Shake it baby...

I went to a burlesque show this weekend and observed something amusing. These gals have the exact opposite problem as magicians.

They have the moves and the look, but can't handle props very smoothly. Magicians can handle the props, but lack the moves or presence.

Of course this is not a blanket statement about everyone, but a good majority of what I have seen. I believe the reason lies in the fact that if you believe you have "mastered" one aspect of your performance, you think you can master the rest yourself. Many dancers I have spoken to about using a director have said, "I do all my own choreography". That's fine but let me tell you something, DANCING IS DIFFERENT THAN CREATING A ROUTINE WITH PROPS!! You need to consult someone who knows what they are doing when you have limited knowledge in that area. You can be the best dancer in the world, but if you don't know how to sit in a chair properly, it can look clumsy and awkward.

The same goes for magic. Just because you can do card manipulation doesn't mean you know how to put an act together. Don't be so damn stubborn that you won't look to someone else who has expertise in the area of structuring routines. It is an art in itself to create a pleasing flow that combines movement, prop management, and skill.

Art should learn from art.

Just a little tip for all of you up and coming magic instructional video makers out there: Putting pieces of production equipment in the background looks like crap.

Lighting trees, microphones, curtain rods, all of it, looks unprofessional. It's not artsy. It's stupid.

Thank you,

The mngmt.

It cracks me up all of the people who honestly think anyone but a singer/ musical act has ANY chance of winning AGT. All of the magicians were getting a semi because guys were making it farther than anyone else ever has. I want to say this once and for all, and if any of you EVER doubt me again, I will stuff an Arby's roast beef sandwich in your nose... sideways.

America's Got Talent will NEVER be won by a variety act... EVER!! It is a glorified American Idol!!

Call me a naysayer or what have you, but not only does history show us what is to transpire, but the contracts the participants have to sign does as well. AGT is a corporation. An evil, faceless, money grubbing corporation. You THINK they are doing this show to help people? HA! They are trying to boost their ratings and make a fat buck off of middle of the road ma and pa six-pack. A musical act generates more revenue and product, therefore, they will always prevail where money is concerned.

So good for the guys who made it as they did. Hopefully they can make it into something more for themselves. That is what shows like that are for. To whore yourself out as much as possible.

Talents like juggling and singing will always win out over magic because very few people have ever tried to pursue magic as a full time career. They don't know the skill or dedication it takes to make it, so therefore they don't appreciate it. Our talents are to remain secretive to perpetrate the illusion of what we embrace. We are like actors creating a story, but because that story is not some "classic" known piece if thespian culture, it is often snubbed.

Is there a way to fix this? Probably not anytime soon. Not with shows like AGT making us look like idiots or not giving a proper chance to those who might actually deserve it.

"That's Life" - Frank Sinatra

Why do we do what we do?

I posed a question to a young magician the other day that I had never really asked anyone before, but afterward felt compelled to share it with the world.

This young man has a competition act and rarely performs for real audiences (non-magicians). I asked him if the act he performs is what he wants to do or what he thinks he HAS to do.

This is an important question to ask yourself. Are you doing the magic you truly want to do or are you merely performing effects you think you have to because of your title? Have you spent countless hours learning complicated sleights because deep down you marvel at the technical skill of it all or because it wins you points at magic competitions?

Take a good long look inside yourself and see what you truly love and find out if you are following that or if you are merely just being a magical cover band. Following your heart may not win you a shelf full of trophies but at least you'll be doing what you want with your magic. Life is full of choices and questions. Let me help point you in the right direction.

Are you creating the art that is you?

Bizzaro.