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In my July 2003 BHQ column I taught how to make a simple snake.
To make the snake shimmy you will need to make a few minor changes to my instructions from the July 2003 article. First, you must leave a short piece of uninflated balloon on the nipple end of the snake. Also you can leave out the red heart balloon in the snake's mouth. Connect the nipple end of the snake so it is inside the mouth of the snake. It will look like the snake is eating his own tail. To have a Halloween flair, use an orange #260 balloon for the body of the snake and black #260 balloon for the pole.
To make the snake climb the balloon pole (fully inflated #260), twirl it in a circular motion. Make large circles until the snake get about half way up the pole. Then make smaller circles to keep the snake near the top of the pole. Quit twirling and he will slide back (shimmy) down the pole.
Where did you grow up and what type of work did you do before taking up balloons?
I grew up in the southwest part of France and in my past life I worked as a bartender, head waiter and restaurant cook in lots of different restaurants.
When and how did you get started in balloon work?
I went to Marseille because I had gotten a job on a cruise ship as a bartender. On my first night aboard the ship there was a magic show. I watched the magician perform on stage and about halfway into his show I said to myself, "I want to be a magician too!" At the end of his show, he finished his act with the classic balloon doves on a heart And I said, "Wow that's cool, I'd like to do that first!" The next day I was looking for a bag of balloons, a pump and a book. I found Jean Merlin's balloon book. Even though it was really expensive for me, I knew that my life would be changed because of it.
What is the best part of working with balloons?
I feel free when I'm busking and doing balloon entertainment, it's one of the best jobs because I generate fun and surprises to the audience (both kids and adults). I feel wonderful as an artist because I'm able to build something colorful from a latex shape and then see the emotion that I've produced!
What is the least favorable part of working with balloons?
It's when the people start to act crazy and they are all looking for a quick twisted balloon that they can take away fast.
Is twisting a full or part-time job for you? If part time, what percentage?
It's my full-time job since 2000.
What balloon artists have influenced you the most?
It's been Ralph Dewey and Marvin Hardy who have opened my mind with their balloon books and also David Grist, Royal & Patty Sorrel and many others like Ken Stillman!
What have been your greatest successes (awards, achievements, etc.) in your balloon career?
The first thing that I can say is "It's been really incredible to imagine that I have visited so many countries like: U.S.A, Japan, Singapore, Jerusalem, Europe and many more countries just with my balloons and to meet so many amazing people. It's been a fabulous party!
Here are some awards that I've received:
2007 Top Twister Award Trophy Twist & Shout Nashville U.S.A
2007 First Place Small Balloon sculpture Twist & Shout
2007 First Place Medium Balloon Sculpture Twist & Shout
2007 Second Place Balloon Entertainment Competition Twist & Shout
2003 Ralph Dewey Balloon Excellence Award Trophy Phoenix, Arizona U.S.A
2003 millennium Jam second place One Balloon
2003 millennium Jam second place Stage Competition
What do your balloon shows consist of and how long are they? What type of things are in them?
I have some different presentations that range from 3 minutes to 1 hour. It's never the same thing, because I like to change and adapt my balloons to the specific event. I have two basic balloon shows, one is fantasy and the other one has a pirate theme. In my shows I often twist balloon hats or costumes. Sometimes I include my barrel organ in my shows because it is a good contrast. I like to mix magic, string marionettes and balloon modelling on stage with interaction with the audience members.
Where did you mostly twist or perform?
I perform mostly at birthday parties, schools, wedding, privates party, cocktail lounges and theaters.
What balloon ideas are attributed to you?
I think it's having a good balance between shape and colors in my balloons. I think my balloon designs are special because I add my unique "Fabrizio" touch.
What are some interesting or funny balloon stories?
One of my favorites is when I presented my first balloon act as part of a competition at a French Magic Convention in Paris. I prepared my act normally and because my balloons might pop on stage, I had extra balloons in case of an emergency.
It was a very important big stage show and I didn't want to mess up in front of such a special audience!
The M.C. announced my name, the curtain was opened and then my problems began. There was too much light in my eyes. I was like a rabbit at night in the middle of the road with 2000 eyes all looking at me. My legs were like chewing gum, my mouth was very dry, my hands were sweating, and the worst part was, of course, my balloons started popping on stage. However I tried to keep a smile on my face. I had to use my emergency balloons and did all that I could to save my 10-minute show!
I didn't get any prize but the audience and the judges were thinking it was my normal act. Only I knew that I had totally lost it! It was a good experience to jump into the lion's mouth, and now I am ready for anything to happen!
What is your favorite balloon animal, balloon skit or balloon bit of business?
I like the balloon Teddy bear but choosing one favorite is very difficult. Maybe my top 10 are: Ladybug on Shamrock, Flower bracelet, Frog with fishing Line, Tweety Bird, Penguin, Big Swan, Mermaid, Magical Rabbit, Fantasy Flowers and Cow.
What is your most amazing balloon moment? (most embarrassing, interesting, humbling, etc.)
I have so many, but my favorite is when I was twisting a lovely Mermaid. When she was nearly finished, I heard someone say in a serious voice, "Look at that! He made a dog." I know what you are probably thinking. That my balloon mermaid was horrible, but really she was ok! But in the minds of some people, balloons automatically equal to a Dog!
From where do you get your inspiration or creativity?
I get my creativity from my drawings, paintings and from kid's toys.
What brand of balloons do you use?
I use all the shapes from Qualatex Balloons (160Q, 260Q, 350Q, 646Q, 321Q, 6" Hearts, 5", 11" and more.)
What is the secret to your success?
Practice and an open mind.
