The following article first appeared in the November/December 1996 issue of the Magic Menu. The Magic Menu is a bi-monthly magazine for restaurant entertainers. For subscription info, contact jsisti@ibm.net.
In the last few years balloon twisting, or airigami as I like to call it, has gone from a ridiculed craft to an art form. It hasn't quite reached the level of appreciation that I think it deserves, but it is recognized the world over. It is no longer thought of as just that silly thing that should be done only by clowns at kids' parties. The popularity of the art is growing rapidly and balloons are finding their way into restaurants, festivals, trade shows, and every other place that a close-up entertainer can be found.
I have been writing about, talking about, performing with, and decorating with balloons for several years. In fact, about half of the events I do these days require that I carry only balloons. Despite this I find myself at a loss for a way to start a column directed at the walk-around entertainer. I suppose it's best to just start with why would anyone get interested in doing airigami, and why anyone would hire an airigamist. I've come up with a short list of questions that I think will help novice and experienced balloon twisters. Those that don't use balloons can use the following questions to determine if balloons have a place in their act. Experienced balloon twisters should be prepared to answer any of these questions the moment the phone rings.
They're small enough that I always have some with me. Taking them out and making something where ever I happen to be is effortless. I have encountered few things that create more smiles than balloons. Sure, a good performance is well recognized, and certainly needed to keep an audience interested, but balloons seem to win people over before the act starts. For these reasons, any place you can perform, you can use balloons. Exactly what it is about balloons that make them so attractive is hard to pinpoint. I think what appeals to me is the ability of a natural substance to behave so unnaturally. It packs so small, but can fill so much space. They seem so solid, and yet are so fragile. In only a few seconds you can neatly and cleanly fill an area with a variety of bright colors.
Due to the attention balloons attract, I find that I need to concern myself more with when balloons aren't appropriate so I don't find myself in an awkward situation. I don't use them in a location where a misplaced pop will be more disruptive than enjoyable. In nursing homes, for example, it is necessary to find out which people will be easily startled. In a quiet restaurant, a pop may get a different kind of attention than you are looking for.
There are different approaches to giving out balloons. The most common are rapidly producing things for everyone in sight (the balloon factory approach) and taking the time to make each figure enjoyable while joking around with your audience (the performance approach). You have to do what's appropriate for the crowd. If you have the luxury of a short line, or you are entertaining table-side, you have all the time you need to talk about each creation and to give it a life of its own. Some of the greatest reactions I have received have been from the creation of a simple dog. A balloon is a prop. Like other props, it can be used for a wonderful show.
Every entertainer gets used to hearing certain catch phrases all the time. My favorite, heard from at least one adult in every crowd is, ``children must love this.'' The statement is always made with a dreamy gaze in the eyes of a spectator. Children love this but clearly, based on the way the statement is made, they aren't the only ones. I very much enjoy working with children. They seem to enjoy watching me. But in truth, being playful with balloons and making something simple will get you further with kids than making an elaborate figure. It's the adults that seem to be completely swept away with a one-balloon alligator, complete with toes and a snout. Fielding challenges can often keep adults entertained for long periods of time. In fact, with adults I feel more free to make those elaborate creations and take my time. There is less concern with making sure one ends up in everyone's hands. All that's important is that they've seen it done.
I believe that my creations do last a long time. But what I create isn't a balloon figure, as much as a memory. Many people have seen balloon figures, but the things they have seen are fairly limited. When you can create something new, and present it in an interesting way, it will be remembered long after your bird cage has shriveled up into a pile of worms.
No. They only pop once. Balloons will pop. That's part of what gives them their appeal. If you work with a substance that is totally resistant to breakage, it will be less surprising when you produce something unique that requires 37 twists. Popping is just part of the territory, and if you're smart, part of your act. Just a few good lines to cover your tracks will keep you going for a long time.