Sponsored by Twist & Shout
Liverpool, New York

Jeff D'Ambrosio is an award-winning balloon artist with a distinctive way of looking at the medium. Where many balloon designs begin with what can be inflated, Jeff often looks at the balloon itself and asks what else it can become. That mindset has led him to develop original techniques, explore unexpected uses for the material, and create work known for its detail and visual storytelling, including his recognizable use of uninflated balloon elements.

That approach earned Jeff the Top Twister Award at the 2026 Twist & Shout competition, and he’ll be bringing that same artistic lens into his classes for 2027.

Jeff continues to approach balloon artistry with curiosity and a willingness to explore what the medium can become. He’s looking forward to sharing that perspective at Twist & Shout and inspiring fellow artists to discover possibilities of their own.

Sponsored by Twist & Shout
Ontario, Canada

Mark Verge is a veteran balloon artist with over three decades of experience. Over the years he has spent performing stage and circle shows as well as the traditional twisting for lines, but it is his acclaimed circle show has become his signature form of entertainment, significantly elevating his profile, as a professional entertainer.

While live performance remains the core of his business, Mark is best known within the twisting community for his passion for competing and creating giant life-size sculptures. He is a two-time recipient of the Top Twister award, alongside a dozen first-place awards.

Mark's massive sculptures have been featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Balloon Magic the Magazine, and several documentaries. His television credits include appearances on The Discovery Channel, various children's networks that were viewed in over 100 countries, and his sculptures featured in four commercials.  Nationally recognized, his sculpting he has been commissioned by Royal Ontario Museum, Science North, and prominent sports franchises—including the Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Toronto Raptors— where he performed a halftime show on center court, for 18,000 fans.          

Sponsored by Kalisan
Hong Kong

I fell in love with balloon art when I first discovered the unlimited potential of balloons through creative designs I saw online. I started my first balloon art project in 2012. To improve my skills, I travelled to Taiwan to study balloon art, and in the same year, I founded my company, Color Life Production Co.

In 2014, I took part in my first individual balloon competition and won first place in Taiwan. After that, I decided to challenge myself by participating in public competitions every year. Over the years, I have received recognition and achieved excellent results in Russia, the USA, Japan, Malaysia, and Taiwan.

Sponsored by Kalisan
Liverpool, England

I’ve been creating with balloons for the past five years. I specialize in balloon twisting, balloon stacks, creative content displays and wearable balloon art. I absolutely love taking an idea and seeing just how far I can push it with balloons!

For me, balloons are so much more than decorations. They’re a little bit of magic. I love creating things that make people stop, smile and feel like they’ve stepped into another world. Whether I’m creating a mermaid, a magical garden, a character or a whole scene from scratch, I love bringing my imagination to life and turning the impossible into something you can see, touch and wear.

I’m happiest when I’m creating, experimenting and probably surrounded by far too many balloons! When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family and friends. I’m so excited to be teaching and sharing some of my balloon creativity with you. My hope is that we’ll have lots of fun, get creative and leave with even more ideas and inspiration than we arrived with! I can’t wait to meet you all.

Sponsored by Kalisan
Colton, CA

For over 15 years John has been turning balloons into smiles. Whether entertaining a crowd, decorating a grand event, or helping fellow artists grow their skills John’s goal has always been the same: to spread joy, spark creativity, and show just how magical a simple balloon can become.

Best known for his lightning-fast speed twisting, adorable cartoon-inspired designs, and advanced techniques that bring each creation to life. John loves adding hand-drawn marker details that give every balloon its own personality, whether it's a tiny balloon puppy or an elaborate display towering over an event. John has been honored with multiple industry awards, including placing at the FLOAT Balloon Convention in 2019, “Qualatex Color Quest” and the Twist & Shout Convention in 2026. One of his greatest joys has been sharing with balloon artists around the world.

Sponsored by Betallic/Sempertex
Nashville, Tennessee

Sam Cremeens is a Nashville-based balloon artist, entertainer, and decorator who first discovered the magic of balloon art in the summer of 2003. What began as a playful hobby quickly evolved into a full-time career when he moved to Nashville in 2011 to chase his dream of making a living doing what he loves. Today, Sam makes over 300 appearances annually, dazzling crowds at birthday parties, corporate events, trade shows, school and church carnivals, and restaurants. His passion for performance and education led him to co-host the Balloon Blast Video Show and produce a series of instructional videos for aspiring artists.

Sam’s talent and dedication have earned him international recognition, including prestigious awards like Top Twister 2020 and the Betallic Inspire Award in 2025. He’s also served as a featured instructor at major balloon and entertainment conventions across the globe. Now, as a proud partner with Betallic, Sam is excited to bring fresh, imaginative ideas to balloon enthusiasts everywhere—helping elevate your balloon adventures with creativity, fun, and a touch of flair.

Sponsored by Betallic
Portsmouth, England

Rob Driscoll has been a full-time professional magician and balloon artist since 1994, working professionally as The Bow Tie Balloon Guy. Rob has taught and lectured at balloon events across the UK, Europe and the USA, including the United Twisters in the Netherlands, the Twisters Club in Amsterdam, Blackpool Balloon Bash, CEBA in Barcelona, the Congress of Aero Designers in Ukraine, as well as events in Las Vegas and Florida. In recent years Rob has continued to be actively involved in the balloon industry, including returning to teach at United Twisters and regularly working with BAPIA – the Balloon and Party Industry Alliance in the UK. Rob is also known for his creative balloon projects, including My Daily Balloon, a year-long challenge in which he created and photographed a different balloon sculpture every day. Following his first appearance at Twist & Shout in Glendale, California in 2023, Rob is delighted to be back for Twist & Shout 2027.

Sponsored by Betallic
Waco Area, Texas

Holly George, better known as The Twister Sister, has been twisting balloons professionally for more than 15 years. Since launching her YouTube channel in 2009, Holly has shared hundreds of balloon tutorials and helped balloon artists around the world develop their skills, creativity, and confidence. She is a sponsored artist with Betallic / Sempertex and has been fortunate to share her love of balloon art with artists throughout the industry.

Known for her colorful style, clever techniques, and approachable teaching, Holly loves creating designs that have plenty of personality while still being practical for working entertainers. She is passionate about sharing ideas that artists can take home, make their own, and actually use on the job.

Holly is excited to bring her creativity, experience, and love of balloon art to Twist & Shout 2027!

Master Class
Seattle, WA

Racine Celeste is a multifaceted clown and artist from Seattle, Washington. With a background in amusement park entertainment, they tread the line between traditional clowning for private and corporate events and adult entertainment for after dark shows. With 14 years of balloon twisting experience, they are always looking for the next weird thing to try. 

Liftoff Team Member & Master Class
Chicago, Illinois

Smarty Pants is a Chicago based balloon artist and creator of the Big Balloon Show, a unique balloon stage show featuring magic, hilarious comedy and giant balloon props. A professional entertainer for nearly twenty years, Smarty Pants performs over 200 shows a year in schools, libraries, community centers, and theaters.  “Yes, this is his REAL JOB.”

He is also a regular feature on the WGN-TV Morning News program, bringing super silly balloon fun to millions of viewers watching at home.

Smarty Pants has been an active participant in Twist and Shout since its inaugural convention and remains dedicated to helping the next generation of balloon artists achieve their full potential.

Liftoff Team Leader
Los Angeles, California

Shana Sharp has been entertaining audiences with balloon art for 18 years, and with improv comedy for 15 years. In 2020 she began livestreaming her art and has been hired to produce sponsored content for brands like Coca-Cola and Crocs. She hosted and co-produced Balloon Builders on Noggin from 2021-2024. As an instructor in the balloon industry, she has taught since 2012 in half a dozen countries and is most widely known for her drawing and improvisational skills. She fully believes that you can make anything out of balloons. Yes, you.

Liftoff Team Member
New York, New York

Dave is a performer, balloon artist and educator with over 25 years of experience. He has gained notoriety as an instructor at balloon conventions worldwide, sharing his unique perspective on the art and performance of balloons. Dubbed “The King of Cute” by his pal Buster Balloon, Dave specializes in adorable balloon designs, interactive stage acts, and large scale installations. His skills as a host and MC have led him to roles including the judge of New Zealand’s Blow Up, and hosting awards ceremonies for the most prestigious balloon artist events (especially Twist & Shout!) He has also been recognized for his contributions to the balloon community, receiving the 2023 David Grist Memorial Award for his tireless efforts to help his fellow artists learn and grow.