Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2000 13:46:07 +0100
From: Jan Lissens W 51737 <lissensj@access.bel.alcatel.be>
To: Hans Siemons <hans@mediaport.org>
Subject: Re: arabian nights

Hans Siemons wrote:

> My girlfriend's kids school has requested me to do balloons on their
> carnaval afternoon. I do not normally perform (I do balloons strictly for
> hobby), but since the school just gave that little bit of extra effort I
> decided to do it...
>
> The idea is I give a 10-15 minute show to groups of about 70 children. The
> theme used is from ARABIAN NIGHTS, also A Thousand and One Nights,
> collection of Oriental stories, fairy tales, anecdotes, and fables, gathered
> from all parts of the East (that description is copied ;-)))... So I am sort
> off scouting for ideas on what to do, and even more what to tell to the kids
> while ballooning.
>
> Any help is greatly appriciated. Thanks.

Hi, Hans...

How about choosing one of the more well-known stories (Aladdin, Ali Baba and
the 40 thieves, Sindbad) and telling that story as you twist, making each
figure a part of the story. Try finding versions of these stories intended for
children (your local library should have this, since they are probably not that
different from Belgian libraries). The plots are simplified, and easier to
follow for the kids, and easier adaptable to a balloon storyline

Things you could make...a prinses (Sheherazade), A prince (Ali Baba), a Genie,
a Cyclops, Palace guards, thieves,...

How about a simple magic lamp...(this is just plain improvisation, an there`s
plenty room for improvement)Inflate a golden balloon. Make a 10 inch bubble
and  a double eartwist, then a birdbody. Make a 1 inch pinch twist and a loop.
Position the loop and the eartwist so that the loop is in the same plane as the
first bubble (the ....? ....snout ??? ehh...how do you call it ?...in dutch: de
tuit). Curve it slightly. It now looks like the lamp in Disney`s Aladdin.

Flying Carpet: Make a double bubble(locktwisted) of about 5 inches.  Make a
simple figure and jam it between the bubbles. This is the guy sitting on the
carpet. Attach this to a fully inflated transparent 260 to make it fly.. Again,
lots of room for improvement here...

After the show, you can hand out the figures (make some beforehand to make sure
you have enough in that case), or give them as prizes for some contest the
school could organize.

At some part of the story, you yourself could participate. A standard hatbase
is easily adapted to be a turband...A small bubble  in front being the gem, and
perhaps a white balloon being a feather will do it. With a sword you yourself
can act out one of the fights or whatever.

I`ll give it some more thought, see if I can come up with more

JAN the Trekkie Twister