From lm03_cif@uhura.cc.rochester.edu  Fri Jun 12 22:28:23 1992
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From: lm03_cif@uhura.cc.rochester.edu (Larry Moss)
Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1992 22:29:24 -0400
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To: balloon
Subject: NABA and routines again

I got a complaint from Jim earlier for not letting everyone know about
the information I got from the NABA.  I've been away for a couple of
weeks and didn't have a chance.  I was really disappointed.  It's
basically an organization aimed at people with balloon businesses, not
really individual performers.  In fact, individuals can't join.  The
organization that runs it (can't remmember the name offhand) publishes a
number of books and magazines dealing with balloons.  From what I read
though, a lot of it has to do with round balloons, fancy centerpieces for
catered affairs, arches, etc.  Very little had to do with balloon
sculpting.

Now back to something I mentioned a while ago.  Here's a short
explanation of my favorite balloon routine.  I don't know where the basic
idea came from (Mitch, do you remember?), but I've been using it for a
few years.  A lot more can be said about it than what I wrote, but this
is a start.  I also believe it can be built up some more.  In the past I
always used it as a minor (5 minutes) part of a show.  It has grown a
great deal, but I never used every part of it together during one show.
It's only recently that I've decided to move more towards balloons and
away from magic and I do plan on trying it at the next party I do.

	A parent needs to get involved for this.  Most are more than
willing.  In addition to the usual 260's of the trade you'll need one
very large balloon that's such a big target it can't be missed.  An
ordinary round balloon is sufficient, but a large one adds to the effect
a bit.
	Tell the basic story of William Tell while making a bow and
arrow.  The bow is one inflated 260 with an uninflated one tied to each
end to form the bow string.  The arrow is simply a straight 260.  If you
want to really build this up you could do a bit looking for music.
Explain that, like in the movies, music adds to the suspense.  Pull a
ready made balloon trumpet out of bag and try to play (prior to learning
about the balloon trumpet I always used a kazoo as a gag instrument).
When you fail miserably at playing, look in the bag again and find a tape
recorder with the William Tell Overture.  (Most people don't seem to know
the music by name, so it really doesn't matter what you play, but I still
like doing it right. :-) 
	Now get to the heart of the story.  The apple needs to get shot
off of someone's head.  One of the kids stands up in front of everyone.
Get a large balloon.  Let it slowly deflate (to the size of an apple)
before tying it off while trying to find a way of getting it to stay on
the kid's head.  Pretend not to notice that the balloon is deflating.
Finally make a hat for the kid to wear and attach the apple to that using
a piece of tape.  Blow up some extra arrows "in case you miss on the
first try."  Since this is "dangerous", you won't want the kid wearing the
target to see the arrows coming at him.  Place a blind fold on him.  Have
someone put a blind fold on you.  Knock the arrow and shoot.  You might
actually not want to put the blind fold on the kid until you've got the
first arrow knocked and aimed.  It can be an afterthought that you don't
wish to scare him.  One person will keep handing you arrows since you
won't be able to see them.  (Of course you could make a balloon quiver to
hold the arrows.)  Needless to say, you'll keep missing the target.  When
you get to the last arrow, the parent helping (who was handed a pin
before the show started) will sneak up behind the child with the apple
and pop it.
	At this point I show how happy I am that I succeeded and pull the
blind fold off and take a bow.  Then I take a bow with the assistant.  I
never let on that I know I had help popping the apple and the assistant
will be impressed.  It'll only be a matter of a few seconds before the
assistant learns from his friends how the balloon popped, but they'll
have a lot of fun with the story telling since a demonstration was
involved and they all laugh at me for taking credit for being such a
great shot.

	Once it's all over I pick up the arrows scattered around the
floor and make an octopus for the birthday child.  After all, you have to
do something with the inflated balloons.

Larry