It’s always a bit of a mental puzzle to learn someone else’s choreography – decisions that make sense to one performer might not always make sense to another. It’s difficult enough when you’re learning a three ball juggling sequence in the air, but the cone act is mostly five balls – with over a dozen patterns, transitions, and changes set to music. It’s also done in the dark, with LED balls glaring against the glass all around you.

The artistic staff had requested that Greg’s replacement be given six months of training to rehearse the act until it was show ready. Between the original replacement’s injury and my own travel schedule, we only had two months to get the act up to standards. Not to worry, Greg had a plan!

Greg Kennedy isn’t just a juggler – he’s also an engineer. That worldview can be seen in his unique work as a juggler (Think the cone is different? You should see some of his other stuff!) – and also in his training regimen. When I showed up to the tent for my first training in Portland, Oregon, I was introduced to the spreadsheet.