Classes 2027 — Twist & Shout

2027

Classes

Classes are Thursday - Saturday, 1.5 hours each and run 8:30 - 5:00
Class schedule is at the bottom of the page.

Jeff D’Ambrosio

It’s in the Details

What if the difference between a good design and a memorable one is in the details you almost overlook? In this class, we’ll explore practical techniques for using detail with more purpose and impact. Jeff will share ideas from his own detail-driven work, including ways to use both inflated and uninflated elements in unexpected ways.

You’ll also get a closer look at the artistic mindset behind Jeff’s Top Twister competition work and how that same approach can translate into everyday twisting. The goal is to help you see more possibilities in the balloons you already use and make each added detail count.

Fast n’ Wow

Some designs just hit the sweet spot. They look impressive, build efficiently, and hold up at real-world events. In this class, we’ll dig into a collection of Jeff’s field-tested original designs and the construction choices that make them work so well.

Jeff will also share an updated approach to flat weaving that makes the technique faster and easier to use. Along the way, you may discover a few ideas that change the way you approach building fast, impressive designs of your own.

Marybeth Brazier

Fashion Bag with Plush Keychain

Inspired by on trend handbag accessories. This class will teach participants how to create a fashionable handbag with plush balloon charms. You will learn techniques for both the bag and the charms, creating an on trend design that can be adapted for different themes and sold as a unique gift or accessory.

The initial theme will be inspired by SpongeBob, using fun balloon plush style charms as decorative accessories for the handbag. However, the techniques taught can easily be adapted to suit future trends, allowing participants to recreate the design with whatever plush or character theme is popular at the time. Balloons mostly used 160s and 260s.

Carnival Dress (child size)

The child sized carnival dress I will prepare a mannequin prior to the class for participants , allowing the session to focus on the construction techniques rather than the initial setup. I will explain each stage of the process so participants understand how to recreate the design independently. Inspired by a Funhouse theme, the dress will have a striped bodice using 160 or 260 balloons , paired with a 5” K-Link balloon skirt. For the skirt I will demonstrate how to connect K-Link balloons securely using a 260 balloon wrap this technique can be used in future designs. I will also explain how a child’s mannequin can be made up.

Ting Yu Wong

W-Skill

This is a hands-on class where participants will learn how to use W-skill and distortion techniques to create a balloon airplane costume. The project will be created through teamwork, with participants working together to build the complete piece. The finished design will also include movable and interactive elements, making it not only a visually striking centerpiece but also a fun and engaging experience for the audience. The class will focus on color coordination, structural design and interactive detailing, helping participants develop the balloon artistry and create a complete piece with stronger storytelling, immersive qualities and visual impact. Class Format: Hands-on.

Balloon Character Head

The first 10 minutes of the class will focus on explaining the techniques and sharing examples of my work. After that we will move into the hands-on session. We will create a balloon character head. By adding different hairstyles, the same basic head structure can be transformed into a variety of cute balloon characters. We will also use twisting techniques to create different hairstyles and add personality to each design. Class Format: Lecture + Hands-on.

John Justice

More Bang for your Buck

Making the switch from 260 to 360s: upsizing designs, making adjustments for the proportions. Breaking down the math on perceived value, cost break downs and time study’s keeping designs under 4 minutes per design for line work while keeping the designs impressive. Twist along class.

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Mark Verge

Balloon Circle Show

Any of us can twist balloons for a line. Don’t get left behind doing the same old thing and left dealing with the dreaded end of line dilemma.

Set yourself apart from others, with an interactive, entertaining circle show that delivers an engaging experience for audiences of all ages, ranging from grandkids to grandparents. For more than 25 years, my Circle Show has turned balloon twisting into an interactive performance at sporting events, fairs, festivals, colleges, universities and holiday events.

Built on a simple concept of turning a circle of spectators, into an interactive audience and your balloon sculpture into a prize, creating a memorable experience. This format lets you showcases you’re twisting skills, and make audience interaction part of the entertainment. The real skill is knowing how to read the crowd, choose the right design, keeping things moving, interesting and engaging.

The fun starts when you know how to make the audience wonder what you're going to create next, so they can take home a prize!

Open yourself up to a new modern way to entertain, and leave with a whole new way to perform.

The Wheel of Balloons Game Show

Everyone loves games shows, but rarely have the opportunity to engage in one. The Wheel of Balloons is not just a prop, it is a powerful tool that transforms a standard balloon show into a captivating, interactive visual show of movement and sound.

This premium, interactive production centers around two custom, large spinning wheels that drive the pace and engagement of the event. The primary wheel selects the next challenge or identifies a member of the audience to take center stage. The participant then spins the secondary wheel to determine their prize, a custom, on-the-spot creation ranging from wearable balloon art and intricate bracelets to elaborate four-foot sculptures.

Designed specifically for larger high-traffic venues such as shopping malls, trade shows, fairs, and festivals, this style of show, delivers maximum visual impact and audience participation. Because it transforms standard entertainment into an immersive, spectator-driven experience, this premium offering commands higher booking fees and delivers exceptional value for large-scale events.