Dan Menendez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Dan , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
If I’m not traveling to a gig, I sleep in. Three days a week I play pickup soccer with a group from 12:30-2:00 pm in Morrisville. Then I might visit a friend. In the evening. I usually attend The Raleigh Jugglers Club and The Raleigh drum circle in Pullen park. After juggling I meet with some of the jugglers to buy and eat ice cream as a reward.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a semi retired Professional Comedy juggler. I started performing in 1980 as a street performer in the San Francisco Bay Area. My career as a performer has taken me to 47 countries and all fifty states. Juggling various props and trying to be funny is the only way I have ever made a living. Recently I have tried to add a useful inspirational message to my act. The thought is that when a person is attempting something new they might fail. But that is how you learn. So don’t be afraid to try new skills. you will make mistakes, it’s part of the learning process. The message is for all ages. It rings true for me as an aging juggler struggling to learn new skills. I use myself as an example in my act by telling a story about a king and an old juggler.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad was a very successful coach. The most important thing I learned from him was to be honest and truthful to myself and other people. He never missed an opportunity to encourage someone when they accomplished something that was meaningful to that person. He always tried to show them when they had failed what they may have gained from trying. It was always done in a sincere way and not faked. Honesty builds credibility and trust.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, I had been performing for ten years and my career was not really getting to the next level. My brother and sister were very successful computer programmers. We grew up in Silicon Valley (San Jose Ca) I was sharing a house with two firemen. I came up with a signature juggling trick and was getting amazing responses from the audience’s but my income was the same after a year. I felt like it was a real financial struggle. But my appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1989 changed everything.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Definetly not. My performance would be very boring if it was the real me. However I hope it is a funny caricature of the real me.
Everyone in this crazy world is on a different journey. We all need to be more tolerant.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
He made us laugh as he embraced every moment. In person he was quite normal and he treated everyone he met as his equal.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Pianojuggler.com
- Facebook: Daniel. Menendez
- Youtube: Youjuggle
- Other: Tiktok
