🎈 Balloon Performer Catherine Came to the Nursery School!

One afternoon, just as summer was about to begin.

A consultation arrived at Hoshi, a childcare consultant, from Yuki-sensei at a nursery school.

"I want to hold an event where the children can get really excited."

Something a little different from the seasonal events.

I want to show them something they don't often get to see at their usual nursery school.

When Hoshi heard that, one person's face came to mind.

"…That person might be interesting."

Balloon Performer Catherine, whom Hoshi had known for some time.

When Hoshi contacted her right away,

"At a nursery school, you say?"

The voice on the other end of the phone sounded a little excited.

"I want to show them a balloon show."

"I'd love to do it!"

A few days later.

Hoshi, Balloon Performer Catherine, and Yuki-sensei were sitting around a table, having their first meeting.

Catherine said,

"Let's make it a show where the children can't help but lean forward, wondering, 'What's going to be made next?'"

"We'll gradually complete animals, flowers, and other things."

"That way, they'll be excited, wondering 'What's going to be made next!'"

From there, the three of them began to plan the flow of the show.

The children won't get bored.

Even small children can understand it just by watching.

It takes shape little by little to the rhythm of the music.

And then, a single show is completed.

Furthermore, the meeting expanded rapidly from there.

• About how old are the children who will be watching?

• How many minutes can they enjoy the show?

• Are there any children who might be startled by loud noises?

• How much distance should we keep to ensure they enjoy it safely?

"They tend to come forward when they get excited, don't they?"

Catherine laughs.

"That's why we have to imagine and prepare for the moment things get lively."

"In that case, the teachers can also feel at ease and enjoy it along with them."

It seemed that in the mind of balloon performer Catherine, she could already see herself standing in front of the children.

And then, the day of the event arrived.

The nursery children were gathered in the hall, buzzing with excitement, not knowing what was about to begin.

Then, balloon performer Catherine appeared, holding colorful balloons.

"Everyone! Today, if you can guess what these long balloons will turn into, will you tell me?"

With a cheerful voice, Catherine slowly steps forward, holding a single long, thin balloon.

Squeak.

Squeak.

Squeak.

The balloons are being twisted.

The gazes of the children, who had been noisy just a moment ago, gradually gathered on her hands.

And then—

I know! It's a flower!

Correct!

One flower was completed.

Wow!

A loud cheer filled the hall.

This time, two.

Next, three.

Colorful balloons changed their shapes one after another right before their eyes.

Turning into animals,

Turning into big flowers,

Turning into hats,

The nursery school children were so captivated by the balloons taking shape one after another that they looked like they were about to stand up.

Amazing!

What color balloon is this!

"Red!"

Catherine involves the children as she proceeds with the show.

"What is it going to be next!?"

The eyes of the children watching intently are filled with excitement.

Just by picking up a single balloon,

"I wonder what's going to happen next"

the atmosphere fills the entire hall.

Hoshi, who was watching from behind, whispered softly.

"That's amazing..."

"Something is going to be made"

"Maybe the next thing will be even more amazing"

"Two balloons have stuck together"

She was delivering that very sense of anticipation and surprise.

And by the time the show was nearing its end,

various flowers and animals had been created.

It was just like a balloon zoo.

"Who had fun today?"

"Meeeeee!"

Many small hands went up all at once.

Balloon Performer Catherine smiled as she looked at the scene.

After the show ended, Hoshi called out to her.

“It was a huge success.”

“The children were all smiles!”

“Just by holding a single balloon, everyone was waiting for what would come next.”

Catherine laughed while tidying up the remaining balloons.

“The children’s smiles and surprised faces when they see the finished product are cute, but...”

“I love that moment.”

“The look on their faces when they watch, wondering, ‘What will it become?’”

I nodded at those words.

Nursery school events don't just have to be about us presenting something.

They can also be things that get them absorbed, surprised, laughing, and emotionally moved.

That kind of time is also a valuable experience for the children.

“Let’s do it again.”

Catherine smiled and replied.

“Of course. Next time, I’ll surprise them even more.”

A small plan that started with a single balloon.

Adding just a little bit of outside influence to childcare.

That alone can turn the usual nursery school into...

an unforgettable, exciting stage for the children.

[Introduction of Balloon Performer Catherine]

Winner of the 2022 National Balloon Art Championship.
Balloon shows are now available as hometown tax return gifts (Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture).
Over 1,800 performances to date.

Instagram stream↓↓↓

Collaboration [2]

Flower and Heart Stylist Rinshin Instagram