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Anniversary Waltz by Garrett Thomas and Doc Eason

Created by: Garrett Thomas, Doc Eason

Anniversary Waltz is a classic close-up magic trick, often performed for couples at weddings, anniversaries, or romantic events. In the most common version, the magician presents two playing cards, typically the King and Queen of Hearts, which are signed by the couple. Through a series of magical exchanges, the cards appear to switch places or transfer elements like heart pips, building up to a climax where the two cards magically fuse into a single card, displaying both signatures on opposite sides. This creates a powerful emotional moment and leaves the couple with a personalized keepsake. Variations exist, such as using acrylic hearts instead of cards, where the hearts are inscribed with names and fuse into a thicker, tangible memento. The trick relies on principles like misdirection, gimmicked props, and sometimes sleight of hand, making it accessible for beginners yet impactful for professionals. It's highly regarded for its sentimental value and versatility in performance settings.

Where to buy

Anniversary Waltz by Garrett Thomas & Doc Eason from Monster Magic
Monster MagicAnniversary Waltz by Garrett Thomas & Doc Eason£16.99
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Key features

  • Based on the Anniversary Waltz card plot, a timeless and emotionally resonant routine

  • Often includes personalized elements like signed cards or engraved hearts for a keepsake

  • Suitable for close-up, walk-around, or intimate performances, especially at weddings and anniversaries

  • Can be performed with minimal sleight of hand, using gimmicked cards or props for ease

  • Versatile with multiple variations and enhancements, such as visual preludes or coin-style sleights

Pros

  • Creates a strong emotional impact and lasting memory for spectators

  • Leaves a tangible souvenir, enhancing the magical experience

  • Relatively easy to learn and perform, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels

  • Highly adaptable with various methods and presentations to suit different styles

  • Affordable with many versions available at low cost per performance

Cons

  • Some versions require purchasing refill props, which can add to long-term costs

  • May involve fragile gimmicks that need careful handling

  • Lacks video instructions in some packages, relying on PDF guides which might be less intuitive

  • Angle sensitivity in certain sleights or props could limit performance conditions

  • Can be script-heavy, requiring practice to deliver the romantic presentation effectively

Effect

Anniversary Waltz is a magic trick for couples. Two separate cards, each signed by a different person, visually merge into one single card. Both signatures remain visible on the fused card. The effect creates a strong emotional moment, often used to symbolize unity and love.

Full details

The trick uses a standard deck of cards. Two spectators each sign one card. The magician shows the cards are separate. The cards then appear to switch places or move impossibly. Finally, the two cards fuse together. The result is one card that displays both signatures. Some versions use props like acrylic hearts with names instead of cards. These props can be given as keepsakes. The method is based on a classic card plot. It involves minimal sleight of hand. The routine often includes a prelude effect, like transferring a heart symbol between cards. This adds meaning before the fusion.

Who should consider the trick

Anniversary Waltz is ideal for magicians who perform at weddings, anniversaries, or romantic events. It suits close-up, walk-around, or restaurant settings. Performers who want to give a souvenir will find it useful. It is also good for those who prefer emotional and personal magic over purely visual effects.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The trick is not difficult. Most versions are virtually sleight-free. Basic card handling or simple prop manipulation is enough. David from Magic Orthodoxy says the routine is "easy to master." Jon Allen describes it as "simple to perform." Practice is needed for smooth presentation and timing. The emotional delivery is as important as the method.

What magicians say

Magicians praise Anniversary Waltz for its emotional impact. David calls it a "no-brainer for magicians who perform for couples." He notes its "emotional resonance and practicality." Jon Allen emphasizes the "power of personalization," saying it creates "a lasting emotional impact." Nikolas Mavresis includes it in his list of essential effects, calling it a "timeless plot" that delivers "a strong emotional reaction." Craig Petty recommends it for weddings, noting it uses a regular deck and has "strong emotional impact." Reviewers agree it is versatile, affordable, and leaves a memorable keepsake.

What people are saying about Anniversary Waltz

Chris Mayhew says...

Rub A Dubstep enhances the Anniversary Waltz with cleaner handling, making it more versatile and visual for intimate settings, as taught in our exclusive Big Blind Media release.

Craig Petty says...

Anniversary Waltz is a reliable crowd-pleaser for close-up magic, using a regular deck for strong emotional impact, though it requires practice to master effectively.

David (Magic Orthodoxy) says...

Nicholas Lawrence’s Anniversary Heartz adds a visual prelude with a pip transfer, making it a no-brainer for wedding performers due to its emotional resonance and affordability at less than $1 per performance.

Fiddlin Jonny says...

Prohibition Monte blends Anniversary Waltz with other elements for a mind-blowing routine, offering great value with durable gimmicks and a souvenir giveaway for enhanced interaction.

Gary Cross says...

Cassette Deck incorporates Anniversary Waltz into a versatile marked deck system, supported by extensive tutorials for routines like mind reading and ESP effects.

Jon Allen says...

Anniversary Heartz exemplifies how a personal touch elevates magic beyond trickery, creating a lasting emotional impact and a cherished keepsake for couples.

Nikolas Mavresis says...

Anniversary Waltz is a timeless plot that consistently delivers a strong emotional reaction, making it one of my desert island picks for its power in mentalism and card magic.

RealMagicReview Creator says...

Anniversary Waltz is smooth and versatile, a reliable choice for close-up performances that adapts well to different audiences, based on my 25 years of experience.

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