Ben Harris - Alida

alida “the little winged one” levitating card technology created by ben harris

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alida “the little winged one” levitating card technology

Copyright © 2000 by Ben Harris Digital Edition Copyright © 2009 by Ben Harris The Author asserts the moral right to be identified as the creators of this work.

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alida “the little winged one” levitating card technology

INTRODUCTION My goodness, this little effect created a shit-storm when it was released in 2000! I don’t think the attacks had been so brutal since “Cosmosis” (in the mid 1980s). Anyway, this simple and effective idea was loved by some (see, for example, Richard Kaufman in Genii Magazine), and HATED by others (see, for example, Michael Close in MAGIC Magazine). I relish dividing opinion, and Alida certainly did that. However, it was also a genuine stepping stone in the thought processes that would eventually lead to “Enlightenment: The Ultimate Floating Card”—which is way superior. So, controversial or not, I hesitate to dismiss Alida as we digitize the BackStory Project. While the physical product is no longer available on dealer’s shelves, (”Enlightenment” made it obsolete), we are very happy to supply a digital version for you to explore. And, there should be no complaints at this price point! You can easily construct the gimmick at home. And if you work on the “Squeeze-Play” cleanup, you will have a real winner. Try it and see! YOU be the judge. Ben Harris 2009

alida “the little winged one” levitating card technology little winged one *

A Brief History Alida is a much refined version of the author's "Floaters" released in the early nineties. The new version is a quarter of the size, has twice the twist-potential and is a whole lot easier to use for a variety of close-up animations and levitations. With the Alida gimmick, you can levitate many small items right under your audiences noses. Cards, bills, coasters, cigarette packs, matchbooks and mini candy bars, etc. The gimmick is ideal for both casual performances at the bar or at restaurants and ideal for formal use and TV work. The audience needs to be looking predominantly down upon the levitation, a need which is easily met by having your audience right up close.

* Latin

alida “the little winged one” levitating card technology

The Gimmick The Alida gimmick consists of a cylinder of special slow release foam. This foam slowly assumes its original shape after being compressed and twisted. End caps are affixed to the gimmick providing both stable platforms for operation and the required rigidity for the various clean-up phases You can easily construct this at home by purchasing a set of foam ear plugs from a hardware store (only use one for Alida!) and affixing a circle of plastic to each end.

Effect Commenting on "form and function" the performer draws attention to the precise curve of a plane's wing and how its form provides "lift." To demonstrate, a gentle curve is induced along the length of any playing card. With just a little coaxing, the card slowly lifts about half an inch from the table's surface and then, while hovering in mid air, smoothly rotates thru sixty degrees. "Alas, reality must intrude..." the performer comments. He shows his hand empty, pushes the card back down onto the table, and offers it for examination.

alida “the little winged one” levitating card technology

Basic Handling The basic handling consists of four parts—setting the gaff, introducing the gaff, creating the effect, and cleaning up. The methods disclosed are the ones worked up by the author over the years. However; the gimmick is flexible and by playing with it, understanding it and learning from it, you'll come up with your own preferred techniques. Before any performance, the gaff must be set. It is set in two dimensions so that it will both lift and twist the host object. Start as in Photo 1.

Setting the Gaff The gimmick needs to be set to its "closed" state a minute or two before performance. It is as easy as ringing in the work with your hands either under the table or out of sight momentarily. The exact when and how is dependent upon performance conditions. Hold the gimmick between thumbs and forefingers of both hands. Photo 2. By firmly gripping the plastic end caps, twist the assembly through about 90 degrees AS YOU SQUASH IT FLAT. Photos 3 & 4. It is important that you twist while you squash. It is also VITAL that you hold the end caps parallel with each other throughout the entire action. Failure to do so will result in a lopsided lift which may cause the floating object to slide off the gaff. Once compressed, the unit may be held between thumb and second finger with the forefinger providing shade from the front. Photo 5 (performer's view).

alida “the little winged one” levitating card technology

Introducing the gaff With the gimmick held as described above, it is easily loaded beneath a card by slipping the corner of the card beneath the gimmick. Photo 6. Your thumb now pins the gimmick to the back of the card, Photo 7. The free hand now assists in flexing the card to introduce a lengthwise curve, Photo 8. The lowermost long edge of the card is now rested momentarily upon the table. The gimmick is released and falls to the table. Photo 9. If it fails to land flat on one of its plastic end caps, flip it over with the concealed thumb tip. Now, lower the card back over the still compressed gaff before it starts to expand. Photo 10. Keep the front edge of the card (nearest the audience) flat upon the table. Be sure to centre the card over the gaff. This is very important. The fingers and thumbs of both hands slide in towards the middle of the card giving it one further lengthwise flex, Photo 11.

Creating the effect When you are ready for the card to rise and twist through the air, slide your hands apart, allowing your fingers and thumbs to remain in contact with the cards long edges, Photo 12. Once they have escaped from the ends of the card, open the hands in a magical gesture. The card will start to rise and twist through the air. The curve provides a "skirt" along the long edges adding shade. Continue making magical gestures as if influencing the card's flight through some ethereal connection with your hands. Once the card has twisted just past 50 degrees, Photo 13, you are ready for the clean-up phase.

alida “the little winged one” levitating card technology

The Clean-Up The clean-up can be executed in several ways dependent upon whether you are seated or standing. If seated, lower your right hand over the card and with the fingers push the card forward and off the gaff. Photo 14. Continue to push the card towards a spectator allowing the arm to ride over the tabled gimmick. By moving your arm back towards yourself, the gimmick can be lapped without the hand coming anywhere near the edge of the table. If standing, the same procedure can be followed (the hand pushing the card forward towards the spectator) and the gimmick classic palmed off the table top. Alternately, the gimmick can be lifted off the table by pressing down firmly and then lifting the hand. The gimmick will cling to the hand briefly after which you can curl your fingers to retain it. Another approach is inspired by "Squeeze Play." In this instance, both hands approach the floating card and the right hand snaps the card down onto the table at the right side. Photo 15. This propels the gimmick from under the card and into the left hand which also snaps down upon the table a split second later. Photo 16. The action should appear as if you are smoothing out the curve you placed in the card earlier.

Full Deck Handling The full deck handling has the distinct advantage in that it requires no clean-up. To prepare, you'll will need to cut a small hole approximately (11/16th's) of an inch in diameter from the middle of 10 playing cards. Glue this block together and then glue two full cards to the bottom of the block creating a floor. With a blob of "Super Glue" affix the supplied gimmick into this hole. Glue a small disk cut from the centre of a playing card to the top of the gimmick. Photo 17 shows

alida “the little winged one” levitating card technology the completed work. To perform, firstly set the gimmick by twisting it and depressing it into the hole. Add the block to the bottom of the deck (having removed sufficient cards so the deck does not appear fat, and place all into the card case. When ready to perform, remove the deck and spread the cards asking a spectator to remove one. Once she has done this, have the card placed face-up atop the deck. As you make a comment about the chosen card being one of the more "flighty" in the deck, peel it off onto the top of the gimmicked packet. Keep the card pressed down (and the gimmick closed) with your left thumb. Snap the right hand cards into a one handed fan and gently fan the selection as you release your left thumb allowing the card to rise and twist in the air. Photo 18. To clean-up, have the spectator hold out her hand and "thumb off" the floating card with your left thumb into her hand. Do this by pressing the thumb down (closing the gimmick) and simultaneously pushing the card off and into her hand. The thumb remains over the top of the gimmick to conceal it from view. Photos 19 and 20. Reassemble the deck to finish.