Professional Balloon Sculpting Training – Balloons in All Their Forms – Lens 2026

From 24 to 28 august 2026

Discover "The Balloon in All Its Forms", an intensive five-day professional training course dedicated to the world of balloon sculpting, organized by IF2A – Institut de Formation Aux Arts at Kastelet de Lens, from August 24 to 28, 2026.

Accessible without any prerequisites, this 35-hour training course is aimed at artists, entertainers, circus performers, clowns, magicians, educators, event professionals, as well as anyone wishing to develop an original, creative and immediately marketable artistic skill.

Led by Maxime Duby, a professional artist for over thirty years (juggler, stilt walker, balloon sculptor and trainer), this training alternates between theoretical input and numerous practical workshops in order to quickly acquire the essential basics and then move towards more elaborate creations.

On the agenda:

discovery of basic shapes;
understanding and use of latex;
learning the Pinch Twist, Apple Twist and S Twist techniques;
creation of a bird-like body;
posture and presentation of the sculptor (costume, attitude, staging of the constructions);
creating animals using the "quick heads" system;
construction of the head and body bases;
games involving a ball to develop dexterity, breath control and coordination;
creation of hats and costumes using balloon braiding;
use of round balloons and heart-shaped balloons;
aptitude test at the end of training.

The educational objectives are to enable trainees to create simple or complex sculptures with one or more balloons, master the main professional techniques, build coherent characters and animals, effectively present their creations to the public and integrate balloon sculpting into an entertainment or show.

Balloon sculpting is a particularly versatile discipline. It can enhance shows for children or adults, street performances, festivals, school or hospital programs, corporate events, and even cultural outreach activities. IF2A also highlights the benefits of this practice in terms of creativity, concentration, communication, and even art therapy.

The training takes place in the Le Kastelet performance hall in Lens, a venue perfectly suited for artistic instruction. The facility is accessible to people with disabilities and benefits from a convenient location near Lens train station and major transport routes.

IF2A is a Qualiopi-certified training organization, which, depending on the circumstances, allows for funding through France Travail or an OPCO (Skills Operator). The fee is €1,000, with several financing options and the possibility of paying in installments.

The balls used during the training are supplied by Alliance Ballons Company (ABC France), a historical partner of the training and a French manufacturer specializing in professional balls for over 37 years.

Maxime Duby