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geoffa New user Nashville, TN 57 Posts |
So I'm getting back into magic after being away from it a few years. Today at work, I showed a colleague a card trick I'd been practicing. Let's just say it didn't go that well from a technical perspective. The story/patter was fine, and I think he genuinely enjoyed the effect, but there were a couple of times I flashed things that shouldn't be seen. I'm not trying to beat myself up about it too much. But, it did show me that I should probably focus on performing something a tad less technical so I can get comfortable with performing again.
Anyway, just wanted to share a lesson learned. Hope everyone has a great weekend! -geoff |
idomagic Loyal user Denver, CO 255 Posts |
Always a good idea to perfect the technical aspect before you do it in front of a live audience. I believe magic is a 50/50 deal with 100% consequences. If you're not 100% good at 50% of the performance and 100% good at 50% of the technical part, then you risk 100% failure. But at least your back at it! You'll get your chops back!
Chad Wonder (Chad Wonder Magic, Inc)
Past President SAM 37/IBM 131 (Mile High Magicians) www.idomagic.com www.iDOMAGIC.dev |
DWRackley Inner circle Chattanooga, TN 1909 Posts |
I've been (seriously) back for almost a year, after two decades of nothing. One of the things I just cannot seem to get back is a one handed cut. It’s mainly just for a flourish, but I used to do it with both hands at the same time. Now I can’t keep the cards from sliding right out the sides. It’s worse than being a beginner!
My hands just don’t move the way they used to. I haven’t quit practicing, but I’ve also found a few “work-arounds” for some of the technical stuff. As idomagic points out, that has to come first, before the performance. Good Luck, Geoff!
...what if I could read your mind?
Chattanooga's Premier Mentalist Donatelli and Company at ChattanoogaPerformers.com also on FaceBook |
Metatron Elite user Port Orchard, Washington 436 Posts |
Geoffa,
Use the experience to improve that effect. It can occasionally happen to us all. At least you now know that you need more work for that particular effect. The important thing is that you had the confidence to perform. If your spectator enjoyed it, than you were at least somewhat successful. Remember, it's not all about being 100% perfect at technique, its also about ENTERTAINMENT value. DWRackley, Try giving the deck a good bend, i.e. hold it with fingers at one short end & thumb at other and squeeze. Now try your one handed cut. This may help the cards stay together during the cut. If not, then you could try separating the cards into two equal halves, and scotch tape each block, so you now have two solid blocks. Do your cut repeatedly until your muscle memory returns. This will save a lot of time, and lowers the frustration level. You will not have to pick up cards that have scattered on the floor! I used this method to develop my technique on the one-handed Revolution Cut, I had the same exact problem when first trying that one. The tape worked like a charm. Now I can Revolution Cut with any deck perfectly (no tape needed anymore). It sounds funny but it works well. Have fun, Metatron |
geoffa New user Nashville, TN 57 Posts |
Thanks for the great feedback, guys! I appreciate you taking the time to comment. My goal is definitely to entertain (and not just learn a bunch of tricks like I have in the past).
Thanks again, -geoff |
Mr. Mystoffelees Inner circle I haven't changed anyone's opinion in 3623 Posts |
Almost every time I "go back" to something I use to do well, it is agony to realize I don't get to take up where I left off. I do think the learning curve is quicker, though...
Also known, when doing rope magic, as "Cordini"
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Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
One hard lesson I am still learning: just because my brain knows all the moves doesn't mean my hands can do it! This is where rehearsal comes in.
The idea is to not have to think about what you're doing while you're doing it. I had to sign a bunch of papers the other day - at one point, I started thinking about how I write a certain letter - and suddenly I couldn't write my signature anymore without great effort and stumbling! Rehearse the paint off everything until it flows. I just fumbled some stuff in a show Saturday for ignoring this rule! *sigh* Ed |
base851 New user Houston, TX 58 Posts |
I'm a big advocate of practicing in front of a mirror, or, better yet, videotaping your practice. Some mistakes will be a result of nerves, but you can catch and eliminate a lot of technical issues simply by recording yourself practicing. As an added bonus, if you look flawless on video, you'll boost your confidence, which will in turn reduce performance anxiety.
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geoffa New user Nashville, TN 57 Posts |
Thanks for the additional feedback, folks. This is all good stuff.
Gaining confidence through watching a video of your performance is an interesting thought. I heard Aaron Fisher mention on a podcast that if you do videotape your practice, you should wait a few days before watching it. That way you'll see it with fresh eyes. In other words, if you can fool yourself you're probably doing it right. Thanks again! -geoff |
DomKabala Inner circle I've grown old after diggin' holes for 2827 Posts |
Quote: It's obvious by your post that you are eager to start performing again, perhaps too eager. Resist this temptation to perform before you are ready. Start by reading this:
On 2010-03-19 23:58, geoffa wrote: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SKILL Manual skills are the results of practice…practice in the sense of constant repetition. But, this repetition will not serve the full purpose if it is done without thought. For practice to become effective, the brain should work in unison or collaborate with the hands and contribute its part toward progression. During the early stages of development, one must be fully conscious of every detail of execution; but as proficiency is neared the influence of the conscious mind will diminish in intensity. This is because the acquired knowledge is absorbed by the sub-conscious mind which from now on assumes the responsibility of directing the hands in the performance of their duties. From this point the hands become under the influence and guidance of the sub-conscious and not the conscious mind; the latter is left free to take care of the presentation. The expert manipulative conjuror’s skill is the result of relentless and unremitting labor, but if during a public display he were compelled to think of every element in the process he would fail miserably. To put it mildly, the movement of his hands has become automatic. Therefore, in aiming to develop high proficiency, one must strive to reach this level of automation. This makes all the difference between a mature and immature performer. I hope this helps... Cardamagically, Dom
We don't stop playing when we grow old...we grow old when we stop playing.
God is enough, let go, let God. Gal 2:20 "Anything of value is not easily attained and those things which are easily attained are not of lasting value." |
geoffa New user Nashville, TN 57 Posts |
Thanks for that, Dom. I'm definitely an immature performer at this point. I used to perform on a fairly regular basis when I was younger (e.g. late high school/early college). Getting back into practicing and performing magic doesn't feel as easy as getting back on a bicycle. But honestly, I want to be a better performer than I was back then.
Your thoughts do bring up a couple of other questions. How do you know when you're ready? Also, who should you show the things you're working on to? |
DomKabala Inner circle I've grown old after diggin' holes for 2827 Posts |
Quote: How do you know you're ready? When you can execute the required motions/sleights unconsciously...that is without thinking about the motions. But remember this:
On 2010-03-24 21:36, geoffa wrote: Michael Jordan once said that there's a right way and a wrong way to practice basketball. He said that it doesn't matter if you practice eight hours a day—if you're practicing the wrong way, all you're doing is getting really good at doing the wrong things. Wise words from a superstar. You have to be the judge. Perform your magic on someone you can confide in, someone who will give you honest criticism and not "pad" your performance. It could be a family member or close friend. Good luck and remember to practice correctly! Cardamagically, Dom
We don't stop playing when we grow old...we grow old when we stop playing.
God is enough, let go, let God. Gal 2:20 "Anything of value is not easily attained and those things which are easily attained are not of lasting value." |
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