Date: Thu, 16 Nov 2000 16:49:56 -0800 (PST)
From: "Twistin' Todd Neufeld" <balloontwister@yahoo.com>
Subject: Motion Fest & the Docc Hilford Tape
To: balloon@balloonhq.com

Hi All-

I'm a bit behind in my due to a tremendous weekend at Motion Fest
(www.motionfest.com).  Some of the best variety entertainers in the
country were there, and they all gave generously.  Paul Belanger and I
were the only real "twisters," but most of the entertainers there were
good enough with balloons to hold there own in any twisting situation.  I
did a show at the Baltimore Harbor, and immediately had a bunch of other
street performers giving me ideas and writing jokes.  The convention
taught me a lot.  I especially learned how poor my theatrical skills are. 
I have much to practice .  .  .  .

Paul Belanger set up a table with his wares, and blew up a handful of the
huge "slim jim" balloons.  I only know of a few twisters that use them,
but Paul is trying to change that.  He just shot two videos with his slim
jim ideas.  I will be reviewing the first one as soon as I unpack.


TWENTY MINUTES WITH A BALLOON

It's cool that there has been a thread on the Docc Hilford tape.  I few
years ago I made the $55 investment in the tape.  I have mixed feelings
about it.  First of all, it's 45 minute show (maybe longer) with a magic
trick and lots of balloon business.  Doc does many of the "standard"
balloon clown gags, like not being to find the hole, having the knot
attach to his finger, letting the balloon fly away, snapping it back at
him, etc. He has good flow, and works well with his helpers.  

However, the tape does drag, and not much happens outside of Doc's byplay.
 Parts of it are great, and parts of it are not so great.  I bought the
tape expecting to learn a 20 minute "show" that I could adapt and use. 
Now I know better than to think that I can buy a canned act.  I also know
that with a little thought I can come up with better material (and I
have).  

I have added some of Doc's gags to my repetoire, but only as filler.  It
doesn't fit my performing persona, and it eats away at the valuable
performing time when I could be making big and impressive things for the
kids.  I would rather bring up a spectator and make them a cool hat
instead of goofing around with one balloon.  But that's me.  Doc Hilford
obviously can clown around.  It was good for me to see him do his kids
show, and get an idea of what gags can be done with one balloon.  

Personally, I prefer the comedy material that Stef & Ief do with one
balloon, but that's just me.

I don't think that the tape is worth the $55 that I spent.  For me, it is
one of those things that I watched once, and never have to see again.  In
fact, my normal shows are completely the opposite of what Doc does.  I
wish I could perform his kids show -- he gets the most out of his props. 
It's just not me.  However, if it fits with your performing persona, then
it is probably a good investment.


I hope that I helped someone!

-Todd,
 awaiting offers to buy my copy ;-)