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Learning the Art of Magic by Michelle Evans
I suggest that any beginner check books out of the library and study, study, study. Practice your tricks over and over again to get familiar with the them. When practicing your tricks, a video camera will help better then a mirror because then you'll be able to review it and see the mistakes you've made and you'll be able to see it from the spectator's point of view. Books are pretty helpful because in most cases, you will not have an actual professional magician to teach you. If you can find books in Walden's Books, Barnes and Noble Books and other book stores then get them.
It will be tough, but in the end it will be worth it. When you have learned a new trick and have practiced it enough, you will be able to show it off to your friends and family. BUT ONLY when you have practiced it ENOUGH and have worked out all the bugs. NOONE wants to see a magician who goofs up the tricks ALL the time. That’s not a good magician and it gives away all the secrets.
The tricks have to go smoothly. ONLY do tricks you feel more comfortable doing, and make sure you can perform them well. Have fun practicing and performing the magic. Magic can be an ice breaker, a way to say "Hey I'm NOT a boring person" or a way to get friends and family to stop and pay attention to you if you have something important to say. Practice is the key.
Thanks Michelle...
You touched on a really great point about practice. I think it was Daryl that mentioned rehearsing in front of a camera. We have a tendency to blink right at the moment we are executing a sleight. It's not something you do intentionally. It's a sub-conscious thing. You don't want to catch yourself doing the sleight, so you blink! Crazy, huh? So practicing your magic in front of a video camera will allow you to watch from the audience perspective, and it will allow you to analyze your sleight... unless you blink when you're watching the video too... SCOTCH TAPE... I've always been a fan of taping eye lids open. Helps you keep an eye on your sleight!
-David Christopher
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