Balloon-atic
Sometimes at a party, particularly a kids party, I'll give a little secret sigh when I've reached the end of my show and it's time to start twisting balloons.
It's the dirty, dry, dusty, sometimes sore condition it leaves my hands in. It's the requests for balloon models which are out of my capabilities (a tractor, a spaceship, a house). It's the knowing that I might have to end up staying a little (or a lot) later than planned if there are loads of kids (not only kids though) asking for balloons. But mostly, it's because when the balloons come out, people change. You would think I was giving out £100 notes!
I totally get the excitement for the kids, but without control (and I learned this the hard way), they get so worked up that they might not get a balloon that they shove each other, scream, cry, shove me and generally go to war. What's worse is when an adult (parent/carer/whatever) comes to the front of the line with their child, demanding a balloon. I'll tell them that I'll get the young one a balloon, but they'll have to join the line, and I'll get the dirtiest look, or an 'okay' through gritted teeth 😂
Having said that, it's few and far between that I get many problems like the ones mentioned, these days (it used to be a regular occurrence), and the truth is that I do actually love making and giving out balloon models to kids.
These twisted pieces of latex are so treasured by the children and I get so many little faces looking up at me with a smile and a ‘thank-you magician-man'. It really is a nice feeling.
And when I'm asked for something a bit ‘different’ these days, I have a go. Some work out better than others, but I've made some strange things, including windows! No matter how these things turn out, the children are usually pretty happy, or at least accepting, of the resulting model.
A couple of notes… If someone wants to make their own balloon model with one of your balloons, as long as it's safe, let them. Sometimes the results will surprise you, and maybe inspire you!
Buy balloons that won't pop as soon as you blow them up. I use Qualatex balloons and I get them from www.playtimeballoons.co.uk for the great service and prices.
Even if you can, please consider whether you should inflate the balloons by mouth. I've used a pump since day one, and with recent events regarding germs, etc, I'm glad I've stuck to that.
And just as with magic… practice, practice, practice!
Finally… if you are travelling with a load of pre-inflated balloons in the back of your car, keep the windows shut!!
