Everyone inside of us would like to know how to get up from the ground and fly. That's why levitation is one of the most compelling magical tricks a magician can add to his or her repertoire. This article starts from the Balducci method for which you will only need the feet and the audience.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare the Scene
Step 1. Gather some audience
For the illusion to work well, you will need someone sitting in front of you. The audience should look at you from roughly the same angle.
- If it is scattered around the room, ask it to collect itself in the same spot. Check that it doesn't form a semicircle or place itself behind you as they may notice the trick.
- If you have a small stage, settle on it. You can also fade the lights to give some vibe and help your number.
Step 2. Reveal what the number will be
You will immediately attract attention and raise expectations. The audience can't wait to see a levitation because it is one of the most intriguing tricks. Telling them you are about to do it will keep them glued to their chairs, which is essential for success.
- Build up the suspense during the show so that he gets impatient.
- To make it seem even more mysterious, find an assistant who announces what you will do before taking the stage or entering the room.
Step 3. Choose the spot where you will dramatically levitate
This also contributes to raising the suspense. Look for a place that has "good vibes" or "feels like taking them to the other dimension." Use compelling words for your audience.
Step 4. Shake your arms and legs to get ready
You can also do a few stretches, a couple of hops, or a couple of yoga moves. The aim is to show that levitation will be grueling. Announce that you have been preparing for this moment for weeks.
Step 5. It also announces that there are no cables or wires of any kind
Ask a person from the audience to go up and walk around you, to move their arms over your head to demonstrate that there is no trick.
Method 2 of 3: Perform Levitation
Step 1. Assume the position
Stay away from the audience, at a 45 ° angle and back to back. Stand so that the foot closest to the audience is visible. The heel of the rear foot is visible but the thumb area will be hidden.
- The angle and position of the foot must be correct or the audience will be able to notice that you are not really levitating. Rehearse in front of the mirror or with a friend who knows what you want to do.
- If the audience asks you to move or move closer, tell them that this is the exact spot from which the best vibrations are emanating or that if you move you will lose focus.
Step 2. Raise your front foot and rear heel
Simultaneously lift your front foot and rear heel a few inches off the ground. The weight of the entire body will be balanced on the thumb of the front foot, hidden from view of the public. To them, it will look like both feet have risen.
- Hold the position for five to ten seconds. If you keep it longer, the audience might try to peek in front of the foot.
- You will have to try several pairs of pants to figure out which one best hides the thumb of the rear foot without getting in the way.
Step 3. Make a "heavy back"
Finish your levitation by slamming both feet on the ground and bending your knees as if coming from a great height. This way, the audience will be convinced that you have risen much more than you actually did.
Method 3 of 3: Test the Variants
Step 1. Work from different angles
Try to stand on a platform that is higher than the audience or turn 45 degrees in the opposite direction. Try to figure out which angle works best and is most convincing considering your skills and build.
- You can also check the angle by looking at where the audience sits. Try to place them at different distances from the stage.
- You can also deliberately block the view from the audience like you do in Superman's levitation trick or the Ascending King trick, in which he puts a jacket over his feet while creating the illusion.
Step 2. Act as though levitation is difficult and intense
Make the expression you would use when lifting a heavy object using your muscles. You appear focused. Use your body language to convince them that levitation is both a mental and physical effort on your part.
- Renowned magician David Blaine pretends to feel bad to convince the audience that he put a lot of energy into the makeup.
- Pretending to be surprised or shocked that levitation worked is a compelling action.
