Chris Bliss vs. The World’s Best Juggler
A girlfriend brought up this old debate again last week. She asked me to forward that finale of Chris Bliss juggling to The Beatles.
Now, when this video first hit the Internet, it went viral. ‘Professional’ jugglers were outraged at its success. One juggler made a parody – using the same music but embellishing the routine with much more sophisticated and complicated juggling techniques. Clearly, this juggler has a much higher level of skill then Chris Bliss. And the routine is humorous in how it captures Chris Bliss’ facial expressions and body language.
But we all know: imitation is the highest form of flattery, right? Can’t make a parody without an original…
Now this time when I looked for the video to send to my girlfriend, I noticed in the menu bar on the right a video of the “World’s Best Juggler” – a fellow by the name of Anthony Gatto. So, just out of curiosity, I did my own little impromptu study – a comparison of the World’s Best vs. Chris Bliss.
There can be no doubt that Anthony Gatto is absolutely superb. His energy and artistry is above reproach. He performs with Cirque du Soleil. So right away, I am inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Nonetheless, I still found Chris Bliss’ performance riveting. Indeed, it was hard NOT to watch it. Whereas I turned off Anthony Gatto’s performance after about 3 minutes.
So what makes the one routine hypnotic while the other has the feel of a series tricks? Granted – really complicated tricks that are flawlessly performed – but ‘tricks’ all the same.
I believe that the difference has to do with the music. Chris’ routine is perfectly choreographed to the music. ‘Choreographed’ is the key concept here. It isn’t so much about ‘juggling’ as it is about choreography. In short, Chris Bliss’ routine is Dance – with a capital D.
Anthony’s routine, on the other hand, is a routine designed to showcase his level of expertise. The Cirque du Soleil orchestra puts up some unobtrusive background music to accompany it. The music is on a par with circus grade “elevator music”. So Chris’s routine is about the music – and Anthony’s music is about the routine.
This is not a new realization. In fact, it is apparently part of the ongoing debate. But it is a difference that, in my mind, makes all the difference.
Now there is a fellow that has taken the Chris Bliss video and overwrote different music to it. To me – the end product does not produce at all the same result. Chris Bliss’ juggling makes no sense once you remove the context of his music. Which only proves my point.
Check it all out for yourself and let me know whatchya think…
That is if you don’t find – as I do now – that this is just WAY too much debate over something that barely merits the conversation. Or does it?
H-m-m…
“All Things With Exuberance!”
mary!
