What is Sleight of Hand Magic?
A life long pursuit
My experience in magic is varied from live performances, television appearances, and consulting for theatre and film but most of my performances could be categorized as sleight of hand. And while that term is often heard, many people don’t really know what it is. Some think it must just encompassed by that classic adage, “the hand is quicker than the eye.” And while that’s a nice phrase you can see for yourself the veracity if you move your hand as fast as possible in front of your face. So, what is sleight of hand magic?
In its simplest form sleight of hand magic is magic performed within the hands. The sleight of hand magic I perform all around the world has required years of study to learn. Practice is a constant and welcome presence in my life; I love practicing sleight of hand magic. There is so much depth to the work, you’ll hear the same sentiment expressed by classically trained musicians. It’s almost as if the simplest objects like a deck of cards, coins, and finger rings are unnoticed instruments waiting to sing.
Sleight of hand magic is often my favorite kind of magic to perform at corporate events. Because my performance of close up magic are so interactive, it’s an opportunity for the clients, staff, or guests to really participate in the show. When the magic happens just inches from your eyes or in your own hands the performance transforms from a simple show into an experience that guests have been known to talk about years later.
Some sleight of hand is designed to be performed for hundreds.
I gave this performance of magic at The Cutting Room in “Wondershow".
Other sleight of hand is meant to be intimate
This performance of close up magic took place at a beautiful wedding in the Hamptons.
Sleight of hand magic has been discussed in literature deeply. My personal library contains over 300 manuals, biographies, and theoretical texts on magic’s past, present and future. Many of these books are rare and have never been available to the general public. Scouring my library looking for a piece that will make it into my repertoire is always a great hunt. But, I have a particular love of the classical method of learning sleight of hand, passed down from magician to magician. I’ve had the great pleasure of studying with many master magicians in my pursuit of the world’s best sleight of hand magic and I proudly share the magic I’ve learned and cultivated in my shows for the public and for corporate events and private parties. In the end, sleight of hand magic is a way of life that has allowed me to bring smiles to the faces of many people around the world.
Alexander Boyce is a sleight of hand artist and magician whose performances have been seen in The Magic Castle, The McKittrick Hotel, The Rainbow Room, Lincoln Center and many private corporate events around the world. He’s performed at company holiday parties, meetings, and theatrical shows in New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, Brooklyn, Long Island, and all over the United States.