Easy Body Magic Tricks

Body magic typically focuses on using the human body, rather than props.

When props aren't available, you can makes use of the human body as a main element in body magic tricks. Child or adult magicians can use body magic to thrill friends and spectators alike. Fortunately, some body magic tricks are easy enough to master with a reasonable investment of skill and effort.

Arm Twist

Convince spectators you've accomplished a painful physical feat with the arm twist trick. Lay both arms flat on a table and begin to twist your left arm in a 360 degree rotation. As you turn the left arm, distract spectators by expressing pain in your facial and verbal expressions. Continue to twist the left arm, pulling with your right hand and slightly turning your body to the left to complete the illusion.

Detachable Thumb

Impress your audience by appearing to detach your thumb. To prepare, position your left hand so your fingers extend straight outward, with the tip of your thumb folded down to hide below the fingers. Arrange your right hand with the pinkie and ring finger folded over at the knuckle. Fold your right thumb sideways, with the tip resting on the bent ring finger. Fold your middle and index fingers over your thumb, leaving the tip exposed. To complete the illusion, touch the joint of your right thumb to the joint of your left. Cover the gap with your right middle and index fingers so the exposed tip of your right thumb appears to belong to the thumb on your left hand. Very quickly slide your right hand forth and back to make it look as though you're removing the tip of your left thumb.

Floating Arms

Convince your friends you have control over their minds by instructing a volunteer to stand in a doorway and firmly press the back of her hands against the frame. After one minute of intense pressure against the jamb -- with her arms extended downward -- instruct your volunteer to step away. Insert your favorite magic phrase and wait for your participant's arms to raise slightly without their control. Although there's a scientific explanation, you can transform this phenomenon into a magic trick with a little showmanship.

Standing Levitation

If you want to appear to levitate, begin by standing with your back to the audience. Turn your mount leg -- the leg that bears your weight during the trick -- at a 30 to 60 degree angle, using your other leg and heel to hide this action. Hype up the audience by asking for supportive cheers and applause. Use your right foot to slowly lift yourself off the ground, keeping your heels together to maintain the illusion. Practice with your back to a full-length mirror, using a handheld mirror to track your progress.

References

• Magical Kingom: The Impossible Arm Twist
• Mad Skills: Remove Thumb
• KidzWorld: Body and Mind Experiments
• Mad Skills: Home