HOW TO LEVITATE

You'll learn how to perform a series of impressive and easy-to-execute magic tricks using common household items like string, putty, and everyday objects to create captivating illusions. The following is an in-depth breakdown of each trick and the techniques involved:

1. Invisible String Trick

The invisible string trick is a classic in the world of magic, known for its simplicity and effectiveness. The basic idea is to stretch and conceal a length of invisible string behind objects like door frames, table edges, or even your own body. The string, nearly undetectable to the naked eye, can be discreetly attached to objects you wish to make appear as if they are floating or moving on their own.

To perform this trick, first, secure one end of the string to a stationary object or a hidden part of your body. Then, attach the other end to the item you want to move or levitate. By gently pulling on the string, you can create the illusion that the object is defying gravity. After the performance, the string can be easily wrapped around a piece of paper for convenient storage and future use. The key to success with this trick lies in careful planning of your setup and subtle, smooth movements to maintain the illusion.

2. Card Levitation Illusion

The card levitation illusion is a versatile trick that can be performed with either a business card or a playing card. This trick relies on precise finger movements and strategic hand positioning to create the appearance of levitation. By skillfully concealing your thumbs and using your fingers to lift the card discreetly, you can make it seem as though the card is rising into the air.

The secret to mastering this illusion is in the angles and movements. From the audience’s perspective, the card should appear to be floating independently of your hands. This requires practice to ensure that your actions are smooth and natural, making the levitation believable. This trick is particularly effective in close-up magic, where the audience is close enough to be thoroughly amazed by your sleight of hand.

3. Dinner Roll Levitation

This charming illusion involves a dinner roll and a napkin, perfect for performing at a dinner party or any casual gathering. The trick is simple yet elegant: you hide a fork behind the napkin and use it to lift the roll, creating the illusion that the roll is magically levitating.

To perform, discreetly position the fork behind the roll, using the napkin to cover both the fork and your hand movements. As you lift the roll with the fork, maintain the illusion by miming the action of levitating the roll with your other hand. The trick relies on effective pantomime and skillful sleight of hand to make the levitation appear seamless and convincing. With practice, you can make this trick a delightful addition to your magic repertoire, perfect for surprising and entertaining guests.

4. Self-Levitation Illusion

The self-levitation illusion is a classic trick that creates the impression that you are floating off the ground. To perform this illusion, position yourself at a 45-degree angle from your audience. The secret lies in using one foot to support your body while giving the impression that both feet are off the ground.

To achieve this, stand on the toes of one foot while subtly blocking the audience’s view of your supporting foot. By carefully adjusting your body positioning and balancing on your toes, you can create the illusion of levitating a few inches off the ground. This trick is particularly effective when performed with confidence and a convincing act, making it seem as though you possess the power to defy gravity.

5. Custom Levitation Apparatus

This trick involves creating a custom-made levitation apparatus using a piece of cold-rolled steel shaped into an S-curve. This apparatus is then hidden under your shirt, allowing you to levitate larger objects, such as books or cups. The S-curve design provides both stability and flexibility, making it possible to perform the illusion without the apparatus being visible.

To perform the trick, secure the apparatus with a belt or hide it within your clothing. This allows you to walk around freely, with the levitation tool concealed. When ready, you can use the apparatus to lift an object, making it appear as if it’s floating. Adjusting the angles and movements of the apparatus can enhance the realism of the levitation, making it a powerful tool for your magic performances. This trick requires some preparation and practice, but once mastered, it can be a showstopper that leaves your audience in awe.

6. Thumb Trick with a Styrofoam Cup

The thumb trick with a Styrofoam cup is a simple yet effective illusion that can be performed with minimal preparation. The trick involves puncturing a small hole in the bottom of a Styrofoam cup and using your thumb to make it appear as though the cup is levitating. The key to this illusion is in carefully sealing the hole and concealing the puncture with your thumb, making the trick undetectable.

To perform, casually show the cup to your audience, ensuring they see it as an ordinary cup. Then, discreetly insert your thumb into the hole and lift the cup, creating the illusion that it’s floating. The simplicity of this trick makes it accessible to beginners, while its effectiveness lies in the casual and natural presentation. This trick can be a great addition to your repertoire, especially when performed in informal settings where the audience is not expecting to be fooled.

7. Pen Levitation in a Bottle

This trick uses an almost invisible string to create the illusion of a pen levitating inside a bottle. The setup involves attaching the string to a pen and placing the pen inside the bottle. By manipulating the string, you can make the pen rise out of the bottle as if by magic.

The trick works best when the string is positioned so that it blends in with the dark color of the pen and the bottle cap, making it nearly impossible for the audience to see. To perform, simply pull on the string to lift the pen out of the bottle, creating a stunning visual effect. After the performance, you can easily clean up by removing the string and disposing of it, leaving no evidence of the trick behind. This illusion is perfect for close-up magic and can be a real crowd-pleaser when executed smoothly.