In a time in this world where there are 5000+ of everything, and nothing is original anymore, it is imperative that we each have something that sets us apart.  Something that makes us stand out above the rest.  Whatever this little something is for you, bringing it out may bring you great success in your industry.

Take magic for instance.  There is a gentleman who has used his magic abilities in a new and unique way to bring about his success.  His name is Timothy Wenk, and he has developed a successful magic show that teaches kids in school the value of recycling.  He began his program in Massachusetts and it is now all over schools in the country, covering 24 states.

He begins his act by bringing out a bag of garbage.  Then he does things such as placing a clear glass soda bottle in a paper bag, and pulling out a bottle of Sprite.  Kids are mesmerized by his examples.  He will take a stack of old newspapers and turn them into a giant stalk, showing how recycling paper helps save trees.

His show recently won the award for outstanding public education by the National Recycling Convention.

Timothy is just one example of using creativity to create something different.  This something different gets you recognized.  So as you are developing your magic act, just know that the sky is the limit.  And bringing something that you are passionate about into your act may just be the key to unlock your success.

How to levitate has been one of the most curious questions of magicians and illusionists, and for mankind from time to time.  History and mythology is full of examples of people who could actually levitate. Which means this has been a sought after talent for many years.  A look into the Eastern world has showed us that there have been Yogis and saints who were said to have the ability to go against the laws of nature. Even Buddhism is said to have talked about levitation and the power of the mind over body.

Whether or not it is really possible to levitate, one has to admit that even watching something that appears to levitate is thrilling.  It’s difficult to wrap our brains around how something such as this could happen and so it’s exciting and confusing all at the same time.  Now, is it possible to learn how to levitate for real?  You be the judge.

One way to find out if you can really levitate is to devote yourself to the practice of yoga and meditation.  It is said that by doing this one can actually harness the power of our mind in such a way to make an object rise.  And it’s been said that a few of us were actually born with psychic abilities to be able to move objects.  Have you ever known anyone like that?

There is no doubt about the power of the mind.  Many medical professionals belief that a large percentage of disease has a psychosomatic component to it, meaning that our thought process can actually cause certain diseases to come to fruition in our bodies.  It this is true, and if our minds are that powerful, the why is it so hard to belief that our mind is powerful enough to move an object?

If this is a little tough to wrap your brain around, but you would still like to learn how to levitate, then get mentored by a magician or illusionist.  They absolutely have mastered the ability to make it appear that something is levitating.  And some magicians can do this in such an amazing way that you would never belief how it’s done.  From levitating small objects, to giant ones, to their own bodies, magicians have really studied to correct angles to use to make these tricks appear real.  This is one of the most fun aspects of magic and if you are an aspiring magician, make sure to add one or two levitation tricks to your repertoire.

Here we continue with our top 10 magicians of all time. Have you seen your favorite on the list yet?

6) Lance Burton- Many don’t realize that Lance is Colombian.  He was born in 1960 and was primarily a stage magician and illusionist.  His clean, classic, and beautiful style made him so popular that he performed for many world known leaders such as Ronald Reagan, and Queen Elizabeth.

7) Penn and Teller- The only team of magicians on our list. This duo certainly found their creative niche by teaming up and performing their magic together.  They are like the yin and yang of magic.  Their opposite personalities create such a comedic routine that they are fun and fascinating to watch.  They have certainly stolen the hearts of magic lovers everywhere.

Mac King- Comedy magic has been taken to a whole new level thanks to Mac King.  He was born in 1959 and has been performing on TV shows for years.  He even had his own magic TV show called The Mac King Comedy Magic show.

9) Franz Harary- An American magician and inventor, Franz dreamed big when it came to forwarding his magic career.  He took on huge illusions like vanishing the London Bridge and the Space Shuttle.  His wild crazy style has him appear to be a mad scientist and this style goes hand in hand with his unique tricks and illusions.

10)Hans Klock- Hans is a Dutch magician and actor.  His confident style and good looks quickly made him a world favorite.  He is best known for the nerve racking illusion of disappearing the 18carat gold 2006 Football World Cup trophy into thin air while being inside a glass cage.

We have become such a fast paced society.  And yet, we have learned how to be more efficient in our actions, probably out of necessity.  That efficiency even includes how we entertain ourselves.   The internet is a trillion dollar business and it has become such a source of entertainment for everyone.  From Facebook, to YouTube, to numerous sites where you can do everything from connect to your childhood friends, to learning how to change your career.  You name it, you can find it in the comfort of your own home.

Now what does this mean for live performers out there trying to make a living.  Dancers, actors, and magicians are out there in the world doing what they love, hoping to have an audience to perform to.  Does this modern age mean that there will be no more audiences?  Is everyone too busy to leave their home for a night and escape their reality for just a few hours?  I hope not!

There is just something about a live performance that is like nothing else.  You can’t replace it.  Even with the incredible abilities of the internet, you just can’t get the same thrill as sitting in a theatre and being amazed or entertained.  The energy is just entirely different.

Take magic for instance.  When watching something online or on TV, there is an element of knowing that what you just saw could be a camera trick.  There is a part of our brain that will go there, so we are not totally buying in.  We may be wowed, but we don’t fully suspend our beliefs.  When you see a live show, you can’t help but think “how on earth did they do that right in front of my eyes?”  Plus being a part of the audience and sharing in that energy is amazing.

Do a little experiment.  Pick out your favorite musician or band.  What them in concert online, on your computer.  Now, go see them live in some stadium or theater and notice the difference.  You can’t compare the two!!

So if nothing else make sure you are out there supporting the live performers by going to see them in their venues.  Let’s keep the live performance alive!

Juggling is not just for clowns!  Many magicians have added juggling to their act.  It’s now only good for kids shows but juggling can add an unexpected dimension to any show you perform.  It’s also a great skill on the spur of the moment to wow an audience of any size.

Studies show that juggling also provides great health benefit.  It’s a great way to get exercise while increasing your brain function, and reducing stress.  And the best part is that it’s something you can do anywhere, anytime.

Medical studies have proved the benefits of juggling to the brain by performing brain scans on normal people, and then 3 months later scanned them again after they had taken up juggling.  The studies show a significant increase in the gray matter in certain areas of the newly trained jugglers’ brains.  Gray matter is the part of the brain and spinal cord responsible for advanced mental functions.  Also interesting is that 3 months later the brain scans were performed again after the subjects had stopped juggling, and results showed a reduction in gray matter.   The research done also proved that the learning of a new skill has a greater affect on the brain than just enhancing an already learned skill.

Juggling also improves focus and concentration as it requires the juggler to use eye and hand movements.  It also burns calories.  Juggling of scarves or balls can burn up to 300 calories an hour.  And burn even more calories if coupled with other activities such as jumping jacks, or while doing abdominal exercises.  It’s a great workout for the upper body, and since it requires focus, will take your mind off other aerobic activities you may be doing.

Kids can also learn to juggle.  This provides fun without even realizing they are exercising.

Begin practicing or learn from someone who’s really good at it.  Try implementing juggling into your next act.  The audience will love and you’ll have some fun at the same time.

This is most important day of your life….your wedding day.  And you are looking for all the special little details to make it perfect.  If you are planning a Spring or Summer wedding, now is the time to get all of your “extras” nailed down so that your day is everything you dreamed it would be.

Being the bride, it’s hard to imagine that anyone else should be the center of attention on that day.  It is indeed all about you.  But if you can take your focus off of yourself and on to your guests for a moment there are some ideas that may even make your day even more spectacular.  For instance, hiring a magician to take care of your guests when you can’t.

Now, I am not suggesting that you have a whole big stage show and therefore all the attention gets directed toward the performance, but what I am suggesting is to have a magician there during times such as picture sessions, etc. where you leave your guests to fend for themselves till you’re done.  There are a few different types of magicians that can help make your day a success.

Children or Adults?  Most wedding magicians are trained in doing magic tricks for adults, but if you are having children at your wedding, it’s a great idea to find someone who entertains both.  It’s a great distraction for kids, and makes it fun for adults too.

Magic Tricks and Mindreading:  Decide if you want just visual magic tricks such as cards, coins, and other props.  Or do you want a bit of mindreading thrown in.  Mindreading is a very specialized form of magic, and some magicians don’t do it.

Mingling and Close Up Magic Tricks:  This is a great type of magician that can stroll around during your cocktail hour.  Perfect for that long hour or so when you are having pictures made.

Table Hopping Magic:  This is a magician who performs on a table, and goes from table to table at your wedding, preferably between courses.  This would only work for a sit down dinner or buffet dinner atmosphere.

Wedding magicians come in a whole range of prices.  So choose one that fits your budget.  But also keep in mind that you want someone who comes across as professional, elegant, and personable so that they enhance your special day and not detract.  Make sure to get references, and always meet the magician in person before hiring him or her so that you can know for sure how they present themselves in order to make sure they fit into your special event.

Are you looking for a very easy trick that packs a big punch? This is one that will surely please all, and is so easy to learn and execute, you’ll amaze yourself. Here’s how…

The effect is that you hold a toothpick in your hand and then vanish it, while holding your fingers wide apart.

All you will need for this trick is a toothpick, and a ring on your ring finger, such as a wedding band. Make sure to use this hand to perform the trick.

The secret to the trick is that the toothpick ends up being held by your ring on the inside of your hand, with no one seeing it.

To start off, hold the toothpick between your thumb and index finger. Your middle finger can also rest gently on the toothpick. Your third (ring) and picky should be slightly bent toward your palm. You’ll want to have your thumb at about the middle to upper end of the toothpick. Playing with your thumb positioning is important to get the toothpick in just the right position for you to best support the toothpick.

Now, using your thumb gently move the toothpick in between your middle and ring fingers, sliding it down into the ring. The toothpick should move to the back of your hand with your thumb moving it. Keep your fingers together until the toothpick is behind your hand and firmly in the ring.

Now open your fingers, palm side to audience, and viola! The toothpick appears to have vanished. Practicing this trick will allow you to do it very quickly and effortlessly.

Black Art is old style of magic that is rarely performed these days. The more high-tech effects have taken it’s place but it is still an art, and a style that you may want to play with from time to time. The beauty of black art is that the sky is the limit in terms of your creativity. Here is the premise, but just let your imagination run wild and who knows what you can create!

The whole idea of black art is that the stage has to be completely black, which means black backdrop, black floor, etc. And everything that the magician does not want to be seen on stage is also in black. Lighting is key in this art and the dimmer the better. The magician should be in white, and perfectly visible to the audience, as well as any props that the magician wants to be seen. Any props that the magician would like to produce should be produced out of something black as to appear to come out of thin air. So assistants can be all over the stage in black, carrying props, and they appear to be floating. Sawing a woman in half can be manipulated in an eerie way with the use of this technology.

The most fun is to make something or someone appear to be flying across stage. This is easy to do in the black art style. Even the magician at the end of the act can appear to fly off stage with the use of assistants dressed head to toe in black.

If you want to make this effect even more dramatic…use a “black light”, which is a U.V. light. This light makes all things white actually glow! Making it even harder to see the black things. This makes your black art extremely effective.

To make it even more eerie, do this part of your performance in complete silence, or only some strange music. The audience will feel like they are watching some old black and white movie.

When you try this make sure to video your performance so that you get to see what the audience saw. This can help you make any necessary changes and adjustments.

Here is how to do a classic magic maneuver, the French Drop.  It’s a classic in most coin magic.  It seems easy but will require much practice to have it appear seamless and simple.  And the most important rule is to never reveal to your audience what you’ve just done.  Confidence, like in all magic tricks is the key.  This will help you relax and guide your audience right where you want them.  So, here’s how to do the French Drop.

Have an audience member give you a coin.  A quarter works really well, or even a half dollar.  If no one has one, you can use your own.  Remember, it’s always best to use a prop given to you by an audience member.  That way the rest of the audience doesn’t suspect that the magic is happening because of some magic prop that you provide.

Hold the coin out between your thumb and first two fingers.  Show it to the audience. Now, appear to pass the coin from your left hand to your right hand. This is where the practice comes in.  Here’s how to do it seamlessly:  Hold your left hand, which is holding the coin, with your thumb on top and your fingers underneath.  Reach toward the coin with your right hand so that your thumb goes behind the coin, and you fingers in front.  Your fingers will obscure your audience’s view of the coin.  Now relax your thumb that is holding the coin, allowing the coin to drop down into the palm of your left hand.  Continue grasping with your right hand so that to your audience it appears that you have grabbed the coin with your right hand.

Use misdirection by gazing at your right hand.  Palm the coin in your left hand and gentle lower your arm in a relaxed state to your side.  Now, wiggle your fingers of your right hand and show it empty.  The audience will think the coin actually vanished!

A well performed magic trick is one of the most impressive things to do on your friends,  especially one that doesn’t require preparation or any special props or apparatus.  Mentalism is one of the easiest and impressive tricks because you can literally do it in the spur of the moment and so it looks like you really have special powers.  Here is a simple mentalism trick you can learn and perform tonight with your friends or family.

Before we begin, remember two very important rules of a magician:  1) practice makes perfect, and 2) a magician never reveals his tricks!

The only difficult part of this trick is developing your patter.  Once you have that down, you will be able to perform this trick anywhere and everywhere.  First, you need an audience.  A dozen people is a good number but you could do it for fewer if the circumstance is such.  Pass out pen and paper to everyone there.  And then tell them that you are going to project your thoughts into their minds.  Tell them to write down the first thought that pops into their head when you tell them too.  This will eliminate them thinking too much about their answer.

Now, tell them to write down a single digit between 1 and 9.  On your piece of paper, write down the number 7.

Next, tell them to write down the name of a vegetable.  On your paper, write CARROT.

Next, have them write down the name of an animal that lives in the jungle.  On your paper, write LION (Ok, not a jungle animal, but just go with us on this one).

Now, have them write down an odd number with two digits that are not the same (ie: 51, 47, etc).  On your paper, write 37.

Next, have them write down an even number with two digits that are not the same.  ON your paper write 68.

Now you are ready to reveal the results!  Show the audience your answers and have them produce theirs.  You will be blown away at how many of them match!  It is simply human nature (call it marketing or programming) that has these particular answers come up first for people.  They will be shocked!  Try it tonight, you will be too!