Before Martin Gower started juggling he confesses he was really bad at catching, admitting he would duck to avoid a ball instead of catching it, “I wasn’t born into circus and nor was I born with natural circus talent, but practice makes perfect.”
And practice he does to juggle dangerous objects such as fire and knives! It got me wondering whether deep in his background in chemistry – yes, the science of chemistry which he studied at the University of Otago – something has always appealed to him about action and reaction, patiently mixing measured ingredients, waiting and experimenting to create just the right methods to form impressive explosions… it also makes me wonder whether I could have been more interested in Chemistry at school if I had too had seen the fun side in it!
“I think it’s good to test your bravery and perform crazy and dangerous tricks, just like in the science world.” Martin Gower
It seems natural then he is drawn to forces, or indeed The Force, describing himself as ‘Force sensitive’ and putting to creative use his circus talent relishing his role of Jedi Master training the next generation of Jedi Knights. “I usually teach a youngling on their birthday, when their control of the force is strongest.” Yes, Martin is great with children, patient, engaging and understanding but most of all down to earth, when he’s not juggling you can find him tinkering in his garden and playing with his pet rats Pippi and Ginger.
Martin Gower is available for hire as a Circus In A Flash ‘Jedi Master’ and for Have-a-go Circus Parties in Auckland, and is available for events where he specialises in performing and teaching juggling. Contact us now to book!
