2025
Classes
JUHO HOKKANEN
Buttons and Rings
How to make balloon rings and "buttons". Various different applications for balloon rings will be demonstrated during the class. You will also learn the "double ring" -technique, which can be used for connecting balloons together or making a magical hole through a balloon. Only latex balloons will be used for all the techniques.
Thursday: 8:30 am - 10 am
Friday: 10:30 - 12 noon
Non-Traditional Balloon Distortion
On this class, mostly round- and heart-shaped balloons will be used in balloon distortion. Several different distortion methods will be demonstrated - focusing especially on "pre-distortion" -method, where balloon distortion is made prior to inflating the balloon. On this class, you will learn for example simple and fast distortion to make a heart using any round balloon and how to quickly make a realistic motorcycle tank quickly. In addition, we will also be making balloon spirals using modelling balloons and as a bonus, you will also learn how to make realistic suspension for a motor cycle or any other vehicle.
Thursday: 3:30 pm - 5pm
Saturday: 10:30 am - 12 noon
GERGO CSATAI
Balloon Modeling Mastery: Crafting Stunning Characters -
In this class, you will learn to create stunning characters, bring to life figures like mermaids, llamas, old men, and Yoda. Combining shapes and colors for realistic results. Ideal for those looking to master new techniques and impress at your events.
Thursday: 8:30 am - 10 am
Thursday: 1:30 ppm - 3 pm
Balloon Couture: Create Unique Costumes with 6” Links
Transform simple 6” links (GL6) balloons into stunning outfits! This class is designed for those looking to take balloon decor to a whole new level. You’ll learn to create costumes using 6” links (GL6) balloons, perfect for themed events, carnivals, or any special occasion. This class will showcase techniques for designing unique and creative costumes.
Friday: 3:30 pm - 5 pm
Saturday: 1:30 pm - 3 pm
LAURAL SCHULTZE
Creepy-Cute Cryptids & Creatures
Quick cute characters and creatures that will be fun to add to any menu. Class notes presentation that will include extra photos/ideas, any extra links to references and resources, and a QR code that people can use to follow along on their devices or refer to at a later date. Clip art for all of the designs taught will be included for download for those who take the class.
Thursday: 10:30 am - 12 noon
Friday: 3:30 pm - 5 pm
History of Fashion
We’ll explore historical fashion on a small scale, 3 different fashion era dolls perfect for history buffs, book clubs, and Bridgerton fans. Three different historical dresses are included: late 18th century (Marie Antoinette, Queen Charlotte), early 19th century (Regency era, Jane Austen, Bridgerton), and late 19th century (Victorian Era, Charles Dickens). Class Notes presentation will include basic notes on the three fashion eras, extra photos/ideas, upsizing ideas, any extra links to references and resources, and a QR code that people can use to follow along on their devices or refer to at a later date.
Friday: 8:30 am - 10 am
Saturday: 10:30 am - 12 Noon
SHANA SHARP
Improvisation: Art in the Moment
Balloons don’t last forever, but memories can. In this class, we will discuss and practice the improvisational principles of listening, establishing connection, and saying “yes”. We will explore how these theories apply to you as a Business Operator, an Entertainer, and an Artist. This covers conversational skill as well as off-the-menu and off-the-cuff balloon designs. Be generous. You have a gift, and gifts are to be shared🎈
Thursday: 10:30 aam - 12 noon
Friday: 8:30 am - 10 am
Drawing on Balloons
2D art tips for 3D artists! Marker art is an incredible tool to elevate your designs. In this class we will cover:
· Materials and best practices (BYO Ink and/or paint markers!)
· Lettering with markers
· Basic principles of cartoon faces and expressions
· Superhero masks
· Simplifying logos
Thursday: 3:30 pm - 5 pm
Saturday: 10:30 am - 12 noon
JACKIE OCHITWA
Balloon Huggers
A hug makes everything better. Balloon Huggers are utterly adorable, twisted animals or people that can be attached to an arm, head, stroller or microfoil number as part of a centerpiece. They are incredibly versatile and can be personalized to match any theme. Learn to put together a sweet and simple centerpiece entertainers can upsell for birthday parties using Balloon Huggers. Jackie O’s signature uber-cute style of balloon twisting will make your clients say, “Awwww”.
Thursday: 1:30 pm - 3 pm
Friday: 1:30 pm - 3 pm
Living Your Bike Life
Riders ready, watch the gate! Believe it or not, Jackie O was once a Nationally Ranked BMX Champion in Canada. In this class she combines her love of the sport with her passion for balloon twisting. Her BMX bike design is one of her most requested tutorials and she’s teaching it for the first time ever at Twist & Shout 2025. This sculpture brings the wow factor with its smooth lines and intricate parts. It’s an exercise in sizing and proportion with a little distortion thrown in for good measure. Let’s keep the rubber side down and make some bikes Twist & Shout!
Saturday: 8:30 am - 10 am
Saturday: 3:30 pm - 5 pm
EDWARD MUNOZ
World of Dolls
Discover the magic of distortion, where you'll learn to create delightful dolls! This isn't a beginner class, but I'll break down every detail—covering the dress, face, hands, and feet—so you can craft a SPECTACULAR doll with confidence. Get ready to learn and leave with profitable ideas that are sure to wow your clients!
Thursday: 10:30 am - 12 noon
Friday: 10:30 am - 12 noon
Toyland Magic
Get ready to twist up some fun! In this class, we will explore the sizes of twisting balloons—160, 260, 360, and 660—to create an iconic toy-filled adventure. I’ll share insider SECRETS along the way that will amaze not only you but also your customers when you show off this playful design! Perfect for adding a playful, nostalgic touch to any event!
Saturday: 8:30 am - 10 am
Saturday: 1:30 pm - 3 pm
MERI HOKHIKYAN
Twisted Flowers
Twisted flowers are a fun and creative way to bring a burst of color into any space and any occasion! These elegant and artistic balloon creations are made by twisting and shaping balloons into vibrant, eye-catching flowers. With long, slender stems and beautifully arranged petals crafted from twisted loops, they look just like real flowers. The centers often feature smaller balloon twists that mimic a flower's pistil, adding a nice touch of detail.One of the best things about twisted flowers is their versatility. They can be used in all kinds of bouquets for various occasions-think birthday parties, weddings, or just because! Plus, they make fantastic additions to organic decor and themed events. Whether you are looking to brighten up a room or create a playful centerpiece, these balloon flowers are sure to bring joy and charm to any setting.
Friday: 8:30 am - 10 am
Friday: 1:30 pm - 3 pm
Basket
This beautiful balloon basket features a unique wheat-inspired design, crafted with balloon twisting techniques to mimic the texture and flow of natural wheat stalks. The intricate balloon work creates a unique, yet natural basket look, adding a lighthearted touch to any space. Its neutral color palette makes it a versatile decorative piece, ideal as a gift to loved ones for various events and occasions.
Thursday: 1:30 pm - 3pm
Saturday: 1:30 pm - 3 pm
ROB BALCHUNAS
Balloon Longevity
Balloons are temporary, but the photos and memories live on. “Job security” as Royal Sorell used to say. But what do you do when you need to create a sculpture that needs to last a long time?
Rob will show you how to create balloons that last, whether you need them to look good for a few days or a couple months. You’ll learn how to design sculptures for maximum longevity and how to use products such as Hi-Float to ensure that your balloons hold up. Rob will reveal how sculptures he created for Balloon Story in NYC were up for two months and didn’t require any maintenance or refreshing.
Thursday: 3:30 pm - 5 pm
Friday: 3:30 pm - 5 pm
Twisted Deliveries
Balloons make great gifts and great promo pieces. In this class, you’ll learn some fun pieces that are perfect for deliveries or for promoting your appearances. Do you have a library show or restaurant you perform at? Why not drop off a sculpture to get people excited about your upcoming appearance? Rob will show you sculptures but also techniques you can use to keep your sculptures looking good for a while, so you can drop off a piece a couple weeks in advance and have it still look fresh.
Saturday: 8:30 am - 10 am
Saturday: 3:30 pm - 5 pm
JAKE & RENEE EGGERT
Growing a Team
Since our first event doing balloon twisting in 2007, we immediately realized that there is no way to do this alone. Rather than using subcontractors, we train all of our employees. We currently have 42 artists on our payroll. How can you find and build your own team? Learn how we train and manage all of them. We will show you the online tools we use to keep track of events and invoicing. Learn what challenges come with the territory and how they can be quite easy to overcome. We will discuss what laws you need to be aware of and what you should do about workers’ compensation and insurance. Discover how to land corporate gigs and present yourself as a serious company with staff to handle serious events.
Thursday: 8:30 am - 10 am
Saturday: 3:30 pm - 5 pm
Building a Brand
Are you looking to elevate your business? Tired of being asked to work for exposure or asked what your real job is? Want to find a way to be on the corporate call list for events? This class explores essential branding techniques to create a unique identity to help you stand out in a competitive market. We will teach you how to secure corporate sponsors to pay you to be at public sponsored events. You will learn how to market to schools and similar institutions in your area. We will teach you to create a marketing mix that will keep your name on the top of your client’s minds whenever events come up. Discover ways to promote yourself for free or very low-cost techniques. We will end the course with a question-and-answer section as we realize that everyone’s business is unique and we want to be able to offer ways to apply these techniques specifically to your needs.
Friday: 10:30 am - 12 noon
Friday: 1:30 pm - 3 pm
