MayJune_2009

Catch Me If You Can!
Skill Level: Intermediate
Feature by Ann “Tuttles” Sanders
Photographs by Tim “Sawdust” Laynor
Props: Metal ring and beaded chain style necklace
Bob “Bunky” Gretton, COAI 2009 Clown of the Year,
counts this trick among his favorite bits for walk around
entertainment. It takes practice to master the technique but
the results are nothing short of amazing!
Start by holding the
ring between your
index finger and
thumb.
Spread the chain
over your thumb and
middle finger.
Release your thumb
and allow the ring
to drop.
The ring will
magically attach
itself to the chain!
Per Bob, “When learning how to do the drop, stand next to a
bed. That way if the trick does not work, you don’t have to bend
over to pick the ring off the floor.”
This trick, along with wide range of walk around entertainment,
is available from a number of the wonderful merchants that
advertise in The New Calliope. Please support the vendors that
support COAI!
Place the bottom
portion of the chain
through the ring.
Continue to hold the
ring and chain in
the fashion shown
here.
Note from Ann: Since Bob showed us this routine, we've
been experimenting with a variety of chains and rings. We've
made a 3” diameter ring attach itself to a 60” round shoe string!
The fun part, for the performer, is finding rings and chains that
will work together. The key to success is dropping the ring so
that the bottom of the ring goes through the loop formed by the
chain.
If you have problems getting the ring to attach to the chain,
try keeping the top of the chain spread apart as far as you can
and, when you release the ring, give it a downward push.
I'd be interested to hear what patter you can come up with to
use when performing this routine!
Page 48
The New Calliope Convention Issue