The Floating Rose by Kevin James

Created by: Kevin James

The Floating Rose is a captivating close-up magic trick where a magician takes a simple paper napkin, twists it into a rose, and then makes it float in mid-air before transforming it into a real flower or causing it to burst into flames for a dramatic finale. This trick is perfect for magicians looking to add a touch of elegance and wonder to their performances, especially in settings where they need to engage larger groups or create a memorable moment. The trick combines elements of sleight of hand, misdirection, and a beautiful visual transformation, making it a versatile addition to any magician's repertoire.

Key features

Combines sleight of hand with a beautiful visual transformation
Perfect for engaging larger groups
Versatile for various performance settings
Includes a dramatic finale with the option for a flash paper effect

Pros

Highly visual and engaging
Can be performed in close-up or parlor settings
Strong audience connection and interaction
Flexible finale options (real flower or flash paper)

Cons

Requires practice to master the sleight of hand and timing
Flash paper option may not be suitable for all performance environments

Effect

The Floating Rose is a visually stunning magic trick where a magician creates a delicate paper rose from a napkin. The rose then appears to float in mid-air, moving gracefully as if guided by an unseen force. The magician may hand the floating rose to a spectator, who can also make it move with a simple gesture. The routine often ends with the rose bursting into flames, leaving behind a real rose as a keepsake.

Full Details

The Floating Rose is a refined version of a classic floating bill routine, scaled up for larger audiences. It begins with the magician folding a napkin into a paper rose, which then levitates and responds to the magician’s movements. The trick incorporates elements of misdirection, subtle mechanics, and audience interaction.

Kevin James developed this trick over 13 years, refining it through performance feedback. Originally, he used younger female volunteers, but later found that older women created a sweeter, more charming dynamic. The routine also benefits from camera integration, allowing close-up reactions to be projected for larger audiences.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for:

Close-up magicians looking for a visually striking piece that plays well in restaurants or private events.
Stage performers who want a versatile routine that can be adapted for different venues.
Magicians who enjoy storytelling—the floating rose has a poetic, romantic quality that enhances presentations.

Difficulty

The Floating Rose requires practice to master the mechanics and timing, but the method itself is not overly complex. The real challenge lies in presentation—making the movements appear natural and engaging the audience emotionally. Kevin James emphasizes that the trick evolved over years of performance, so patience and refinement are key.

What Magicians Say

Kevin James describes the development of the trick:

"I got it to 80% right away, but it took years to refine the final details."
"Using an older lady changed the whole vibe—it became sweeter, more charming."
"The moment when the spectator believes they’re making the rose move—that’s the money shot."

The Floating Rose is praised for its elegance and strong audience reactions. It’s a trick that combines simplicity with deep theatrical impact, making it a favorite among performers who value both mechanics and presentation.

What people are saying about The Floating Rose

Kevin James says...

The Floating Rose was born from a need to scale up my restaurant magic, evolving over 13 years to refine audience interaction, especially using older women for a sweeter dynamic.