A great simple routine - I think it says a lot about it that he was able to entertain small children as well as adults with it, which shows the clear beauty of a short and sharp routine.

The pouch always reminds me of one of those canvass things that market traders wear to keep their money in. I keep pondering on the risks of inserting one into the front of one of my dresses so that all that can be seen is a narrow opening at the top. But I worry that it wouldn't hang right and would end up ruining the dress completely. And I also think it may look out of place and perhaps even slightly obscene for a woman to have a big slit in her dress right there.

With the proper pattern in the skirt, the slit needn't be seen, however, you would definitely have to figure out the hang, since you wouldn't want it to look bulgy.

I would not wear a pouch like that at a corporate strolling, cocktail hour type gig.
But at a less formal venue such as that, the benefits are too many to mention. It basically goes unnoticed and un-cared-about by all but other magicians watching youtube clips.

How do I stop being a magician watching YouTube clips? I would LOVE to shut that part of my brain off. The pouch gets to me every time I see it. I'd love to be able to watch a routine without focusing on that aspect.

Tom is a great guy, and he's one more reason to attend the Annual Houdini Club Of Wisconsin Covention, one of Magic's longest-running conventions.

This year's 2011 convention will be a World-Class event, featuring an all-star lineup of World-Famous Magicians, and will be held at the fabulous Oneida Casino and Radisson Conference Center in beautiful Green Bay, Wisconsin during Labor Day weekend.

Those who attend this year's convention will be in for a special treat!

Bookmark this URL: http://www.houdiniclubofwisconsin.com/ for more news of this year's performers, dealers and events as they become available!

Try it out and see what you think.

I worked out of pouches when I was doing my work at Renaissance Festivals for quite a few years. However, if you are wearing a suit, a tux or any similar kind of outfit, the pouch is completely out of place. It would also be out of place for someone wearing a dress. It took me quite a bit of research and practice to figure out how to do the loads without a pouch or going to my pockets.

Here's the problem. As VE Day has pointed out so well, the pouch reminds one of the canvas pouches that market traders keep their money in. It is directly related to the working man's pouch, such as carpenters, handymen and stonemasons wear. If you are a "working man (or woman)," then you shouldn't be wearing a pouch. It certainly doesn't fit with a suit, a dress, a tuxedo or tails. So you need to find other methods for doing the work.

I have discussed this and detailed how I do it in the Secret Sessions.

Here is one thread: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......&start=0

There are some others, as well.

I always thought a pouch in a cups routine would fit only a medieval style of performer or someone doing magic with hammers & nails. Mr. Burgermeister handles this odd accessory nicely and it looks pretty good with what he's wearing, infact it almost seems to blend in.

This is good stuff.......would be nice if it was done without a pouch, but who really cares? Wish everyone's routines were this well done.

That's just great, Bill. Now you're telling me I can't wear a DRESS while I perform??? Now I've gotta rethink the whole act!

I love that the kids creat the magic in this routine. Very much focused on audience entertainment rather than magician gratification.

Hudson

First, I'd already read Bill's essay in the Secret Sessions, and it is very helpful.

Victoria, have you considered a waist apron. With the right color matches, it might go unnoticed with a dress as the pouch with the suit in the video. But I agree with Bill that you'd have to wear it with more informal dresses.

Guys, if you click the link you'll also see men wearing them with jeans and slacks. It might go unnoticed, especially in restaurant work where everyone on the staff is probably wearing them anyway.

But I like to dress up, wearing suits and more formal wear. It's just part of who I am. This thread got me to thinking, have people tried to make pouches out of a cumberbund? See these styles. If that's possible, VE, you will also notice women wearing them as a way to belt their dresses and skirts, which might work in a more formal settings.

Just a thought.

I very much appreciate the kind words of those that chimed in. Visit http://www.BurgermeisterMagic.com for more clips if you like. From my experience, the pocket belt (pouch) is very rarely even noticed by audience members, particularly when a jacket is worn. Not much different than a Topit ... it's nothing more than a tool... a means to an end.

Tom Burgermeister

Yes, nice routine Tom. Welcome to the Café.