The lights go down, the curtain opens, and there in the middle of the stage is a helicopter. The magician and his assistants stand nearby as the helicopter is draped and with the wave of a hand and a few poufs of smoke, it’s suddenly gone! This was an actual illusion from one magician’s show and it was an awesome thing to see, but how did he do it and how did he learn how to do it?

Magicians aren’t born; they are taught and with that basic knowledge are able to move on to bigger and more inventive tricks. Performing magic seems so daunting and difficult, but it is actually easier than you might think to get started. While that card trick done by your uncle may seem a tremendous feat, it is probably something he learned in less than an hour, but then practiced until it ran smoothly. Card tricks are often as easy as knowing simple math, how to play mind games, or learning how to maneuver a prop or body part. The twist of a wrist, the flip of a card, or some slight of hand done properly, can bring ooo’s and ahs from your audience.

Nothing is more fun than entertaining your friends and family with either a simple card trick or a full blown magic show. What starts out as only fun and games can eventually turn someone into a famous magician, but only if they are serious and master the art of the trick. Part of performing magic is also the art of illusion and being able to entertain a crowd. Magicians become skilled in playing tricks on the mind and using distraction to make people believe what they are or are not seeing. They use mathematical skills, calculated movements, and props. They also teach their hands and/or bodies to move in ways that hide their actions so that they seem to be extraordinary feats.

Anyone who is dedicated to practicing the art of magic is capable of doing so. All it takes is a willingness to do it and finding the right information to learn the basics to get started. If you can do that, than someday you could be a master magician. Just say, “Abracadabra” and you’re on your way!