Juggler turns hobby into business

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Winnipeg Native Art Shingoose claims to have more balls than most, and he's come to Edmonton to prove it.

The 28-year-old Saulteaux Indian hit town recently to peddle English-style juggling equipment and to conjure up a little interest for the city's newest street-side business operation.

"We heard that Edmonton was the best place to be for this type of thing," he

said from behind his kiosk next to the public library downtown.

Aptly named, More Balls Than Most Inc., has been in operation less than two months and already has another site n Edmonton's south side, in the commercial district

in Old Strathcona.

Shingoose learned to juggle three months ago.

"I can even do the torches. They're not lit, of course," he snickers. "But anyone can learn how. And we intend to teach them. Juggling is one of the best pastimes there could be."

Shingoose joined forces last year with Kate and Jane Dale to develop a marketing plan for their idea. Because of its festivals, Edmonton seemed to offer the most promising future for their venture.

The trio, which apparently has only one $400 cart in operation, has hired a three-member staff and rented an office facility and warehouse where they manufacture their own juggling balls.

"And we're offering workshops and training sessions with the purchase of a set," Shingoose said, smiling as he begins his juggling act for pedestrians who've stopped to test their skills.

Equipment also includes juggling pins, torches, Diabola's (a type of yo-yo used by jugglers) and uni-cycles.

The standard juggling balls, known as Thuds in entertainment circles for the noise they made when they hit the sidewalk, are made in a similar way to the balls sold through Europe.

Convincing the public to buy into the new concept will be a slow, difficult process, he said, but a sense of humor helps.

He chose to pursue such a risky venture in a time of economic uncertainty "because it's fun and entertaining. Besides, we plan to make millions."

Shingoose, originally from the Way Seecappo reserve near Brandon, Manitoba, moved to Edmonton with his two small children to help establish his business. He said he had worked in local Winnipeg lumber yards and recently went back to high school to get his diploma.

"But I knew we had something, and I had to go with it."

Co-owner Kate Dale is now working on a plan to sell the juggling balls to Edmonton and Calgary outlets. And she hope one of the local shopping malls will offer them space for the kiosk during the winter.