FRANCISCO VARELA (PANCHO)

Country: Uruguay

Pancho began his career as a professional juggler in 1999 in his home country of Uruguay.  Working as a youth leader he studied juggling with the intention of introducing it as a new educational tool.  Early in his career Pancho taught at the first store and juggling school in Montevideo and in the process helped develop this new growing industry in his country.  He taught and performed at International Circus Conventions in Chile and Argentina and used this experience to create the first juggling festivals and conventions in Uruguay.  He moved to Canada in 2003 where he spent the next three years working in street performances and festivals as well as juggling at the 20th Anniversary of the Cirque du Soleil, Montreal en Lumiere and International Jazz Festival.  From 2006 to 2011 Pancho traveled between Uruguay and the West Coast of Canada where he entertained crowds on Granville Island as well as at juggling events/festivals in Vancouver, BC.  In 2011 he moved to Victoria, BC where he continue to teach, do street performing, and perform at conventions and festivals in both countries.  Pancho is an incredibly dedicated juggler who loves his art.  His career is a true effort to keep a balance between performing, education and the healing aspects of juggling. Now his focus is in developing circus in poor localities in Uruguay and developing el Picadero that is the center of circus in Montevideo.