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Halloween Costume Party Ideas for Kids : Magic
Nothing beats a Magic Trick for a Halloween Party
Idea! The concept of magician as entertainer has its
roots deep in human history, but mostly dates back
to the sixteenth century. Prior to this time, those
who practiced magic claimed to have supernatural
powers. When this idea clashed with Christianity in
the Western world, new magicians, who entertained
audiences, emerged.
Chevalier Joseph Pinetti impressed audiences in the
late 1700s with his tricks as an escapist and
mentalist. Illusionists emerged in the nineteenth
century, using devices to produce elaborate stage
shows. One of the first magicians to use live
animals was "Hermann the Great," who performed
disappearing acts and levitation tricks with the
animals. Later, famous magicians Siegfried and Roy
gained fame in part because of their elaborate show
and tigers.
Harry Houdini, perhaps the most well known magician
of all time, developed elaborate escape tricks
including handcuffs and locked chambers in the early
1900s. His death on Halloween is now also known as
"National Magic Day." Houdini also created grand
illusions, some of which magician David Copperfield
emulated. During Houdini's time, Vaudeville acts
included and
promoted magic tricks.
Over time, the interest in magic has come and gone,
although it enjoyed a revival in the 1970s that
continues today. Many magicians, similar to other
performers, develop a unique style or focus on a
particular type of illusion. David Copperfield makes
large objects disappear. Lance Burton employs many
birds, and Penn and Teller are known for their
unique style. Most
recently, David Blaine gained fame for his street
magic and
outrageous stunts
Magicians of all sorts keep their secrets very
secret. The appeal of magic is trying to figure out
how magicians accomplish those amazing feats. For
those interested in learning magic, many sources are
available for the entry-level
magician. Some well-known tricks are "out in the
open," and beginning magic kits can help a beginner
learn the tricks of the trade. Many books and other
 resources
are available for card tricks as well. Many stores
carry magical wares as well.
For those who are serious about the craft, two
organizations are devoted entirely to magic, both
with headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. The
Society of American
Learn Magic Playing Cards Dozen
Magicians and the International Brotherhood of
Magicians have chapters throughout the world,
provide information, and hold conferences. For those
seeking information, these are good places to begin.
Your local library is also a good place to find more
information, as is the Internet. However, online
sources in particular are varied in quality and
information, so beginning with one of the
organizations may be a better way to begin.
The allure of magic is very real. Throughout the
past few decades, magicians have taken magic to a
new level, with elaborate stunts and full-out
entertainment spectacles. From amazing card tricks
to large disappearing acts, magic will likely
continue to enthrall audiences worldwide for years
to come.
It is a performance art unlike any other, and the
mystery
associated with magic adds a level of intrigue that
does not exist with other performance arts.
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