313-277-0800

88-88-2CLOWNS

Lovely@2clowns.com

Dan Priest, a.k.a. Balloon Man Dan, got his start in entertaining when he was born into his own three ring circus as the first child of seven in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Growing up in barely controlled chaos, he developed a love of language, good comic timing and excellent punmanship, even if his handwriting wasn't the best.  Dan attended Michigan State University and earned a not so funny degree in Human Physiology in 1989.  While at MSU, though, he learned to juggle, and helped found the JUGGLERS OF MSU.  Taking beginning and advanced clown studies at MSU and Lansing Community College, Dan evolved into Derby the Clown at about the time graduation rolled around.  He also has studied education at the University of Michigan - Dearborn and has earned a second Bachelor degree in Gerontology from Madonna University - Livonia in 2002. 

Derby the Clown has appeared throughout Michigan, including Lansing performances of the Royal Hanneford Circus in 1990 and 1991.  He is a regular feature at Michigan's festivals.  He has performed magic, skits, juggling, face painting and balloon sculpture for first birthdays through nursing homes for over 15 years.  Derby is also known as Balloon Man Dan, able to sculpt hundreds of shapes out of balloons.  He is a member of the International Jugglers Association, Clowns of America International, International Association of Family Entertainment Professionals, Clowns Around Redford, World Clown Association and the Fellowship of Christian Magicians.  At the 2000 Midwest Clown Association convention, he won three awards for his balloon sculptures. 

So far Balloon Man Dan/ Derby/ Dan has worked as a novelty store clerk, a recreation aide for the disabled, a fifth grade teacher, an instructor/re-trainer for victims of brain injury, and as a life-enrichment coordinator for an assisted living specializing in memory care.   Dan is a husband and father to four wonderful children.  He is comfortable with special populations and has a basic knowledge of Spanish and American Sign languages.  He has been trained in CPR and First Aid.