The world of balloon entertainment, by Dale Obrochta
What balloon colors should an entertainer carry? Overwhelmed with balloon colors, the entertainer struggles to figure out which balloons they should buy and why would they use that color? That’s the question many beginners and some veterans of balloon entertaining ask themselves. Let’s jump in a time machine and go back to April of 1986, … Read more
Balloon colors have exploded over the years. What originally started as nine colors has now escalated to forty-seven colors. This is not counting the offbeat imprints and seasonal balloon colors. Instructional books dwindle as fewer are being produced. Yet YouTube is fueled by thousands of individuals teaching balloon techniques once only taught in books and … Read more
The room goes black at TEDxNaperville and there in glowing neon balloons is the cryptic word “awesome”. Balloon entertainer Dale Obrochta has visually mind mapped Jill Shargaa’s presentation, “ Please, Please, People, Let’s Put the Awe Back in Awesome” out of twisting balloons. “This was a first for any TED/TEDx talk”, says TEDxNaperville producer Arthur … Read more
When I have time, I peruse the Internet looking at pictures and on this on particular evening while waiting for my son to fall asleep, I saw a picture posted by an Asian balloon artist. What caught my eye was the weave in the middle of the flower. It reminds me of a pattern that … Read more
I stroll down the grocery aisle; my eyes catch the words, “New & Improved” on several products. The product is not new, but repackaged, a gadget has been added, fragrance or chemicals may have been stripped and replaced. In many cases we can call it a style change, or popular beliefs are making the product … Read more
We all know the feeling, you’re just putting the finishing touches on a sculpture and suddenly, POP! One of the crucial balloons decides it’s doesn’t want to be part of your vision. Whether you’re building a one balloon dog or a multi-balloon caricature nothing is more frustrating and strains the nerves of the poor balloon … Read more
I have always been a fan of combining balloon figures and Halloween is the time of year when I like putting a twist on designs. Popular among the kids is photobombing, and I thought what would happen if a ghost decided to photobomb a teenager. What would that look like? Well a couple of balloon … Read more
Have you ever tried to cook a chicken with a beer can stuck inside it? No matter how careful you are, the chick is just top-heavy and wants to fall over. Years ago, I was not sure where my mom bought this handy little device, but we had a rack that you push into the … Read more
In 1998, my wedding hall was filled with balloon table toppers, arches, and decorative displays, all floating majestically in the air. That was 1998. Now, in 2013, the price of helium has skyrocketed as producers interrupted distribution of helium production. Horror stories abound of balloon decorators searching five state areas searching for the precious gas … Read more
Everybody stepped back and there I was, standing alone. Congratulations, you win! You have been volunteered to make a balloon sculpture. I am exaggerating, but I do have a person who makes sure I get to show off my skills. I have made free balloon figures for people’s birthdays, teachers, my son’s Valentine’s Day gifts, … Read more