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Levitations seem to be one major aspect of magic, stage or street. Since it's such a major effect, I'm sure there are hundreds or maybe even thousands of magicians in the world who perform some sort of levitation, which brings me to my question: what magician do you think performs/performed the best levitation? It can be past or present and any type of levitation, although my primary interest is in self-levitations, but don't feel restricted to just performers who perform self-levitations. If they have a good spec levitation or object levitation, include them as you wish. All opinions are welcome by me, just so long as they're productive. Hope everyone will give me their two cents.

JAlexBrown

What would be really impressive would be a gravity effect in zero G.

For me it has to be the classic Victorian Levitations. For example the work done by John Nevil Maskelyne is still one of the best ever. His work is still copied to this day. If you look back at the conditions and equipment they had to work with it really is amazing. The fact that these guys toured these shows as well is amazing considering how much set-up there was.
Credit should also be given to David Devant performing the AGA levitation (correct me if i am wrong please Craig ). When you look at Copperfield's 'flying' illusion you see the influence that these guys had on modern illusion. They are the 'real deal' and my view are still the best ever.

I might as well point out now that even if it's not my opinion, somebody on this forum will say Criss Angel. They invariably do.

Here's my opinion on Angel's levitations: I think they are quite impressive. I think if our criteria for good magic in general is presentation, then we need to set aside whatever method the performer uses, be it slight of hand or camera tricks, and look at how the magician performs. I think Angel is an amazing performer, regardless of rather or not his methods are (what word shall I use?) fair. Some people are turned off by his clothes, but I think that the rest of the people are intrigued by his style - it's almost a more "real" style than a man in a tux or suit. So, from a presentation point of view, I will applaud Criss Angel's levitations. I do not know his methods, but I am entertained by his performance.

JAlexBrown

** The proceeding comments are not necessarily mine, but I'm giving my opinion on Angel's levitation because SOMEONE will try to say he's the best at levitations.

Tomo wrote:What would be really impressive would be a gravity effect in zero G.

I have created an original, new, audience tested, practical, perfect effect that is just that. The X-treme Anti-antigravity Duplication Mystery. I'm humble, but I must say that i really think that I came up with something that I can be proud of in my future. I. Would you consider buying this? An exerpt of the method:

So you'll need a shoe. I tested out many shoe types for live audience tested conditions many times. This is a totally new, unique concept that I never saw anyone use before. You have to take a shoe. Any shoe at all. Take a coat-hanger and clip around a bit to create a loop 4in.x5mmx7lb. Put this into your shoe. This idea is totally practical if you're in a space shuttle, falling airplane, or simulated anti-gravity. I use it all the time in my act. The metal will attach itself to a neodymium magnet that you might want to need to place into your shoe. The Plane or shuttle will do the rest.

(Deleted by Mods - as are the other 4 adverts for this same system)


It is by far the most practical, awe inspiring stage illusion of levitation rising upwards, and, yet, can be performed at house parties.

I use it all of the time, and it's truly amazing!

sleightlycrazy wrote:

Tomo wrote:What would be really impressive would be a gravity effect in zero G.

I have created an original, new, audience tested, practical, perfect effect that is just that. The X-treme Anti-antigravity Duplication Mystery. I'm humble, but I must say that i really think that I came up with something that I can be proud of in my future. I. Would you consider buying this? An exerpt of the method:

So you'll need a shoe. I tested out many shoe types for live audience tested conditions many times. This is a totally new, unique concept that I never saw anyone use before. You have to take a shoe. Any shoe at all. Take a coat-hanger and clip around a bit to create a loop 4in.x5mmx7lb. Put this into your shoe. This idea is totally practical if you're in a space shuttle, falling airplane, or simulated anti-gravity. I use it all the time in my act. The metal will attach itself to a neodymium magnet that you might want to need to place into your shoe. The Plane or shuttle will do the rest.

Would you consider this amazing ground breaking effect to be a practical every day miracle the likes of which no one has ever seen before that is sure to be a reputation maker and mindfreak all of my friends at school and/or work - instantly, immediately repeatable with an invisible reset and completely self-working!?!?!!!!?

And available as a freebie download this very instant?

Best levitation?
IMHO, it's gotta be either Copperfield's Flying.
Or this Pendragon's one I found on YouTube. Looks like it might be from Magic Comedy Strip or something like that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXMbJgV6ALI&feature=related
Short but amazing!

beetlejuiceecis wrote:Best levitation?
IMHO, it's gotta be either Copperfield's Flying.
Or this Pendragon's one I found on YouTube. Looks like it might be from Magic Comedy Strip or something like that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXMbJgV6ALI&feature=related
Short but amazing!

..woah

What the heck was she resting on?

Mandrake wrote:What the heck was she resting on?

Come on Mandrake, she was hot. Even at your sleightly (pun spelling) advancing years you'd be able to hold hold her up.