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The Awakening by Dan Harlan

Created by: Dan Harlan

The Awakening is a visually stunning rope magic trick where three ropes of different lengths (short, medium, and long) magically equalize in length and then snap back to their original sizes. This close-up or stage trick is known for its speed, visual impact, and simplicity, requiring no suspicious moves or sleight of hand. It's a great choice for both beginners and professional magicians, offering a nearly automatic performance that's easy to learn yet highly effective.

Key features

  • Fast and visual rope transformation

  • No sleight of hand required

  • Great for beginners and pros alike

  • Can be used as a show opener

  • Nearly automatic performance

Pros

  • Highly visual and impactful

  • Easy to learn and perform

  • No suspicious moves required

  • Versatile for close-up or stage performances

  • Proven effectiveness as a show opener

Cons

  • May require practice to polish the performance

  • Limited to rope magic enthusiasts

Effect

The Awakening is a fast, visual rope trick where three ropes of different lengths (short, medium, and long) appear to magically equalize in length. After the ropes match, they snap back to their original sizes. The effect is clean, with no suspicious moves, making it highly deceptive and engaging for audiences.

Full details

The Awakening is a modern take on the classic Professor's Nightmare routine. It requires minimal sleight of hand and is designed to be nearly automatic, making it accessible for performers of all skill levels. The trick is self-contained, meaning no additional gimmicks or complicated setups are needed. Dan Harlan has used it as a show opener for over a decade, proving its reliability and impact.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is ideal for:

  • Beginners looking for an easy-to-learn yet powerful effect.
  • Professional magicians who want a quick, visual opener or closer.
  • Performers who prefer minimal sleight of hand but still want strong reactions.
  • Stage and close-up magicians, as it works well in both settings.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The Awakening is rated as easy to perform. The method is straightforward, and the trick is described as "nearly automatic" by Dan Harlan. While practice will refine the performance, even beginners can achieve impressive results quickly. No advanced sleight of hand is required, making it a low-barrier trick with high impact.

What magicians say

  • AlakazamMagicUK calls it "a fast, visual rope trick that transforms ropes of different lengths into equal lengths and back," praising its simplicity and effectiveness.
  • Dan Harlan has used it as a show opener for over 10 years, highlighting its reliability and audience appeal.
  • Steven Mills includes it in his top picks, noting its "stunning finale" and practicality.
  • Craig Petty mentions it as a standout trick at Magic Live 2022, emphasizing its visual impact.
  • Multiple reviewers describe it as beginner-friendly yet strong enough for professionals, with no hidden moves to spoil the effect.

The Awakening is consistently praised for its speed, visual appeal, and ease of performance, making it a strong choice for magicians at any level.

What people are saying about The Awakening

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Dan Harlan has used this trick to open his shows for over 10 years, proving its effectiveness. The trick is easy to perform and nearly automatic, making it great for beginners and pros alike.

Craig Petty says...

Other highlights include 'Melt Card' by Michael Chatelain, 'Big Picture' by Kyle Purnell, and 'The Awakening' by Dan Harlan.

Erik Tait says...

The video also covers 'Rattle Dice,' 'Dragon Scale,' 'Big Headline,' 'Gasp,' 'Capsize,' and 'The Awakening,' each offering something fresh for magicians.

magic-tv says...

Next, they cover 'The Awakening' by Dan Harlan, a mentalism effect where a spectator's chosen card is revealed in a surprising way.

penguinmagicshop says...

The Awakening by Dan Harlan: A visually striking routine where a chosen card dramatically reveals itself.

Steven Mills says...

He also loves 'Col Monte,' a clever packet trick, and 'The Awakening,' a rope routine with a stunning finale.

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