Not sure how many of the T11 members got around to viewing any of the 2009 FISM acts this year but I would like to share this one with you guys and see if we can talk about it for a bit. Please view first then read further.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uQ5ZjaySek&feature=related
I officially finished Chapter 3 in Ortiz's "Designing Miracles". Charming Choi's 2009 FISM performance came to mind. "Sometimes the difference between a good trick and a great trick isn't a question of showmanship, or of a better method, or of a strong climax. Sometimes the difference is simply that, under the conditions presented to the audience, the final result seems absolutely impossible", As stated by Darwin. Now your average abrasive response from your average magician may be "it looks well choregraphed, and a cups & balls routine under water". But when watching this routine closely I see several things which are not as apparent which inspired me to make this post.
Now why did this act come to mind after that statement? FISM competitions have been catching static in the previous competitions with some claiming mis-judged acts, non originality, and the competitions just plain being a popularity ladder for the biggest names in magic thats neither here or there but thats not my point. I don't know much about Choi so I won't speak out of context on his status in China as a celebrity bit I'm confident in saying he's earned the right to say he has brought one of the most original acts to the competition. Is it the setting or the place that made this act seem brilliant or could it be a few underlying motions or emotions that brought greatness to his performance? Lets see......
From the get go he sets the tone for the rest of his act. He's brought energy and he is having FUN yes, yes, FUN with his performance which is a lacking quality in a majority of beginners when they begin magic. I've performed basic thumb tip magic that may have little signifigance to us but the fact I was enjoying myself and having real fun while doing it has made me money. I try never to focus on the difficulty of a trick but on its outcome.
Choi's originality is great but what else can we take away from this? The delivery here is something that can be talked about. Notice how he takes his time and allows the audience to experience the magic without too much drag but just enough to be felt. I've noticed videos on the web lately that seem rushed, almost like the performer lacks interest in his own trick. It's as if their running through the trick just to prove the "look at me I can do it too complex". I myself have been guilty from time to time with rushing through a trick while performing but it doesn't happen very often and I have to put the brakes on and realize my reason of doing what I'm doing. What we've seen a million times before your spectator may be seeing it for the first time.
Before I go any further with my ranting I would like to hear some other aspects of the art of performing from some of the members here. Maybe something thats come to mind recently with something you've seen or done, but what in you drives you... to be a better performer and what steps do you take to insure that? Anybody?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uQ5ZjaySek&feature=related
I officially finished Chapter 3 in Ortiz's "Designing Miracles". Charming Choi's 2009 FISM performance came to mind. "Sometimes the difference between a good trick and a great trick isn't a question of showmanship, or of a better method, or of a strong climax. Sometimes the difference is simply that, under the conditions presented to the audience, the final result seems absolutely impossible", As stated by Darwin. Now your average abrasive response from your average magician may be "it looks well choregraphed, and a cups & balls routine under water". But when watching this routine closely I see several things which are not as apparent which inspired me to make this post.
Now why did this act come to mind after that statement? FISM competitions have been catching static in the previous competitions with some claiming mis-judged acts, non originality, and the competitions just plain being a popularity ladder for the biggest names in magic thats neither here or there but thats not my point. I don't know much about Choi so I won't speak out of context on his status in China as a celebrity bit I'm confident in saying he's earned the right to say he has brought one of the most original acts to the competition. Is it the setting or the place that made this act seem brilliant or could it be a few underlying motions or emotions that brought greatness to his performance? Lets see......
From the get go he sets the tone for the rest of his act. He's brought energy and he is having FUN yes, yes, FUN with his performance which is a lacking quality in a majority of beginners when they begin magic. I've performed basic thumb tip magic that may have little signifigance to us but the fact I was enjoying myself and having real fun while doing it has made me money. I try never to focus on the difficulty of a trick but on its outcome.
Choi's originality is great but what else can we take away from this? The delivery here is something that can be talked about. Notice how he takes his time and allows the audience to experience the magic without too much drag but just enough to be felt. I've noticed videos on the web lately that seem rushed, almost like the performer lacks interest in his own trick. It's as if their running through the trick just to prove the "look at me I can do it too complex". I myself have been guilty from time to time with rushing through a trick while performing but it doesn't happen very often and I have to put the brakes on and realize my reason of doing what I'm doing. What we've seen a million times before your spectator may be seeing it for the first time.
Before I go any further with my ranting I would like to hear some other aspects of the art of performing from some of the members here. Maybe something thats come to mind recently with something you've seen or done, but what in you drives you... to be a better performer and what steps do you take to insure that? Anybody?
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