master.
Ned.
I'll
Master.
Ned.
Impossible,
Done,
All
sir.
right.
Hold up
the
balloon.
back
his
to the
115
all
ready?
Ned.
ence, throws
him through
There,
sir,
(Boy runs
much
won
frightened.)
is
The
more work
Master.
Yes,
for
suppose
me?
see
sir,
what
the
rider
wants.
Ned.
There
are
wanted nowadays.
a
I
great
many
Harry Gennett
people to serve them in
wanted, not by
papers, that
is
the
office,
the people
want
is
things
but by the
people in prison.
honest
men
What
in office to serve
them.
God
gives
men!
demands
Men whom
kill.
AMATEUR CIRCUS
ii6
LIFE
without
winking;
the fog
thumb-worn
creeds,
Mingle
Freedom
Wrong
little
deeds.
sleeps,
weeps.
Why
young
are
and are
Why is
in a quiver
pawnbroker
off
without a
till
bow
like an inebriate?
ways keep
al-
it.
Love
Ned.
tle
Miraculous!
child
is
so
wonderful!
handsome and
That
lit-
talented that a
Love
is
bound up
117
love?
in a
dealt
But
mother.
It
is
a love pure
and honourable
in
do not mean
mean
a love that
his
to
fairly in love
Next
with her.
to the love of
with honour
as this
second love,
never yet
this de-
knew
boy
love
with his
does
is fit
show you
boy
understand
all
Master.
You
seem
to
about love.
Ned.
I do, for I
Master.
Ned.
And
I felt as
have been
pray
how
though
there.
was away up
in the
AMATEUR CIRCUS
ii8
LIFE
all
when
over
me.
Master.
devils
up
the
the mitten?
feel quite so
feel as
feel
good;
a lot of little
again.
Contentment
Master.
Come,
sir,
men.
Ned.
Find
contentment?
That
is
some-
place laid
it
at last.
down on
the
It's
map, but
throw away
When
When
What
their
an imaginary
it
compass and go
is
it
alights
on
it
has not
soonest
it
blind.
tulips.
Matri-money.
who
visit
119
an iron
foundry?
When
Why is
the letter
bet?
Because
Why is
Because
all
Yes, but
it is
Why
is
often broken.
a rich
Because the
the dog's
always in fun.
it is
tail
his sighs.
What
requires
ing things as
When
When
as
they go.
tak-
AMATEUR CIRCUS
I20
Another one
LIFE
to
is
Whooping Cough.
Ned.
Do you
call this a
Master.Yes,
Ned.
when
Did
hoop?
sir.
have a thing
like that in
me
Nonsense,
Master.
sir.
Two Noah
When
was pork
first
Jokes
introduced into the
navy?
When Noah
What
is
brought
Ham
Ark
was Maid
of Orleans.
Sportsman
Ned.
^You
put
me
in
mind
of a
nobby
Master. How
Ned.
so?
(Because when
he goes a fishing he
and there
is
at the other.
a fool at one
end of
it,
and a
it,
worm
(Whips.)
am
no
fool, sir.
What is
man and a
What
hungry
glutton?
One longs
The
121
to eat,
plant
is
fatal to
mice?
cat-nip.
Wanted
the
A suit of clothes to
Some moss from
fit
a large
body of water.
a man's nose.
to knit a person's
brow.
teeth
crust
The
from the
sets.
AMATEUR CIRCUS
122
LIFE
An
thieves.
Master,
Master.
Ned.
How so?
^To-day a
Master.
Ned.
a
little
boy called
fellow
is
me
a son
right.
Because
good old
little
stock.
came
in a direct line
from
Master.
Ned.
if
Well,
I take this
am.
I will bet
you
(stand-
123
walk up
me and
to
this
hoop.
Master.
You
Ned.Will you
Master.
Yes,
(Master takes
Ned
bet?
sir, as
his position,
am
certain to win.
close
eyes.
your money.
I will
keep talking
Master.
All
(Closes
right.
eyes
and
Ned.
left,
little
now you
ahead.
more
are
to the right,
all
right;
now
walk
to the
straight
makes hurried
Ned
exit.)
Fool
Master.
you
fool.
Come,
get
up on
that pedestal,
AMATEUR CIRCUS
124
LIFE
Ned.
see
it
in
am
a fool?
face.
When
When
do ladies carry
fire?
Pet Names
very.
in-
utilised a
ought
be named
to
Em
Ann
Eliza; an en-
Wanted
If a
salt)
If
man who
was able
when
can be used
to
Know
to turn
it
fresh again?
a "man's brain
as
is
on
an extinguisher?
fire,"
water
THE MINSTREL SHOW
If the individual
who
125
^^murdered a tune"
to justice?
eclipse of the
Your Choice
Ned.
Master.
Being
an
American?
American
would
Ned.
would prefer
Emerald
Isle.
Master.Why so?
Ned. Because when
buried and
him.
Master.Very true.
Ned. But when an Irishman dies
Master.Well, sir, what then?
Ned.
Ned.
^Why,
Mr. Seamon
is
how do you
a
smart young
do,
man
Charley?
126
AMATEUR CIRCUS
Master.
Why
young man?
Ned. Because
do you
him
a smart
try an experiment, so he
Master.
call
water.
LIFE
^What
gave them
all
boiling
water for?
Ned.
To
make them
me
in the other
is
That
it
is
Try
requires
jokes,
too
it
much
so banal
to
it
is
to
fit
will be
These old
clown
head on
Mar-
working hard
to get the
when
the
whole audi-
audience
It
is
amused.
if
as these
whom the
and on
who
down you
will be fortunate
kindly words
127
the part he
with a consid-
mon
error
among clowns
that of
unnatural
sen-
of the character he
He
his
wit
sustained
the
is
reputation
that
he has
is
gentleman
both
as a
Among
Mr. Ned
128
AMATEUR CIRCUS
Turner,
the
jester,
is
still
LIFE
foremost.
His
unapproachable.
ing
Charleston, S.
C, Morn-
News.
Ned Turner
is
gems
of wit
Chicago Journal,
CHAPTER
COSTS
XI
AND CHARGES
by three
feet
thick, cost
etc.,
say $5 in
make.
show.
Negro
lated,
according
make-up
is
cents.
enough for
shown
good acro-
in the illustra-
foolish to
one
is
to
it is
You
tights until
as
well
cheap things.
The mats
but for those
who have
129
AMATEUR CIRCUS
I30
contrivance:
Dig
mat
is
LIFE
the following
to
Fill this
bark or sawdust
to
the
first sifting
remove from
it
bits of
wood
or stones.
Better
the
still is
two
a parapet
feet
made
in
high of
sods, or built of
canvas.
The diameter
about 20
feet.
In calculating
costs
of the
whole should be
lights,
rent,
decorations,
cos-
if
one
is
benches.
ness
manager
side of the
is
to
The
cost of a curtain
It
do
to
is
no
depends on the
must work
easily with-
AND CHARGES
COSTS
The
131
seem
who
to
Kansas.
group of amateur
This
is
artists
apt to occur.
Perfect
an organisation with
manager and
business
Then
practise
practise
get
practise,
Work
in a
for a costume.
a
good
artist.
fitting
Sneak-
as
etc.,
selling
to obtain these.
money, that
is
enough.
AMATEUR CIRCUS
132
tical
Once
pany
is
roll in to
and a
the
show can be
little
is
as de-
com-
LIFE
given,
lights,
mats
tent.
It will
be harder to
more fun
made easy. Almost
than
if
anywhere
in
it
everything
is
yard
uing
and
to earn
five cent
criticise.
following
the company.
1.
2.
3.
Build an elephant.
4.
Train a dog.
5.
and chair
act.
supposing that
all
to
AND CHARGES
COSTS
tickets
may
Treasury
is
be sold at ten
in
good shape,
cents.
a tent
133
Once the
and more
The main
wish
to
thing
if
together a
company who
is
to get
it sets
out to do.
Moreover everybody
who
it is
how many
good
Your elephant
critic
help those
working hard.
New
to
help themselves.
It will surprise
girls
likes
CHAPTER
XII
it
ceeding;
that
it is
it is
summer
that sleep-
an excellent pro-
is
now beginning
to
be understood
I subjoin
an account,
Winter
Camp
at the
and
making an
method
for
interesting remarks
by
sleeping out
all
in-
the winter.
I also quote a
few
which
This Winter
Camp
The
is
to
boy who
Camp.
in use (1916) for
it
now
undoubted ben-
it
As
is
commonly
135
may
flourish,
so found, that a
is
it
boy or
follows,
girl
who
of illness.
I suggested to Professor Hill that there
is
moving
to
air.
He
replied, ''There
is
no need
its
Five-sixths
human
of
the
metabolism of the
body
heat, that
is,
on the rate of
The two
proves that
like
it,
years' experience
its
this
from boarding-school
long
it
something
life.
Before very
what
camp
eases
in
with
cases of
whooping cough,
etc.,
is
AMATEUR CIRCUS
136
LIFE
exactly as incompetent as he
sidered to-day
if
It so
happened
that,
litical troubles in
Yucatan found
that country
Then
States.
it
to the
United
had an opportunity
to visit
patrol of
Boy
Scouts,
had a
tent
on the
They
grounds.
ings
we cooked
stories until
found
it
asked
me
so
slept there,
over an open
fire
fun
and told
The
much
in
boys
to "sleep
to design
for them.
We
the
camp
so that
it
would
It
fit
in
had
be near the
lost
and only
building.
It
we were
grounds among
Fortunately,
hundred
was decided
feet
to construct
an old-
54-
Slumgullion
55.
Time
to
Get Up.
^
J'
r "si
O. ^F. H.
56.
57
Put a
l^andkerchief
on the
floor
in front of
All
each.
together
stand on
their
hands
with
feet
against the
58
wall.
Bend-
ADVANCED WORK
The Handkerchief Pick-Up
137
As
Wars.
there
was already
a large play-hut
sufficiently a cov-
would
camp we
ered passageway
the fort.
Around
fifty feet
the
This used up
top
and
set
two
feet
in
The
the ground.
all
it is
said
good
had
so
size,
to
At
it
to get logs of
was
Number
5,
house
is
Pa-
planted the
is
A large gate in
AMATEUR CIRCUS
138
LIFE
Between
tent
this gate
placed a "Cho-
is
The
gate
is
in
wooden
To
forks.
build
platform
for
the
tent,
we
feet in length.
feet
the logs.
feet,
and
wide board
around
all
sides
dug underneath
form, 20 X 30
had
was
But
first
it
on three
The bunks
built.
and
with
we
from each
built a trussed
tent.
little
frame of
Two
poles
were planted
came 17
braced
feet
in the
above the
to the logs
and
floor,
They
flooring.
The
ends of
fly
were put
in place.
Both
139
worked
tent
and
into
fly
rings
of the ridge-
Each one
of these bolts
ended
at the top in
an iron ring.
The
was
a strong flexible
wooden
truss to
giving a
little to
the
wind when
it
fly,
blew hard.
from
The
it
when
two
feet
the racks
when
were lashed
little,
to
when
be troublesome.
tent so
mounted
requires no adjustment.
all
AMATEUR CIRCUS
I40
It will
winter.
The
down
LIFE
platform
There
logs.
ward one
is
is
left
hut,
the
open.
Electric
lights
were put
tent, so
in the
arranged that
all
At night
in the tent.
down and
the flag
was hauled
last
when
all
man had
to
was
It
fine,
wind blowing
drum on
the tent-fly
in the trees.
Surrounded
felt so safe
two
came slowly
three.
easily crawl
And
down
the
scared
ones
could
and
As
SLEEPING OUT OF DOORS
141
The
was
itself.
This ex-
formed a comfortable
built just at the edge,
side.
There
in-
convenience.
If there
or bake potatoes, or
the
As soon
as that
was
Then
and cap.
there
my
would be
few min-
leader," or supper, or a
was
in
would
In the morning,
if
the master
who
the stimulating
"slumgullion."
It took only a couple of minutes to arrange
sleeping-bag
enough
in
which
AMATEUR CIRCUS
142
prepared according
with the
blazing
which makes
skill
fire
to
was
LIFE
it
so delicious.
fine in
wild rush
to
be in the dormitory
came
the
at just seven
after.
there
when
happened
The stockade,
and hut made a charming
blockhouse,
tent,
be no study-hour, or
to
effect illuminated
the open
fire.
with
all
there
came some
its
of the
what
the camp.
it
life
to
build
divided
less
camp
it
was
to learn
in a house.
fine sleep
When
the
is
is
143
a gale
is
full of flying
fades
sleep,
CHAPTER
XIII
many
exact or
The importance
velopment.
instructor
exaggerated
be
cannot
of an intelligent
and
the
In capable hands
velopment
v^ill
this
method
be found
to
of physical de-
remedy most of
now
in use
and cap-
boy or
girl
is
in, it is
because the
man body
is
be corrected.
more or
fakir
may
by constantly holding
fixes it there
In the shapable
perma-
12-16 period, by
may
145
Such
mune
boy or
to the
girl
ordinary accidents of
No
life.
minor
body
spill;
difficulties.
I repeat the
Every one
II.
and grace-
ful.
How much
that desire
attain their
of
is
sacrifice to obtain
another matter.
competent
there
is
instructor.
Granting
that
instructor do?
girls
and
drill
do not go very
far,
and that
games
and
by "opportunity"
development.
So
the
conscientious
AMATEUR CIRCUS
146
LIFE
wonders, I fancy,
how much
or
how
little is
accomplished.
I think the
recommend
required
by
feet
plan advocated in
itself to
is
many
The proper
at all to
much
Once broken
each can be worked
week
in.
as that.
classes of eight
five times a
work
boy practising
football costs as
two
book will
in,
this
to secure a
is
enough
very good
all
round development.
Best of
all
the stimulus
is
there,
provided
the
pupil will
said
It
is
much can be
never seen
com-
Can more be
petent guidance
game?
stage.
exercises.
have
it.
This method
is
is
an attempt
to build
up a method
simi-
147
so successfully in
It permits a
successful all
omy
The
of time spent.
more
in
an hour of this
As
to use
danger-
who
to
absurd
is
and
I eliminate absolutely
and
all
and
Consequently
16.
the instructor
There
is
is
girls
think
between 12
it is
better
unable to do air-turns.
dent's ambition
if
stu-
he
first
is
ability to
when
first
elements, and to
AMATEUR CIRCUS
148
LIFE
tion
mo-
control.
this
He
method
so
ex-
word,
method
and
acrobat
to qualify
planned
have
this
in such a
any intelligent
Keeping always
strength.
in
who have
mind
the splen-
would
feel that it
no method
at
is
mat and
is
space for a
fif-
When
your boy or
them
and practises
at sixteen that
hour a
boy or
No
a fair equipment.
149
with
starts
pensive equipment.
By
circus,
est
may
there
is
shows,
tights,
no need
to
etc.,
be maintained
glamour of the
at
be athlete or acrobat
do
to
this.
many
main reason
The
reason
by means of
competition,
and
his interest
must be aroused.
is
limited
Every
ex-
it
and,
using games to do
the
time
games
is
so,
it
is
necessary to take
is
As
the
number must be
and
expensive
athletic
plant
is
needed.
AMATEUR CIRCUS
150
Hence
good
girls
LIFE
football, ice-hockey,
What
possible.
tennis,
row-
they get
is
too insufficient in
all-
round development.
games
if
there
is
This
is
the reason
why
During army
of
still
developing,
number
service,
the
is
possible
In a large
But contrast
and
it
how
inferior they
are.
submit then
velopment of
all
this
the
limita-
tions of time
this
to the
girls, so that
a class.
151
any
to instruct
am
not plan-
They have
as teachers.
have a teacher
who
their field
do not wish
it is.
now and
can do the
to
difficult tricks
air- turns for I
to
as
as
sufficient,
In
his stage.
mind
all practise I
keep steadily in
ending
in a
No. 2
as effectually as a
tion
2.)
back
calisthenics.
of in any
Slow
game
rolls
High
in
the ex-
quick
roll
this
(Illustra-
any move-
or any form of
down
working
to
with
rolls,
of
flip.
know
all
most
ment
a salute,
quick
the mat, in 2-
innumerable ways
motion.
When
back
at
at-
AMATEUR CIRCUS
152
tive tract,
ily
LIFE
The
trol.
combinations
other
elements
of
and working
class in line
chance of
strain.
knowing
little
about the
youth,
lump
it all
it
up
What
Here
is
are
some
of the things he
knows
to
be
facts.
I.
which
I will cite
number
one only.
The
day and
self,
in that
amount
he accomplishes
little.
such
sult
You
153
as calisthenics
you are
after.
They
will help
that
is
all.
3.
There
is
nothing
but competitive
left
On
by
feminine influences.
I believe pretty
is
much
all
men whose
object
described by
The danger
athletics
is
of injury
points.
from competitive
greatest between
12-16.
Strains
This point
is
not yet
generally recognised.
The
themselves
is
they
it
a better
way
is
found.
Observe that
in
our
AMATEUR CIRCUS
154
Government
schools
than anywhere
else,
LIFE
Now
this
at length
is
Men
a singular thing.
write
so
difficult,
since Tuccaro,
find only
they do
is
all
excellent
Gwathmey.
Yet
pro-
interesting to millions.
its
cause
manual
is
difficult to
difficult to
it
and
also
in do-
perhaps be-
understand, and
more
needed.
TUCCARO
Archange Tuccaro (Archangelo Tusquaro)
was born about 1535 at Aquilai in Italy.
was therefore near 35 when he performed
He
be-
IX
Charles
of
moment
of Tuccaro's
life.
festivities
of
King's Acrobat,
the
wedding
155
taking
made him
him
Paris.
to
Whether
our.
the
King did
we may
infer this
as
to
the
all
He
also published a
book of poems
He
proudly
in 1599.
after,
in
1602
somewhere
be-
old.
states that
We
and
it
is
from
all of
stating just
may
what he
believe that
Tuccaro's work
it
is
was
diffi-
Tuccaro
ity
takes high
and value of
ground
his art.
as to the nobil-
AMATEUR CIRCUS
156
needed by those
who do
It
is
LIFE
young on account
bats die
is
hearts,
etc.
It
is
true that
some
of lack of care or
die
more
The
something new.
bats of itself
do
would prove
this
popular con-
man
woman
or
seldom do
as
doing
On
see them.
It
is
for those
who have
do these impossible
smile.
You do
is
feats
no room for
divine youth
with
a graceful
Grandpa
in a
life
that
when make-up
nothing
to
is
do but
is
another matter.
Hence
and teach.
is
157
PRACTICAL POINTS
it is
do
little
more
little
may
arise
harder
to
difficult to learn.
may
to
respect
what
as
many
different kinds of
places in
which
the thing to do
to give
them.
as there are
In practise,
get on paper
first is to
shows
acts,
what can
re-
Next
have
is
to
work on
a stage
is
suitable.
If
you
the balloon
would not be
seen
from
by the audience
lost.
AMATEUR CIRCUS
158
LIFE
competitive
requires.
same
the
athletics
end
games.
People
who
games
Now
man who
work
man
done.
beI
or wo-
They
are
much work,
so
term in order
to
many hours
development.
sical
athletics
Much
who
is
written about
actual
of practise each
work
to
know
The
teacher
to students
human
nature
is
what
it
not sufBcient.
is,
159
the
isthenics.
is
small
teams.
It is necessary to
to
To
you are
must actually
play,
it is
sit
after each
boy
him
to
Naturally the
yell.
and
Whereas
you can
in this
There
is
not
one
drill
gym
it
is
difficulty at all.
In
of 80 per cent, of
No game
them
Only however up
is
no
in four hours'
it
is
to sixteen.
do not believe
boy or
girl after
AMATEUR CIRCUS
i6o
employed
if
at competitive
LIFE
athletics especially
bling practise
As
first.
deep
utilise the
by which
I
practise.
proposed
is
and
interest of boys
AMATEUR CIRCUS
force
it
LIFE
to
girls in
for a driving
to obtain steady
developing
book
this
how
edge of
ments, and
knowl-
group of boys or
Once
less
to
it is
more or
girls to get
such counsel.
so
it
is
ing
IV,
little acts
the group.
of boys
and
interest-
While
girls
it
hoped
talent in
that a
to the
group
book
this
is
needless to
remark that
in this or
any
criti-
found
in
make
clever plans
To
have
to
helpful
and
suggestions
make them
fit in.
who
balled
up
as
become
is
rattled
con-
is
always liable
and put
when
bad method.
when diving
hands
his
legs
This makes
in illustration 2.
Such a boy
One
it
have
invariably
changes
i6i
to
to his legs
If on the contrary
to
keep his
much
all
the weight on
CHAPTER XIV
FOR PARENTS
so well
endowed by
their
damaged by inheritance, or
the control of women, that no system can do
much with them. There are teachers tied to
systems, or whose faces are not turned to the
there are boys so
dawn.
With none
do.
to
It
the
progressive,
we
anything
intelligent
twelve-sixteen for
whom
better
methods may
And
view of
all
involved
ent.
make,
may
FOR PARENTS
boy or
is
girl,
163
what
Remember
and
girls
have
to
be taken in
to
work
Remem-
them.
is
limited
emerged
it
of four
hundred
hardly ranks
In a school
work
of getting the
boy
is
an ab-
surd condition, but one probably not changeable for years to come.
necessarily
wasted,
in
unorganised
play.
comfortable
to
helplessness
to
sensible
AMATEUR CIRCUS
i64
LIFE
more
uni-
practically
between
is
speaking,
in present
to
that gap.
what
war
is
practical
before
is
to
little
estab-
be done!
It
training for
sixteen.
What
is
an
is
all-
to
present methods
face with
in
it
was
my
in edu-
much
may the
privilege to think
How
ways?
In the end,
what appears
come back to
Only by
truth.
all
discussions
to
be
the
FOR PARENTS
be found.
you wish
If
know
nese
this.
this
is
to progress
The
soul.
wise Japa-
in
The
girl.
They do
an
as
you must
best physical
enlisted.
It
165
boy
and
passes
he
his body.
man
begins
through
many
animal,
as if
boy
controlled,
lives
The
human.
religious
rid of it; he
is
governed by
it.
at times
It
first
boy ought
to
be
to
would
disap-
pear.
In
all
it is
to
streaky
compound
be remembered
boy
is
a curious,
of ignorance, knowledge,
AMATEUR CIRCUS
i66
LIFE
first,
last
is
remember
Failure to
Moreover,
in
those with
whom
which
defeat.
brings
this
if
who
dared
to
would
call a
super
digestion system.
No
matter
how
seem
it
or
to.
In what I
two
good from
classes.
be largely
am
about to say I
methods.
The
or
less
at
more
the
ap-
is
creditable.
May we
not,
however,
FOR PARENTS
An
iron
Germany
167
Whether
gird on the
to
Is it
in.
its
these future
system.
tive
golden
But
You may
life,
myself to the
work,
the
second
sixteen.
opportunity
period of
confine
for
at this
and
body,
to
mind
soul.
This, then,
is
velopment of man.
Not
previous period, he
is still
shapable.
To
this
time
is
effi-
AMATEUR CIRCUS
i68
LIFE
Our
man
woman
or
at that
fu-
domain of the
whose work
often of
is
more
and masters
to-
gether.
How
great
is
If the valiant
tor!
in a fiat race, in
sults that
The
may be
director
He
fine
sea.
command
method with
the competitive
cipal of a
re-
irreparable.
is
has at his
systems
New York
its
and
dangers.
made by
the prin-
which
parts of the
passes
body and
we
returns.
to all
When
that
of existence.
Likewise
all
girl de-
FOR PARENTS
pends upon
this
169
Every
current of blood.
picked up
where
at the factory
delivered to
is
its
it is
made and
If not there
destined place.
no growth.
work.
It
do only part of
life-giv-
but to insure
system
sired
is
employed.
work
measure of
mon
is
If that
its
and growth.
whole muscular
is
When
to
day of the
is
child's
When you
be
restless,
ess
or some other.
a system of tubes.
Man
The
this proc-
if
the
them
The same
AMATEUR CIRCUS
I70
eaten,
which
is
LIFE
made
into
During
the food,
is
There
is
The grown
man may
live
very comfortably
as
He
ert,
an
in-
is
not
is,
riod of
ercises
life,
2-1 6,
with regard
we
this
should think of
to their effect
second pe-
aids
these
all ex-
on the mus-
two moving
streams.
So of the
heart,
we know
it
to
be of supreme
it
should
may know
assisted to
do their work,
we
a lot about.
Muscular action
uli
is
To
save time
FOR PARENTS
tern
171
The
propose.
The
commonly used
stimuli
fect of heat
are:
Now
must use
all the
his part
The
Of
competitive system
The
it
employs
we
12-16
muscular activity on
more
etc.
stimuli possible.
If
and
skin, light
ef-
etc.,
is
tain
what
to get to
is
the
more impor-
is
often
But
if
the blood
is
not distributed,
all fails,
if
inert
no good
re-
is
therefore, between
How
ignorant a view
it is
to
AMATEUR CIRCUS
172
quired
is
LIFE
There are
X plus Y
may
equals some-
building
work
of his heart
may
be well done.
impaired, and
is
So there
teeth.
Now,
is
infinite action
I submit, it
all
is
clear
and
reaction.
at the
Running has
down.
is
chief effect
catcher, very
nis
its
little,
very good.
is
except spiritually.
Its
drawback
is, it
pulls on
TenRid-
Boxing and
may
overstrain the
is
immature
FOR PARENTS
173
been
my good
fortune in
know and
study intimately
much
This
is
what
all
Mexico dur-
the
common
they do
it?
sional acrobats,
working
est
how do
They
in circuses.
first class
way.
nets.
Few
as
of.
them.
of
And
ty-
boy or
girl so
much
the professional
from
acrobat.
Their parents
to
develop
AMATEUR CIRCUS
174
LIFE
and
can do very
difficult
must be boys or
girls of
girls,
Topmounters
things.
or their weight
would be
too great.
some
In no one of our
schools
is
double
down
tions
at all times
who
could do that
and under
all
condi-
Understander's shoulders.
Three
tries are
of failures
whole
it
Or if
he does miss,
seldom permissible.
would ensure
series
Furthermore, no system
act.
at pres-
Rain or
shine,
must be able
It
is
to
under
do
all conditions,
his difficult
the boy
work.
They have
FOR PARENTS
acrobat must have
perfect
175
digestive
set.
One
of
these
his life.
Kame
boys,
Sugimoto,
at
He
feats.
He
inherited endowment.
tra
bosses
the boys
to the liking of
You may
their ways.
say,
why do
these acro-
Of
these,
effect of acrobatic
cycle.
In rowing
In tennis a
An
little,
acrobat
work
little
is
balance
is
demanded.
would smile
if
you proposed
to
these
exercises.
He
knows
that none of
own method.
Whereas
AMATEUR CIRCUS
176
LIFE
There
is,
games.
difBculty
One
hour
effective
your
With
object.
these other
methods
is
result.
it is
most
difficult to sustain
so long a
period.
To
retain
ent the
ample
it
ex-
required.
is
when
interest flags,
as is
within the
is sufficient.
A simple
a performance
language
as the ^^fiery
Then
it
possible,
may be
How
said,
at once.
is
FOR PARENTS
2(X)
between 12 and
may be
would
16,
is
My
teachers.
as great as I
answer
think
is
it is,
necessarily be
classes.
ranged.
177
that
at present ar-
five
if
competent
the benefit
is
num-
is
tem may be
The
if
sys-
utilised.
professional acrobat
you proposed
to
him
to train his
boys as
He
boy
of irreparable
proceeds to do
start
is
made
In competitive athletics a
it.
the
wrong way.
the
body
is
The
soul
is
trained to obtain
AMATEUR CIRCUS
178
object,
its
LIFE
The boy
is
He
race.
worked up
to desire to
and forces
trains
applied.
win
body
a flat
to pro-
Here we encounter
His body is very lit-
his
is
demanding
at 12-16,
It
is
easy to injure
it
from one
set of
effort
nearly
all
time
given to the
is
is
As
peril of
damage
legs,
to other sets of
muscles and
posed.
The
when done
is
is
sup-
not easily
it
Hence
in these
two theories of
athletic train-
On
the
and therein
is
much
it
is
gain.
But considered
FOR PARENTS
from the point of
ment
of the
even develop-
a real, fine,
surd.
all
179
which the
He
detests the
whole
more than
a very
growing man
little
benefit
Just
why
revolts.
from them.
this
is
clearly explained.
Most
teachers sooner or
These exercises
something
forms,
In military drill
flags,
How
in the
little is
does a contagious
attained.
germ
disease begin
boy or girl?
of
with
germs
is
much
As long
germs
as
as
one
is
lessened.
The
student
is
life.
apt to be
Moreover, a
marked by a
AMATEUR CIRCUS
i8o
LIFE
exercises
regard
more
his training
to the
is
As
in
I
have
said,
to
he "never
would
is
to strengthen the
defence of
the body.
to the
value
more
easily
main-
list
of sports
their defects.
you
It
is
as
we have
you go through
we
use have
erally barred
The
in this he
is
gen-
directors
know how
in this respect.
Therefore
it is
desirable to seek
some way
what
FOR PARENTS
should be done.
it is
our duty
It
is
to try to
i8i
develop devotion
to the
ideal,
may be put
By
heart
by
is
this acrobatic
burdens and
its
system of training
wq
will
body
I
to attain a better
development.
acrobats are especially selected children, especially endovsred or that they are acrobats by, in-
heritance.
best,
doing
more
clusions after
some
level if prop-
it.
five
came
to these con-
AMATEUR CIRCUS
i82
may add
LIFE
more or
at a
The
training.
then
sets
latter
is
less
him
him
dangerous work.
at
first
little
and
Clearly the
The
pro-
He
turns out a
feats
with
boy ready
better
to learn difficult
circulation,
digestion,
cular strength
is
he pre-
2-1 6 pupil
more evenly
The
effect
on the
from
disease,
more
solid
Immunity
FOR PARENTS
may
183
cally the
Theoreti-
if
he
endurance he will not obtain from such modified acrobatic training, since it
nor
is it
is
not proposed
or prepare to do
so.
Such
he must
qualities
To
of acrobatic
I
work
charm
this sort
have
five classes I
To
any one
who knows
from the
class.
is
most
has
in
obtaining
steady
fas-
physical
drill.
it is
These
risks
AMATEUR CIRCUS
i84
abstention
LIFE
harm.
The
physical training
is
understood and
the price.
new method
in a
this
either
is
as a part of
element of risk
two tests:
For the elementary system with which
book
deals, as a standard of
ing
down
who
game
at
has learned to
for a
slid-
For
comparison, the
risk of injury to
this
swim or
in
taught.
is
This system
is
recommended emphatically
impossible to use
subject has
12-16.
it
it is
nearly
FOR PARENTS
185
this
plan thoroughly
Other
balance.
found
is
to
satis-
for
be in a state of
rest
activities will
is
is
week
fies.
It
of 12-16
in the under-exercised.
body
to
lines of devel-
The muscles
later.
are
panded
chest,
ical attitude
toward
life, fearless
if,
is
indeed that
Such valuation of
and unafraid
absorbed
is
tion.
nour-
the explanation.
might appear
to
is
not as
it
it
will
sometimes
physically efficient.
AMATEUR CIRCUS
86
may
LIFE
factors to be
watched one
;
a balanced
breathing
among
The
is
best in life
is
for the
young
first
rank.
in heart, the
do not
assert that
more than
a college
But
it
may powerfully
contribute to
it
and
no
chances.
may
call
average physical
endowment.
His digestion
is
fair
if
the
warm clothing,
of sleep and
sufficient
supply
happy
life.
viously run
down;
the
At
shadows
times he
is
ca-
ob-
FOR PARENTS
187
much,
that
At
school.
is
lacking, "there
no one
is
to the
very
is
is
it
place
working
to
exercise be
fail,
quires a pathogenic
a serious
ill-
ness
may
kind.
is
caught in
of,
backward gland,
ignorant people
on a
who
him
the
on the
But
all
tablet.
due
not
my
purpose
to
it
what
we can
takes
only de-
AMATEUR CIRCUS
i88
scribe as fair
LIFE
job.
hands of a
such as
it
fall
into the
has been
my
privilege to watch.
ment
is
In an
feats
Conditions as to
portance because he
Life
ters conditions.
est.
Immune
now
is
to disease
little
im-
happy
fully of
inter-
germs he proceeds
to
by the
upon
him
tal
heir, or
kingdom
of
could so enter
if
which
the
acrobatic
And
a touching figure
FOR PARENTS
at first, for this
is
189
No home
If he cannot do
accomplishment.
^^he is so
for so long."
in a gentle
home, but
at
12-16
So
is
my
to
superbly attended
first
care
prepare a
sys-
be the
to.
to
which would do
off
the
work
of calisthenics, put
maintain
the
vivid
interest
of
the
pupil,
do
the
this
work
work simulating
that
of
professionals,
but
AMATEUR CIRCUS
I90
LIFE
life.
to test this
system
six to twelve
You
parents
able value
tion,
who
what then
will
from
class.
whom
upon
to lavish
you give
your devo-
to assure
your
The
price to be paid
is
an intelligent com-
set forth,
For
lies in
in the final
summing up
your hands.
THE END
the
14 DAY USE
RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED
This book
Renewed books
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(B9311sl0)476
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PW 1 6
General Library
University of California
Berkeley
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33
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
UBRARY
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