Customer Reviews

Let's Start Juggling [VHS]

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A mixed bag ... This video provides excellent instruction for those learning to juggle for the first time. Wengeler patiently and clearly explains the steps to learning the basic 3-ball cascade, and how to overcome various learning obstacles. However, if you already can do the cascade, the rest of the video is of only moderate usefulness .. Mr Wengeler simply demonstrates a series of tricks, without advice or instruction for most of them (except for 4-ball, 5-ball, clubs, and eat-the-apple). This can certainly be useful, especially if you have slow-motion on your VCR, but it is best used as a supplement to learning from books and from fellow jugglers who can break down the steps to learning complex tricks such as Mill's Mess. (BTW, Wengeler's section on juggling 5 balls makes it look ridiculously easy).

But if you know what to expect, this is still a good buy, though I would recommend also getting a book such as Dave Finnigan's The Complete Juggler.

Hi, I'm Bret Wengeler. I just thought that a run down of what the video contains would be helpful.

With this video, the beginning to intermediate student of juggling will learn three, four, and five ball juggling; Three club juggling; Special techniques for overcoming common learning obstacles; How to eat an apple and juggle at the same time; How to chose the best juggling equipment. Dozens of variation moves, body throws, and bouncing tricks are demonstrated.

Naturally, short of personal instruction, video is the best format for learning juggling, as a book can not reproduce motion in space and time.

To be fair, I should mention that the video does not cover team juggling, or the passing of objects between partners. Individual juggling is the focus here.

The tape is also closed-captioned for the hearing impaired.

As the creator of this work, I don't know if Amazon will list this in the review section. If they do, I have to give it five stars. Any less would look like false modesty on my part.

Have fun, and when you do learn to juggle -- remember: Use your new powers only for good -- never evil ;)

This is a great video! I watch it repeatedly to try to learn new tricks, and my brother used it to teach himself to juggle from scratch. Use slo-mo on the VCR for extra insight into how Mr. Wengeler does it.

I gave this as a gift to my frustrated husband. He now juggles. What more can I say?

I have had great success & fun with Bret's "Let's Start Juggling" video. He clearly covers all of the basic terminology and technique needed to get a proper start on juggling. Throughout the entire video he delivers his wonderful, light-hearted comedy, while continuously displaying his exceptional juggling talents. I would highly recommend this video to anyone who wishes to discover their own juggling ability, or develope their existing skills with a master's technique. Wengeler's video makes juggling easy & fun. Enjoy!

This is a great learning tool for all ages. Mr.Wengeler's light hearted approach to juggling and teaching will inspire anyone who would like to learn the art of juggling. I actually had the opportunity to see this person perform and was impressed at his ability to juggle just about anything. A fun way to learn.

My friend who has been juggling for years has this video and said it was very good. She was able to learn even more from it to help her with her routines.

A useful video for first time jugglers--my own skills have noticeably improved through viewing--I share others' skepticism about its applicability for more advanced juggling. I also wonder whether most people can stomach too many repeat viewings of Wengler's somewhat annoying personality. To be sure, he teaches with patience and thoroughness--at least for the first half hour. But I found Wengler sufficiently grating to force me to limit my contact with the soundtrack after a while. Still, as in all matters instructional, it's the message one should pay attention to, not necessarily the messenger--and his tape *was* of great assistance. Given the low price--and absence of much other video competition--there's every reason to start your juggling here.