Check this out a new product by David Mann:

http://www.precisionmagic.com/kinetic_sphere.htm


"Well, I have been working on the Kinetic Sphere and have had several emails asking me to explain in more detail the working of Kinetic Sphere. Inside the Kinetic Sphere, it has a reel built inside in such a way, the string is constantly available on the outside of the ball. Not only is it available, but the thread has the right tension on the reel so the string goes in and out of the ball. Kind of like a yo-yo. This allows for many hand movements, floating in Mid-Air, ball can visibly float any where that can be imagined, either with or with out the cloth, may also be handled like a Dancing Cane for moves around the body/head and not to mention, stopping in full motion with the ball hung in space.

Now for the other part of the ball, it has a magnet inside so that you can use a retractable Zombie gimmick with a magnetic on the end! This will allow you to do the traditional Zombie moves, but with a twist. You will be able to detach the ball and use the dancing or kinetic part of the ball, and then later reattach the Zombie Gimmick! There has never been a more desirable effect in all of Magic, I think with a little thought most will see how this little baby just might be one of the most powerful floating ball tricks to date. David Mann"

http://www.precisionmagic.com/kinetic_sphere.htm
If anyone wants to see a few crummy photos of Kinetic Sphere.

Hi again!

Due to the above links being expired, you will find the book "Invisible Thread Manual" by Ralph Wichmann for sale here:

http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/product.php?productid=6140

Rather than tip the One-Point method on the Café, you will find that, and MANY other options for Astrosphere in this book. Get it before it's out of print!

Doug

Great advice from Daniel!

Ive performed Zombie over 30 years in clubs,cabarets, stage shows-I don't perform for kids shows!

Only now with practice & choreography have I a routine that lasts 80 seconds & finally is what Ive been looking for in music & movement but man -talk about taking time to find the routine!!

Astrosphere or Zombie-keep practicing!

Cheers

I find it amazing that everyone talks about "Astrosphere" as if it is a public domain item. As far as I knew, Tony Spina created the name for his floating ball. (who knows where his idea came from).
Vernet had a ball with similar working, heavier plastic with fascets.
Buyer beware as far as buying an original.

Here's a link for Kinetic sphere
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sacr-REZQRw

Here's my ball from 1977 (not an astrosphere)
http://magicians.podbean.com/village-ball/
(very dark video).

It doesn't amaze me any more.

Youtube wonders are a dime a dozen. Most don' seem to know or care about
crediting the originator of a given effect.

A sad commentary which is not likely to change soon

Kotah

The thing that people tend to neglect is the character of the zombie ball. Instead, many performers simply want to present a series of neat moves. I've always believed that, if you give the ball a defined personality and then use only those moves that fit into that personality, you end up with a much stronger routine.

I have always loved the zombie ball but I never felt comfortable with the personality of the ball. Recently, that changed. I now have a brief routine with only a few simple moves. But everything flows and the ball maintains it character throughout the sequence.


http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=9188869169720407905


Kent

Wonderful presentation, a little Naked Zombie with the classic moves.