How long have you been doing this?" "Since I got here." Typical question, very typical answer. Depending upon the event, "Since I got here." could mean 15 minutes ago, or three hours ago. But since the question connotates that....
Judith Coradi~ Balloon Artiste' Extraordinaire!
is no novice at balloon twisting or stand-up comedy (she's been performing over 35 years & she's only in her mid 40's), and if you're the lucky recipient of an intricate "inflation creation", STOP at the answer she gives you & don't ask anything else.....UNLESS...you really want to know her history.
Judith tells the story.... One afternoon when I was 15 years old, I came home from school and there was a Shriner Clown sitting comfortably in my livingroom. My father, aka: SMOKEY the FIREEATER had invited him to give me a private lesson in twisting balloons.
I do recall being hesitant and unwilling to learn a craft that made unpleasant & loud popping noises when disrupted of its inflationary condition.... But because my father was indeed a wise and resourceful business man and professional entertainer (I realized his wisdom some 32 years later) and my source of allowance (ha, ha, ha).....
I didn't argue about his decision to interrupt my afternoon plans to do.......well, I don't remember what I had planned but I can bet twisting squeaky rubber into dogs was not it.
Just like many of the children & adults I've instructed over the years~
(you know.... how they cringe when they encounter that 1st opportunity to embark on a rubber twisting adwenture)
I, too, squinted my eyes, held my breath and twisted. "Don't be afraid, they won't pop....they're made to bend, " said the Shriner Clown to the kid..... now I tell my students that.
Well, that was my first encounter with twisting balloons....which I absolutely LOVE to do! As you take a look around my website and visit the picture gallery, I would just like you to know this one thing.....
That I have been inspired by many of the world's TOP Balloon Industry Leaders: Pioneer great-Marvin Hardy (my 1st instructional book was one he wrote, BALLOON MAGIC), Larry Moss, Ralph Dewey, David Grist, Just Marie, Patricia Bunnell, Don Caldwell.......and there are many others.....although I've never met them and they don't even know I exist....a lot of what I have been able to accomplish in this business is because they have have inspired me to excellence, touched my life & mentored me through their books & videos, etc..... Thank you for answering the call of God on your lives.......
During this year, 2009, I am CELEBRATING my 13th consecutive year in the "Balloon Business". Although many people know me as "Giggles the Clown", even without makeup & blue hair I can still twist a mean balloon! I am truly blessed. I have the greatest job, no, CALLING, in the world. This is my CALLING, my PASSION and my ART. And to anyone who has invited me to share important moments & events in their life, THANK YOU for letting me serve you!
And if you are just just beginning to shop around for an excellent BALLOON ARTIST, I really do hope I am given a chance to meet you and create a lot of FUN and "absolutely awesome-on-the-spot-improvisation-inflation-creations" for your next Special Event!
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