Free Magic Trick - Levitation

This free magic trick is a levitation effect that seems impossible. You might even remember learning this when you were younger and in the playground.

A person appears to become weightless and may be lifted from a chair on the index fingers of four smaller people. Although various explanations have been proposed, this classic stunt continues to mystify and amuse.

The first part of this free magic trick is to get the person to be lifted (choose a fairly heavy person) to sit relaxed but upright on a firm chair. Their feet should be on the floor and hands in their lap.

The four assistants should stand two on each side, one by each shoulder and one by each knee.

Each assistant should make a fist with both hands, then extend the two forefingers and touch them together gently but firmly.

The two assistants standing by the shoulders place their extended forefingers under the seated person's left or right armpit.(Pick an un sweaty person :-) ).The other two assistants place their forefingers under the seated person's left or right knee.

You ask the person to be lifted to think in their head 'down' and to imagine them self to be sinking into the chair.

In this position the four assistants should try to lift the person. They will find it impossible.

For the second part of this free magic trick you get the assistants to place their palms on top of the seated person's knee or shoulder and together exert a steady force downwards.

While they are doing this, someone counts out loud from one to ten. On the count of 'nine' the four assistants quickly take their former positions with extended forefingers under the armpit or knee. On the count of ten, they try again to lift the person. you ask the seated person to this time think 'up' and themselves rising into the air.

If these instructions are followed carefully, the person will soar straight up into the air on the forefingers of the assistants.

It is a great sight and amazing to those watching and taken part, normally followed by laughter!