1 of 2

Write now Article Tools

Here is a simple levitation illusion that will wow your friends, at least for a minute or two before they figure out how you did it. Kids absolutely love this illusion (if it doesn't freak them out too much), and you'll probably be able to convince them that you actually did raise up off the ground. This illusion is great for parties too, and it certainly doesn't hurt if the crowd has had a beverage or two before you demonstrate.

It's quite simple to perform this illusion. First, ask a few people to gather around. Convince them that you're going to demonstrate levitation. The more you sell it, the more impressive it'll be when you actually do it.

Now that you've got your audience together, stand about five to ten feet away from them. If you stand too close, they'll be able to see how you did it right away, so put a little distance between you and the crowd.

The next part is key. Stand with your back to the crowd and at a slight angle of about thirty to forty-five degrees away from them. The more clustered together they are, the better. Let's say for the sake of example that your back is to the crowd and you're angled to the left. This means that your left foot is closer to the audience than your right foot.

Stand with both of your feet together. Basically, the crowd should only be able to see both your heels and the side of your left foot (in keeping with the example above).

You ready to do this? Quick review: you're five to ten feet away with your back to the crowd, body turned slightly to one side or the other, and your feet are together. Here we go.

First, start selling the trick. Put your arms out to your sides and quiver a little, like you are really struggling. You can even groan a bit if you're the histrionic type. After a few seconds of this, VERY SLOWLY begin to raise yourself up on your right toe. As you do this, keep your left foot straight and perpendicular to the floor, and begin to lift it off the ground. Keep going up on your right toe until you're about an inch or two up.

If you do this correctly, both your heels and your left foot will come off the ground together. Because you are standing at an angle, no one will be able to see that you are actually just standing on your right toe. It'll look like both your feet lifted off the ground, even though it was really just one and a half of your feet.

Trust me, this works. People will shout, "No way!" when they see your heels lift of the ground. After you've hovered for a few second, bring your feet back down. Viola. Take a bow.

It takes a little practice to do this illusion right. Try it in front of a full length mirror to get comfortable with it. It'll feel odd to lift yourself on one tiptoe but raise the other foot next to it at the same time. But believe me, if you do it right, people will freak. They'll probably figure out how you did it after a minute, or they'll demand you to show them the secret. But either way, it'll get a good laugh out of kids and adults alike.

Learn more about this author, Sean Curtis.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Levitation illusions?
We want to hear your view. Write now!