2027
LiftOff
Classes are Thursday - Saturday, 1.5 hours each and are at 10:30am and 3:30pm
Twist & Shout is eager to introduce you to the art form we love and the community that has become so meaningful to us.
The Liftoff Program teaches through
• Play
• Demonstration
• Hands-On Experience
Your curiosity has brought you to the right place! We’ve assembled a “flight crew” of seasoned professionals who are honored to introduce you to the magical world of Balloon Art.
This is the program to follow if you are a complete newbie to balloons!
This is also a program for the balloon twister looking to elevate their game, not yet feeling confident enough to take on the more advanced classes that Twist & Shout has to offer. This is ALSO the program for decorators who are Twister-Curious! No, we will not teach designs specifically made for decor incorporation. BUT the principles taught here will develop the skills and creative confidence needed to express your balloon deco-twisting visions.
Balloon art changed our lives - we’re delighted to pay it forward!
Liftoff Classes
Intro to Balloon Joy
We start with PLAY! Latex balloons are the most whimsical objects, and once you learn the fundamentals of how they behave and react, you’ll be well on your way! We’ll go over balloon artist vocabulary, supplies, inflation and tying… but most importantly you’ll roll up your sleeves and get your hands on some balloons. Thursday AM
Simple, Fast, Classic
This class will focus on designs that use a single basic (260) balloon with simple twist techniques - there’s a LOT! The classic one-balloon repertoire is yours to master. Thursday PM
Pinch Twists
The humble pinch twist technique will open a whole world of possibilities to you! Added structural stability, detailed shape, secure connection point… this is the next level. Friday AM
Panel: Possibilities
What’s your 5-year plan? We have a panel of experts representing various paths to making a profit with balloons: entertaining, decor, content creation and more! Hear the advice they wish they’d known when THEY were starting out. Friday PM
Crowd Pleasers Part 1
These last two workshops, our instructors will be sharing their most tried and true crowd-pleasing sculptures. Designs that get the best reactions for the least time invested . Saturday AM
Crowd Pleasers Part 2
See Part 1, but more. Saturday PM
Liftoff Instructors
Two random instructors will be at each class.
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.
Shana Sharp
Smarty Pants
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.
Dave Brenn
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.